The Head of ESG Strategy and EMEA Head of ESG will be responsible for the design and implementation of SSGA’s ESG business and investment strategy to maximize our ESG positioning in the market and provide best-in-class service to our clients. The Head of ESG Strategy and EMEA Head of ESG will report functionally to the Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Investing and locally to a senior EMEA executive and have the following primary responsibilities:
- Lead our ESG business – efficacy of product pipeline, marketing spend, positioning and pricing strategy
- Work closely with leaders in regional sales, Global Institutional Group, and SPDR to develop tailored distribution plans, build ESG sales pipeline, and client engagement program.
- Collaborate closely with Global Head of Product and leaders in the Product team to develop and execute global ESG product roadmap
- Collaborate with investment leaders to enhance ESG integration and solution
- Partner with senior leaders in the ESG and stewardship teams to advance all ESG efforts and to drive key ESG initiatives across the firm
- Bring together key stakeholders across SSGA to help drive decisions and actions needed to meet ESG strategic commercial priorities
- Understand the industry, regulatory, and competitive landscape, and evaluate and adjust positioning and client engagement strategy
- Own SSGA’s ESG and climate narratives and create/maintain ESG marketing content
- Develop effective thought leadership to position SSGA as a key ESG leader and partner to our clients
- Serve as senior market presence for conferences and client engagements
- Manage a team of ESG investment strategists and specialists and drive their career development
- Serve as SSGA’s EMEA Head of ESG leading and overseeing all ESG efforts in the region, in partnership with the Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Investing and regional/functional business leaders
- Meet with SSGA’s corporate and fund boards to engage in discussions regarding State Street’s ESG vision as well as the firm’s ability to align with their needs/expectations
- Establish and maintain EMEA’s ESG talent agenda – including training needs & requirements; Matrix manage all EMEA-based ESG team members
- Develop an ESG communications plan to keep internal stakeholders informed of internal and external ESG developments, upcoming initiatives, and regulatory changes
- Escalate regional issues to Global Head of ESG and Sustainable Investing and local business leads, appropriate
- Liaise with external bodies, including industry associations, to help keep SSGA and operating businesses abreast of ESG best practices
- Represent SSGA in regulatory meetings where ESG expertise is required
Job Requirements:
- 10+ years of investment management experience in the asset management industry, preferably with a large global asset manager, asset owner, or consulting organization
- Significant client facing experience
- Solid knowledge in ESG including regulatory and industry initiatives and understanding of the rapidly evolving regulatory environment and client demand
- Proven background in managing teams, creating a collaborative environment and fostering career development and opportunity
- Self-starter who can think strategically, prioritize effectively, and deliver with clarify and impact
- Strong presentation skills and excellent communication skills across all mediums
- Ability to assert ideas and influence others to gain support and commitment
- Demonstrated success in building out and influencing a network of partners and resources from existing pool of talent in and outside ESG team
- Highly effective relationship-building and collaborative working style with an ability to balance various stakeholders
- Ability to demonstrate strong cultural awareness skills to facilitate working in teams
- Experience driving results within a highly matrixed organization
- Advanced degree (MBA, PhD, or similar) preferred; CFA or other industry accreditation a plus