Who: State Farm
What: The State Farm Investment Department is a leading investment manager, entrusted with managing over $250 billion in support of the nation’s No.1 auto and home insurer. State Farm is a Fortune 50 company and is consistently recognized as a top employer in the United States.
Within the Investment Department, the Municipal Bond Team manages more than $60 billion in the debt securities of states, counties, cities, school districts, government managed utilities, institutions of higher education, transportation authorities, and other public entities. The team performs internal research on all investments, and interacts daily with the investment banking and brokerage community in the municipal market to acquire and sell bonds. State Farm’s municipal portfolios are managed by the team, and a research based focus remains the guiding principle in the investment philosophy and asset management process employed.
The role will be primarily responsible for primary, secondary, and surveillance analysis and credit research in the municipal bond market. The candidate will have the opportunity to develop a long-term career and a broad range of skills in the areas of investment analysis, valuation and trading, and portfolio management of fixed income securities.
Qualifications- Master of Public Policy or Master of Public Administration degree is preferred.
- Analytical, research-oriented, and self-motivated. Some knowledge of state and local government finance and/or financial markets is preferred, but not required.
- Ability to analyze governmental financial statements (GASB accounting standards).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a close-knit team environment.
- Ability to function effectively in a deadline driven, fast-paced market environment requiring critical decision-making skills.
- A desire to develop and utilize a level of professional expertise beyond conventional norms.
- A record of achievement in personal, professional, and academic pursuits.
- Strong prioritization, time management, and organizational skills to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.