Deputy Chief Investment Officer

Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Deputy Chief Investment Officer (Deputy CIO) is responsible for leadership and oversight of Colorado PERA’s private market investments program, including Private Equity, Real Estate, and Alternatives asset classes. This role partners closely with the Chief Investment Officer to implement total fund strategy, with primary responsibility for driving strategy execution within private markets, ensuring strong investment outcomes, disciplined portfolio governance and construction, and effective integration with the broader total fund. 

The Deputy CIO also works in close coordination with the Investment Operating Officer, who oversees the business and operational platforms supporting investments. Together, these roles ensure both investment excellence and operational execution. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strategic and collaborative investment leader who brings deep private markets expertise, strong fiduciary judgment, and a proven ability to lead high-performing teams in a complex institutional environment. This person will be energized by the opportunity to shape long-term investment strategy, partner closely with the Chief Investment Officer, and help strengthen Colorado PERA’s investment program through thoughtful decision-making, clear communication, and disciplined execution. The strongest candidates will combine technical credibility across private equity, real estate, and alternatives with sound leadership instincts, a commitment to integrity and accountability, and the ability to build trusted relationships with colleagues, investment partners, consultants, and Board stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Employees are held accountable for all duties of the job. Individuals must be able to perform these duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Provides senior leadership and oversight of PERA’s private market investment program, including Private Equity, Real Estate and Alternatives asset classes
• Develops, in conjunction with asset class leadership, private markets investment strategies designed to achieve long-term return objectives within approved risk parameters
• Ensures alignment with total fund objectives, liquidity needs, and risk tolerances; collaborates with the CIO on asset allocation and strategic positioning 
• Serves as a key member of the Investment leadership team and, in partnership with the CIO, helps shape the long-term vision, strategy, governance, culture, and performance of the Investment department
• Monitors legal, regulatory, and policy developments affecting public pensions systems and evaluates potential implications for investment strategy, portfolio management, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities
• Provides leadership and oversight of private markets teams and senior investment professionals; responsible for performance evaluation of direct reports
• Depending on organizational structure and business needs, may directly lead one private market asset class and assume corresponding investment and team leadership responsibilities
• Exercises significant discretion and judgment in private market investment, portfolio construction, manager selection, and commitment decisions within established governance and delegated authority frameworks
• Supports organizational resiliency through recruitment and succession planning within private markets; develops and mentors staff, building long-term institutional capability  
• Establishes clear accountability, decision-making frameworks, and investment processes 
• Partners with the CIO and investment leadership to identify, assess, and manage portfolio, liquidity, concentration, operational, and governance risks
• Ensures compliance with investment policies and governance standards 
• Oversees the development and review of applicable materials for the Board and Investment Committee, serving as a subject matter expert for private markets in Board discussions
• Acts as the investment department liaison for the Defined Contribution Plans, participating on the Defined Contribution Committee, and contributing to the oversight of manager selection and evaluation activities in the Plans
• Partners with the Investment Operating Officer to align private market investment strategy execution with capital activity, scalable operational processes, and data integrity, reporting, and performance measurement 
• Provides input on systems, resources, and infrastructure enhancements to support investment systems modernization and long-term operational success
• Maintains awareness of market developments, trends, and best practices in private markets 
• Supports the CIO and represents the investment program with investment managers, industry organizations, peer institutions, consultants, and other external stakeholders, as appropriate 
• Oversees development of and adherence to responsible divisions’ budgets and ensures goals are met within designated time frames
• Carries out other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required. MBA, CFA, and/or CAIA designations preferred
• Ten years experience in managing investment portfolios, with a demonstrated track record of success, with substantial experience in alternative/private markets
• Five years experience managing a diverse group of investment professionals
• Public pension fund experience desirable
• Experience working with a Board of Trustees desirable
• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and efficiency, proactively identifying opportunities to apply emerging technologies that improve workflows and outcomes
• Requires a high level of ethics and demonstrated commitment to accountability
• Experience working with internal and external investment managers
• Effective and persuasive oral and written communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Visionary capabilities related to investments and strategic planning

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standard office environment with frequent telephone communication, computer operation, and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy and printer machine.
• Occasional moving and positioning supplies in excess of 20 pounds
• All employees are expected to present themselves in a professional manner in alignment with the financial services industry
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to operate standard PC equipment
• Ability to manage frequent deadlines and tight schedules
• Ability to travel as necessary

Hybrid Work Option

• Opportunity to work from home up to two days per week. Eligibility dependent upon factors detailed in PERA's Work from Home Policy.

Interested Candidates:
Complete the employment application online at https://www.copera.org/careers. Please have copies of your resume and cover letter available to upload.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of an employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned with or without notice.

Unfortunately, at this time, PERA cannot consider candidates that require sponsorship (now or in the future), or are located outside of the US.

All Colorado PERA employees are subject to PERA’s Ethics Policy and some employees are subject to the Personal Trading Policy. These policies include restrictions on outside business activities and employment and have certain requirements on personal trading.  You may request copies of these policies from PERA’s talent acquisition team and any questions can be answered by PERA’s Investment Administration team.

Why Work at PERA

Colorado PERA offers more than a traditional pension career. We are a mission-driven organization with a growing focus on technology and modernization. Employees have the opportunity to do meaningful work with a real impact on over 700,000 members. From enhancing digital tools and member experiences to supporting major enterprise initiatives, employees are part of meaningful, future-focused work that blends public service with innovation. We take pride in our inclusive culture, career development opportunities, and our consistent recognition as a Top Workplace based on employee feedback. PERA is a place to connect, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

A Culture That Cares

At PERA, leveraging employee strengths and supporting strong engagement are the foundations of our culture. Employees are encouraged to grow through development opportunities and internal career movement, while also being part of an organization where people feel respected, informed, and included. Collaboration is encouraged across teams, allowing employees to learn from one another and contribute in ways that maximize their unique skills. We strive to foster an environment where employees can do their best work and feel supported by the people around them

An Employer that Invests in You

PERA invests in our employees in ways that matter; from comprehensive benefits and generous paid time-off to thoughtful everyday amenities that enhance the office experience. Employees are encouraged to continue learning through training, mentoring, and development at every stage of their careers. We champion a workplace where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to grow.

Join Us
If you’re energized by meaningful work, motivated by an organization that evolves with a changing world and looking for an employer that invests in you, then consider joining PERA’s team. Learn more about careers at PERA at copera.org/careers.

Position Title: Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Division: Investments
Reports to: Chief Investment Officer
Job Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary: $335,000.00 to $415,000.00 Annual, Commensurate with experience, will participate in the Investment Incentive Plan at an amount up to 180% of compensation, in accordance with the terms of that plan and subject to future changes.
Posting Dates: 06/26/2026 to 07/12/2026

Salary : $335,000 - $415,000