Investment Professional - Municipal Bonds - State Farm

Being good neighbors – helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place – is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. Come join a #1 team and do some good!  The Investment Department at State Farm is looking to hire an Investment Professional to work in its municipal bond group.  The Investment Department manages $350 billion in stocks, bonds, and real estate assets in support of the company’s insurance operations.  Within the Department, the municipal bond group manages more than $45 billion in the debt securities of states, cities, school districts, colleges and universities, utilities, and other governmental entities. This position is based at State Farm’s growing investment platform at CityLine in Richardson, Texas, in the fast-growing Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. This position is eligible for relocation benefits.  

The Investment Department operates a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per week to foster collaboration.

• Perform credit analysis on existing portfolio holdings and potential new investments. This requires detailed analysis of the economic, demographic, and financial characteristics of municipal bond issuers such as state and local governments, school districts, colleges and universities, utility systems, and toll roads. 
• Present analytical conclusions and make credit recommendations on prospective portfolio investments in a collaborative, team-based environment.
• Conduct research on sector trends and developments within the various segments of the municipal market. A few examples include analysis of regulatory trends and the financial impact on water and sewer systems, demographic trends in higher education, and issues related to the dynamic and competitive environment of public and private electric utility systems.
• Combine research analysis and asset valuation techniques to determine how potential investments fit within an overall portfolio. Develop knowledge of portfolio characteristics and portfolio management techniques.
• Develop skills required to eventually negotiate and execute investment transactions.
• Collaborate with colleagues across fixed income and equity investment asset classes to share information, expertise, and ideas.
• Develop professional relationships through ongoing interactions with other professionals within the public finance industry, including third-party analysts and broker/dealers.
• Attend municipal industry conferences and seminars.

• Master of Public Policy or Master of Public Administration degree is preferred.  Other Master’s degrees considered when accompanied with knowledge of public finance.
• Analytical, research-oriented, and self-motivated.  Some knowledge of state and local government finance and/or financial markets is preferred but not required.  Governmental accounting knowledge a plus. 
• 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. 
• Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity.

Because work-life-balance is a priority at State Farm, we offer:

• Competitive starting salary based on skills, background, and experience
• Potential yearly incentive bonus pay  

At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!

• Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
• Stay Well! Focus on you and your family’s health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
• Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
• Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
• Take a Little “You” Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
• Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
• Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

Visit our State Farm Careers page for more information on our benefits, locations, and the hiring process of joining the State Farm team!

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