Position summary

At HESTA we believe that investing responsibly – for people and the planet – is important to an investment’s long-term value. We want to ensure that we deliver strong investment returns, while also having a positive impact on the economy, environment and society that our members will retire into.

The Responsible Investment Manager (‘RI Manager’) is responsible for providing thought leadership and strategic integration of Responsible Investment (‘RI’) at HESTA.  Managing the Responsible Investment team, this role provides subject matter expertise and advice to Investment Management to drive a holistic and leading approach to RI.

Business team

Investment Management (‘IM’)

Organisational relationships

The RI Manager reports to the Head of HESTA Impact and leads the RI team. This role works across the IM and collaboratively across the organisation to effect HESTA’s strategic intent regarding RI. 

Principal accountabilities

RI Leadership

• Working with the Head of Impact, contribute to building HESTA’s brand as a leading responsible investor including developing communications and advocacy strategies
• Provide thought leadership and strategic advice on HESTA’s approach to RI and seek to create a globally-leading strategy and capability in the areas of strategic importance to HESTA
• Develop and maintain a global network of leaders in RI, and leverage these networks to challenge and evolve HESTA’s RI approach and collaborate to achieve industry change
• Represent HESTA and demonstrate leadership in relevant RI forums, including maintaining the relationship with key engagement partners (currently ACSI, Regnan and Hermes EOS) and other stakeholders (regulators, asset managers, advocacy groups, etc)
• Continue to integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (‘UN SDGs’) and progress measurement of impact, with a focus on HESTA’s target SDGs
• Coordinate and guide the RI Steering Group on RI developments, strategy and current priorities
• Work with the Head of Impact to coordinate and develop papers for the HESTA Board, HESTA Investment Committee and HESTA Impact Committee as required.
• Develop and lead strategic RI projects

Policy Implementation and Governance

• Work with the Head of Impact to develop and lead the policy and governance framework for RI in HESTA, ensuring strong buy-in and alignment
• Responsible for relevant policies effecting RI including Climate Change, Active Ownership and other Responsible Investing policies
• In partnership with the RI Steering Group, further develop reporting frameworks to meet HESTA’s reporting obligations, including those under the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and corporate governance policies
• Further develop approaches to further integrate RI throughout the various asset classes in which HESTA invests, including within the external fund managers that HESTA invests through

RI Integration and Delivery

• Lead and champion the RI team in their development and delivery of RI subject matter expertise to the IM, the RI Steering Committee and the HESTA Board and Board Committees
• Work closely with IM and fund managers to develop a transparent and effective framework to assess, monitor and further integrate RI into HESTA’s investment approach, ensuring RI activities are prioritised in high value-add areas
• Work with the IM team to consistently communicate to fund managers and other partners HESTA’s RI beliefs and approach, and continue to evolve RI integration in their investment processes
• Assist IM to assess RI risks and implications within potential investments
• Develop and oversee direct engagement processes and strategies as appropriate
• Oversee the activities and outcomes of engagement service providers, ensuring HESTA’s objectives are being met
• Oversee the smooth running of HESTA’s proxy voting policies and processes, including consultation and execution of voting on HESTA’s holdings in Australian companies

Leadership of RI team

• Develop team and individual performance and development plans and conduct regular reviews
• Provide coaching, support and direction to the team
• Develop an effective team capable of delivering required business outcomes

Leadership of HESTA culture

• Support your team to work cohesively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Role model leadership behaviours and HESTA values
• Proactively seek opportunities to support the business team and organisation to achieve success
• Engage in open and honest communication based on trust and mutual respect
• Take responsibility for self-development and seek regular feedback from your team to enhance leadership performance

A full Position Description is attached below.