Director of External Manager Research

The Director of External Manager Research leads our research process to identify, evaluate, and select external investment managers to be implemented in Bartlett client portfolios.  This is an inaugural position at Bartlett.  This role focuses on our Bartlett Fund Advantage strategies, manages our alternative investment options, leads our Strategic Asset Allocation Committee to provide guidance, and collaborates within the team to educate Advisors and implement our investment platform.  Duties include leading our outside manager strategies, owning the research and selection process, selecting and monitoring outside managers, overseeing the selection of both liquid and illiquid private investments, educating both advisors and clients on our investment platform, participating in public speaking events, and willing to travel for meetings with clients, prospects, and outside manager due diligence.     

Position Responsibilities:

Bartlett Fund Advantage (BFA) - outside manager responsibilities:

• Drive relationship growth and new business opportunities for fixed income solutions.
• Lead the BFA strategies and manage the research and manager selection process.
• Ensure asset allocation alignment to the tactical targets among all the BFA strategies (Active, Institutional, and ESG) set by the Strategic Asset Allocation Committee.
• Collaborate with the trading team for the implementation of the BFA strategies.
• Continuous monitoring and reporting on the investment strategies of selected investment managers.

Alternative Investment Responsibilities:

• Oversee selection of both liquid and illiquid private investments.
• Educate Advisors on alternative investments: merits, fees, suitability, and logistics.
• Monitor investments and provide monthly and/or quarterly updates.
• Manage the implementation of alternative investments, collaborating with the firm’s internal operations teams.
• Manage relationship with FEG or any other operational platform we are working with for access to private investments.
• Help educate clients on our alternative investment platform.
• Create internal and external marketing materials in conjunction with Bartlett’s marketing and compliance teams.

Strategic Asset Allocation Committee (SAAC):

• Work with the SAAC team to provide Advisors with asset allocation guidance.
• Provide data analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Help expand guidance to include a consistent view of the different areas of the U.S. equity market (Large, Mid, and Small Cap), Foreign Developed Markets, and Foreign Emerging Markets, as well as investment themes we are deploying.
• Ensure that the SAAC guidance is being promoted across investment portfolios.

Bartlett Advisor Workload:

• Work with our Wealth Advisors in educating prospective and current clients on our selection process for alternative investments and external managers.
• Train new Advisors on our investment platform, and best practices utilizing our technology to implement our investment strategies.
• Help future partner firms adopt and implement Bartlett’s strategies.
• Support our inorganic merger partner sales process.
• Participate in periodic public events, such as Bartlett’s Annual Strategy Update.
• Some travel will be required for meetings with clients, prospects, and outside manager due diligence.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or related field.
• CFA strongly desired; will also consider an advanced industry-related degree, and/or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 10 plus years of relevant, client-facing experience, preferably with an RIA/wealth management firm and with high-net-worth clients.
• Strong investment knowledge and considerable experience outside managers for both public and private funds.
• Strong, broad-based knowledge of the wealth management business, allowing for capable articulation of the firm’s strategy on investments within the context of an overall wealth management plan.
• Experienced with operational aspects of private investments, i.e. capital calls, distributions, pacing, and client investment reporting.
• Proficiency in Morningstar Direct, or equivalent manager research tool.

In addition, the ideal associate will:

• Have a strong work ethic and commitment to success and growth of the firm.
• Have a strong work ethic and commitment to success and growth of the firm.
• Be able to work successfully in an entrepreneurial environment.
• Act with a high degree of integrity and ethics, both personally and professionally.
• Be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and with a wide array of people.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to listen and interpret, gather objective information, negotiate, and respond to all levels of interaction.
• Be a strategic thinker, creative problem solver and competent decision maker.
• Have a sense of urgency with a strong attention to detail.
• Have excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Be articulate, have a professional demeanor, and present a good image.
• Have strong aptitude and proficiency in technology solutions, including but not limited to Microsoft Office applications, portfolio management software, etc., and the ability to adapt to new office technology.
• Have an awareness and understanding of compliance issues within the investment industry.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  These statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this position.

We offer:

• A Top Workplace winning culture built on teamwork, integrity, and diligence.
• An engaging work environment.
• Opportunity for professional growth and development.
• A hybrid work schedule.
• A competitive salary and eligibility for annual firm profitability/individual performance incentive.
• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts and the items listed below.
• 401(k) plan with match and profit-sharing contribution.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid parental and medical leave.

Bartlett Wealth Management has 83 employees between its locations in Cincinnati, Chicago, and Louisville, and approximately $9.4 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024.

Bartlett is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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