Associate Portfolio Manager - Personal Wealth

Empower Retirement; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 182,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Empower Retirement is seeking an Associate Portfolio Manager to oversee a separately managed account, monitor performance, and lead market research from its Chicago-area hybrid office. You will collaborate with the Strategist Office and trading partners to inform client communications and strategy adjustments.

The role requires a strong background in investment management, portfolio optimization, and market analysis, with CFA progress or FINRA licenses advantageous.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years in investment management or related fields.
• Experience with portfolio optimization and performance attribution.
• Strong analytical and written/verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with investment research, market outlooks, and client communications.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day SMA oversight, portfolio optimization, and position sizes.
• Produce performance and attribution reports on various cadences.
• Lead investment meetings and collaborate with CIS and co-Portfolio Manager.
• Conduct US sector research and contribute to quarterly economic outlooks.
• Support internal/external communications and client inquiries.
• Co-author monthly commentary on SMA positioning and market developments.
• Respond to client requests and coordinate with trading and investment partners.

Skills

Portfolio management

Analytical skills

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Data visualization

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance/economics/business

CFA Level I/II preferred

FINRA Series 63/65 or 66 (or CFA in lieu)

Tools

Bloomberg

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

Reporting to the Chief Investment Strategist (CIS) the Associate Portfolio Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of a separately managed account (SMA) managed by Empower's Strategist Office and available through Empower Wealth. The Strategist Office develops Empower's economic and market outlook and provides market perspectives to financial media, clients, and the general public.

The role monitors portfolio positioning and performance, conducts investment and market research, collaborates with investment and trading partners, and supports client and external communications related to the strategy.

This individual must be based in proximity to the Chicago, IL or Greenwood Village, CO office and is a hybrid position.

What You Will Do

• Provide day-to-day management and oversight of the separately managed account (SMA), including running portfolio optimizations, monitoring position sizes relative to targets, and coordinating with the trading team on model and client account adjustments.
• Produce daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly strategy performance and attribution reports and conduct ongoing portfolio and performance analysis.
• Lead regular investment meetings related to the strategy and collaborate closely with the CIS and the co-Portfolio Manager to identify market opportunities and risks.
• Conduct U.S. sector and industry research, including analysis of valuations and fundamentals.
• Support the development of quarterly and annual economic and market outlooks.
• Conduct ad hoc investment and market research to support internal and external needs.
• Co-author monthly external commentary regarding SMA positioning, performance, and market developments.
• Respond to client requests for information and support client and external communications regarding the investment strategy.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree required; degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field strongly preferred
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in investment management, portfolio management, investment research, or a related field
• Experience with portfolio optimization
• Proficiency with Bloomberg (BBG)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with investment, trading, and client-facing partners
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Ability to develop compelling data visualizations
• FINRA Series 63 and Series 65 registrations, or Series 66 registration, required; full CFA can be used in lieu of registrations
• FINRA Fingerprinting required

What Will Set You Apar t

• Current CFA designation strongly preferred; or at minimum progress towards completing CFA (i.e. Level I or Level II passed)
• Experience conducting U.S. equity sector and industry research
• Experience with investment performance measurement and attribution
• Experience developing investment commentary or market outlook materials for client or external audiences
• Demonstrated persistence, creativity, and intellectual curiosity

***Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.***

What we offer you

We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings - 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire - including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time - 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs - including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) - BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.

Base Salary Range

$125,400.00 - $181,875.00

The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Equal opportunity employer * Drug-free workplace

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.***

Job Posting End Date at 12:01 am on:

10-03-2026

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