VP Investments

The VP Investments at Horace Mann is responsible for developing and executing investment strategies that meet financial objectives while adhering to regulatory guidelines. This includes leading the asset allocation process, managing the day-to-day investment portfolio, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements like NAIC and SEC. Additionally, the VP will mentor a high-performing investment team and collaborate with internal departments to align strategies with organizational needs.

Candidates for the VP Investments position at Horace Mann should have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field, with an MBA or CFA designation preferred. Additionally, they should bring over 10 years of progressive experience in investment management, preferably within the insurance or financial services industries, along with expertise in asset allocation and portfolio management.

The VP Investments plays a critical role at Horace Mann by ensuring that investment strategies align with the organization’s mission to serve educators. This position contributes to enhancing shareholder value and enabling financial security for educators through tailored investment strategies. The VP will also foster a culture of accountability and professional growth within the investment team.

The pay range for the VP Investments position at Horace Mann is between $167,500.00 and $247,000.00, with the specific salary depending on experience, location, and other relevant factors. This competitive compensation reflects the importance of the role within the organization.

Key skills for the VP Investments role at Horace Mann include exceptional analytical and decision-making capabilities, strong communication and presentation skills, and leadership abilities. A proven record in navigating complex financial markets and delivering strong investment results is crucial, as is proficiency in financial modeling and investment management systems.

When answering this question, highlight your direct experiences with developing investment strategies that align with the financial objectives and liabilities of an insurance company. Discuss specific strategies you've implemented and how they contributed to risk management and return optimization.

It's essential to demonstrate your understanding of regulatory requirements like NAIC and SEC. Discuss your experience in collaborating with compliance teams and how you have ensured all investment activities align with these regulations while maintaining transparency.

A well-rounded answer would discuss your systematic approach to asset allocation, including market analysis techniques and data analytics. Mention how you balance risk and return while ensuring liquidity needs are met, showcasing your analytical mindset.

Provide examples of your leadership style, focusing on how you motivate your team, foster innovation, and cultivate professional development. Highlight any specific initiatives you've implemented that have resulted in team success and retention.

Emphasize your ability to build strong relationships with external partners. Discuss your experience in evaluating and selecting investment managers, as well as how you monitor and manage these relationships to ensure optimal portfolio performance.

Talk about your understanding of investment performance metrics, emphasizing KPIs such as risk-adjusted returns, compliance rates, and portfolio alignment with corporate goals. Offer insights into how you’ve utilized these indicators in past roles.

Explain your strategies for continuous learning and staying informed about market dynamics and regulatory shifts. Mention specific resources, networks, or methods you use to ensure you remain knowledgeable in this fast-paced environment.

Detail your process for preparing comprehensive performance reports. Discuss how you aggregate data, analyze performance against benchmarks, and present findings clearly to executive leadership, emphasizing your attention to detail and analytical skills.

Be prepared to share a specific scenario where you faced a tough decision. Discuss the factors you considered, the analysis you conducted, and the outcome, emphasizing your strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

Your answer should illustrate your ability to find a balance between achieving strong investment results while adhering to compliance requirements. Share examples of how you've navigated these challenges in previous roles.