Head of Research
Position Summary
Publishes strategy ideas that incorporate ProShares ETFs and leads the research efforts that support these reports. Manages research analysis related to topics covered in reports for fund investors as well as on topics related to product development and product management. At times, may presents these ideas and investment strategies to the public, our partners and our customer base.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop topics, outlines, and format for research reports on fund strategies, of interest to existing and potential investors in funds working with Strategy and Marketing groups.
- Lead effort to write and perform analysis for these reports as well as for product development and product management purposes.
- May communicate via presentations and webcasts research findings and conclusions based on reports.
- Manage internal database, identify and coordinate external data requirements, oversee, develop, and source external analytical tools used for research.
- Manages Research Analytics staff.
- Lead the research efforts and the development of strategy notes that articulate how leveraged, inverse and other ETFs as appropriate might be used.
- Leads research and development efforts around thought leader pieces on important investment themes.
- Support sales and marketing: Meet with key client contacts to include gatekeepers, analysts, and research staff to identify new opportunities for, and/or more effective uses of, the Company’s products in various investment strategies used by financial professionals.
- Product Development Support: Assist in developing and recommending plans for expansion of existing product offerings. In this process, will assist with the feasibility and fundamental analysis required when analyzing new products or monitoring existing products.
- Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Education and Experience
- MBA or advanced degree in finance, economics or business. PhD or graduate degree in economics desirable.
- 7 or more years in a senior research role that involves research analysis and writing on topics related to financial markets, investment strategy, or applied macro/financial economics for financial professionals as well as financial media.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate in both writing and speaking.
- Experience managing research staff, accessing financial /economics data bases, using analytical and statistical tools.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Thorough understanding of the economy, securities and the financial markets with the understanding of the changing dynamics of the investment management industry – a vision for what will work in the future.
- Strong background in building investment models and the use of derivatives – futures, options, swaps, etc.
- Thorough understanding of quantitative investment strategies and processes and use of derivatives in investment management.
Deliverables, Success Measurements:
- Develop and implement program of research and strategy reports distributed by ProFunds or published in respected journals of investment practice:
- Develop, present and receive approval for plan for ProShares reports aimed at a variety of investment channels to be created and rolled out over the next 12-18 months
- Work with marketing to have at least 3 series of reports in production by December 2010
- Drive and oversee quality of Strategy Notes (aimed at existing investors) and ProFunds Insights (primarily educational)
- Provide leadership to the content and quality of strategy advice, education, and research analysis for ProFunds products:
- Play a key role in developing or reviewing educational or strategy advice materials distributed to existing or potential clients
- Direct or review research or strategies, trading features, or trading requirements of ProFunds products
- Develop and coordinate (with assistance of staff) a group of external experts, screened for credentials in investment strategy research that can assist in conducting or reviewing research
- Participate in identification of, research on potential new products, especially those that include options or quantitative strategies:
- Use contacts in institutional managers to identify long/short strategies worth considering as AlphaProShares – Goal of 2 launched and 2 in pipeline by end of 2010
- Design analysis, conduct research, and critique research of managers on return, risk and liquidity features of potential new products
- Assist in production of content of marketing materials and use speaking opportunities to support new product launch effort