Sustainable Investing Stewardship Manager

Job Description

Grade: P7

Referral Level: Level 1

Division: MI-SRI

IGM Financial Inc. is one of Canada's leading diversified wealth and asset management companies with approximately $271 billion in total assets under management. The company provides a broad range of financial planning and investment management services to help more than two million Canadians meet their financial goals.

The Role:

As an Engagement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Mackenzie’s stewardship program by leading and coordinating corporate engagement activities. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure that our engagement efforts align with our sustainability goals and commitments. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong relationship management skills and a deep understanding of sustainable investing.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Engagement Management (70%)

1. Drive corporate engagement activities and support the development and implementation of a Mackenzie-wide engagement program to the standards of global peers.
2. Research themes for engagement and collaborate with investment teams and sustainability peers to prioritize objectives.
3. Liaise and partner with investment teams and ESG analysts to deliver quality engagements through best practices sharing, templated documentation, and progress reporting.
4. Manage relationships with external providers, including proxy advisory firms, research organizations, and industry groups, to enhance engagement efforts and ensure alignment with best practices.
5. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of engagement strategies and adjust approaches based on feedback and outcomes.

Data Analysis and Reporting (20%)

1. Support the development of capabilities, including digital tracking systems, required to deliver on engagement strategy and aspirations.
2. Compile and distribute regular management reporting on progress and impact of engagements across Mackenzie.
3. Provide required content for external reporting and thought leadership.

Proxy Voting Support (10%)

1. Assist the proxy lead analyst in reviewing and analyzing proxy statements to ensure alignment with Mackenzie’s ESG principles and voting guidelines.
2. Provide research and administrative support during proxy voting season, including tracking and documenting voting decisions and outcomes.

Education and Experience:

1. Relevant experience in a stewardship role, or similar, with a deep understanding of active ownership, sustainable investing, and capital markets.
2. Undergraduate degree in related field plus CFA, CPA, or MBA considered an asset.
3. Technical education in environmental sciences or engineering is a plus.
4. Bilingual is an advantage.
5. Bring at least 5+ years of relevant experience.

Skills required:

1. Strong ability to conduct in-depth research and analysis on a range of ESG issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and corporate governance.
2. Demonstrated ability to think strategically about ESG risks and opportunities, and to develop and implement effective engagement strategies.
3. Deep knowledge of relevant ESG regulations and global standards to guide issuer discussions and ensure alignment with best practices and future trends.
4. Proven presentation, communication, and influencing skills to effectively engage with corporates, senior decision-makers, and industry bodies at a high level.
5. Ability to manage and strengthen working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders, including investment teams, issuers, and ESG analysts.
6. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
7. Creative report writing skills to produce compelling and informative ESG reports and thought leadership pieces.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Mackenzie Investments; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Mackenzie Investments is an accessible employer committed to providing a barrier-free recruitment experience. If you require an accommodation or this information in an alternate format at any stage of the recruitment process, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team who will work with you to meet your needs.

Please apply by February 5, 2025.