About OPERS

The Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System is a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees of the State of Oklahoma (the State) except those covered by six other plans sponsored by the State and also covers employees of participating counties and local agencies. OPERS and its board also administer the Uniform Retirement System for Justices and Judges (URSJJ) a defined benefit pension plan covering all Justices and Judges of the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Workers’ Compensation Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts.  OPERS serves over 76,000 active and retired members and their beneficiaries; USRJJ has 500 active and retired members and beneficiaries.  Assets of OPERS at  May 31, 2009 were $ 5.1 billion; USRJJ had $ 183 million in assets.

Responsibilities

As a member of the OPERS management team, the CIO reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Board of Trustees and its Investment Committee.  In conjunction with the Board’s investment consulting firm, the CIO provides the Board and the Executive Director with expert professional investment advice.  The CIO monitors and oversees OPERS’ external investment managers, formulates, evaluates, recommends and implements investment policies and strategies, and proposes changes when necessary, for all of OPERS’ assets.   

Required Knowledge and Skills

The ideal candidate will have substantial progressively responsible experience in investment related duties within a complex financial organization and knowledge of laws, rules, regulations and professional standards regarding pension fund assets and investments.  Other requirements include knowledge of modern portfolio theory and its application, investment analysis, accounting and pension plan management, and a broad understanding of all investment asset classes.  A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required and a CFA designation is strongly preferred.