Portfolio Manager Specialist - Executive Assistant

Baird Advisors, Baird’s institutional fixed income management business, manages over $145 billion for institutional clients, pensions, foundations, and individuals. This team of very experienced investment professionals has extremely low turnover and a national reputation as a highly regarded active fixed income manager. Our team offers multiple strategies through Separately Managed Accounts for large institutional clients and through our mutual fund complex, Baird Funds. Our team has been recognized for 12 consecutive years as a best place to work by Pensions & Investments and was ranked the #1 fund family by Morningstar. We know these accolades stem from our cultural commitment to clients and to being a workplace of choice for the most talented professionals in our industry. The latter helps us attract extraordinary people - many of whom stay with us for their entire careers - ensuring the quality and continuity of our advice and service. Learn more about the award-winning Baird Advisors team here.

Baird Advisors is seeking a Portfolio Manager Specialist to join our team. This role involves advanced administrative duties and key office support for our team, particularly our Senior Leadership Team. Based in our Milwaukee office, this position requires someone who is open to a variety of tasks and has willingness to contribute wherever needed to gain valuable experience and grow within the team.

In this role, you will collaborate with various team members, partner with different Baird departments, and support both clients and community partners. We are looking for a highly professional, well-organized, and motivated individual who can anticipate needs and demonstrate strong judgment and problem-solving skills in real time. Attention to detail and the ability to independently plan and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment are essential. Additionally, fostering a positive and welcoming team atmosphere is a key aspect of this role

As a Portfolio Manager Specialist, you will:

• Perform advanced and proactive administrative duties in support of the Baird Advisors team and specifically the Senior Leadership Team.
• Fully leverage technology to find the most efficient and effective way to complete work.
• Assist with scheduling and preparation of client meetings, including coordinating schedules, securing meeting rooms, and making all other necessary arrangements.
• Monitor team emails throughout the day, flagging urgent items that require immediate attention.
• Manage complex travel arrangements and accommodations including preparing and reviewing itineraries and handling changes without advanced notice.
• Prepare and submit expense reports.
• Provide phone coverage across the team as needed.
• Act as main liaison with external community partners to coordinate schedules, arrange meetings, and potentially organize events in the Baird Conference Center or at off-site locations.
• Plan and execute internal team building events.
• Deliver exceptional client service and build strong client relationships.
• Maintain the upmost confidentiality of all matters of the department and Baird.
• Perform various other duties as assigned.

What makes this opportunity great:

• This is a fast paced, high performing team experiencing strong growth.
• In depth involvement in daily business operations providing depth of knowledge and the ability to have a direct impact on the business.
• Compelling career to learn and work directly with some of the most experienced and respected professionals in Milwaukee and the industry.
• Work within an extremely flat, collaborative team structure which will enable you to learn and grow as a professional.
• Join our dynamic team, passionate about delivering exceptional results and giving back to the communities where we live and work.

What we look for:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of administrative experience preferably with executive level.
• Experience working at a professional services and/or investments-related firm preferred.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information is essential.
• Advanced level proficiency and comfort with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Comfort with and practice using virtual technology of all kinds including Zoom, MS Teams, WebEx, etc. with ability to triage simple technical issues as needed.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, with a professional, courteous, and positive attitude.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Problem solving and analytical skills with a desire for continual learning and process improvement.
• Proactive approach and strong follow-up are very important.
• Ability to work independently in a rapid paced environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to tolerate peak workloads and multiple assignments, while producing results with accuracy and reliability.
• Ability to demonstrate a calm demeanor and retain composure in stressful situations.
• Strong commitment to providing exceptional customer service.
• Willingness to work extended hours and attend corporate sponsored functions as required.
• Series 7 licensed or willingness to complete required licensing within the first year after hire.

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Commitment to Inclusion & Diversity

Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey - one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us.