The Associate Director of Exams supports the examinations area of the CAIA Association. Primary responsibilities include developing exam items, performing statistical item analysis and review, performing quality control reviews on exams, assisting in the grading of exams, working directly with the CAIA curricula team, coordinating volunteer working groups, and supporting the Director and other team members in all aspects of the examinations process. The position contributes directly to the main mission of the CAIA Association.

• Writing, reviewing, and revising items for the CAIA Level I and Level II exams - 60%
• Assisting in the organization of teams of examination volunteers - 20%
• Assisting in the organization of exam activities - 10%
• Ability to assume a variety of key roles in exam development as needed - 10%

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in finance, economics, statistics, or a related field and at least 5 years’ experience in the investments fields and/or in academics.
• Advanced level understanding of the traditional and alternative investments space.
• Advanced level understanding of statistical analysis (psychometric knowledge and experience a plus).
• Experience writing examination items.
• Strong organizational and communications skills.
• Ability to build consensus among multiple parties.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• CAIA charter preferred.

The primary purpose of this position is to work with the Director of Examinations to build and deliver the CAIA exams with a focus on timeliness, exam quality, and security. This includes coordinating item development and review, managing the database of exam items, constructing the exams, delivering exams to the test vendor, performing quality-control reviews on exams, coordinating exam grading, as well as supporting the Director and other team members and owning the master security plan. The Associate Director owns all aspects of the exam outside of content and is responsible for the critical task of delivering a quality, error-free exam securely and on time to our customers.

The position contributes directly to the main mission of the examinations area and reports to the Director of Exams.

Item Development

• Based on scheduled exam windows, develop and actively manage a schedule for item development and review, including providing task lists, coordinating meetings, and ensuring all deadlines within the schedule are met.
• Support staff item developers with document flow, flow of items into and out of the database, and provide editorial assistance on items toward ensuring an editorial error-free exam.
• Organize the exam database.
• Organize teams of member volunteers to develop exam items.
• Arrange for external consults on items as needed.
• Manage and track overall item inventory.

Exam Synthesis, Hand-off, and Quality Control

• Construct the exams from the completed items based on the Director’s item selections.
• Hand off the exams to the test vendor using software tools.
• Work with the vendor and exams team members to perform rigorous quality-control checks before the exams are delivered at test centers.

Exam Delivery/Vendor relationship management

• Work with test delivery vendor to ensure the quality of the test delivery at testing centers across the globe.
• Liaise with the test vendor to develop schedules, solve technical issues, and keep software up-to-date.

Exam Grading

• Work with IT/data team to acquire and process exam results.
• Plan semi-annual Grading Jamborees, including arranging for volunteer members to participate and planning all aspects of the event.
• Support exams team and volunteer graders in grading efforts.
• Assist with post-grade-release inquiries from candidates.

Test Security Initiative

• Work with CAIA leadership, CAIA IT, test vendor, and other parties to develop a comprehensive security strategy. Seek input from all interested parties, research the relevant issues, and generate a consensus on an exam security plan.
• Ensure test security at all turns by enforcing internal security policies and framing all exam activities within secure environments.

Support of Director of Examinations

• Create corporate communications (presentations, documentation) as needed.
• Communicate with other CAIA departments regarding Exams team issues and initiatives.
• Write occasional blogs and news stories.

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, communications, or business administration and at least 5 years’ experience in an administrative or organizational role.
• Very strong communications skills.
• Very strong organizational skills.
• Prior project management experience.
• Technical aptitude with data management tools and prior database experience.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to build consensus among multiple parties.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with financial investment terminology.
• Familiarity with data security issues.

CAIA Association’s Controller is responsible for successful execution of the financial and administrative functions of the organization. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Controller helps to ensure CAIA Association’s efficient and timely achievement of its objectives and facilitates ongoing financial and administrative operations.

• Ensure integrity and accuracy of accounting data within the organization’s accounting system and maintain the organization’s chart of accounts
• Provide timely support of colleagues’ financial management of projects/programs and produce necessary information and analysis to management and Board
• Play integral role in the organization’s annual audit process and filings, including liaison to coordinate financial and administrative activities among the organization’s various locations and related accounting firms
• Perform financial analyses and reconcile general ledger accounts as needed, and prepare financial reports
• Assist with preparation and management of the organization’s budget and perform “budget to actual” analyses
• Provide accounting support/enforcement in support of human resources activities, contracts, and operations policies and procedures
• Complete billing/accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, including processing expense reimbursements
• Analyze and reconcile credit card payments received and credit card charges incurred
• Execute payroll process, including collecting and analyzing time sheets
• Coordinate organization’s IRA contributions
• Calculate accruals (compensation, paid time off, etc.) and create and/or maintain accounting schedules (deferred revenue, capitalized assets, inventory, etc.)
• Create and post journal entries
• Monitor cash balances, prepare and/or review deposits, and perform bank reconciliations
• Support general membership activities, and track members and membership revenue
• Manage relations/interface with bank, accountants, payroll and benefits administrators, software/IT and equipment suppliers, and others
• Ensure accounting data is backed-up
• Successfully deliver other project assignments as defined/required

This position requires a highly organized, extremely detail-oriented individual at ease with multi-tasking and adhering to deadlines, possessing excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills. Individual must be comfortable working alone as well as collaboratively, and have the ability to adapt and prioritize effectively. A well-developed, working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) is necessary, and prior experience in a non-profit and/or membership-based organization is a huge plus. Individual must be proficient in the use of Quickbooks and standard office software and familiar with general office operations.

A minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in administration, finance, and operations and a Bachelor’s degree are required; a Master’s degree or CPA is preferred.

The Director of Industry Relations - PRC supports the strategic objective of promoting understanding of and participation in the CAIA Program and Association throughout the investment community within the People’s Republic of China. Target accounts include financial firms, industry associations, government agencies/regulators, and universities. These activities shall include conducting private meetings, presentations, and conference participation. This position reports directly to the Director of Industry Relations and Outreach.

Industry Outreach – 95%

• Establishing strong relationships with relevant government agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Developing strong relationships with financial institutions and industry associations.
• Encouraging firms to incorporate the CAIA program into their training regimen by promoting/sponsoring employee participation, and ensuring firm approval of the designation’s use.
• Work with Member Services to provide support to social and educational events.
• Coordinate with in-territory legal counsel, to ensure compliance with all relevant governmental regulations.
• Ensure candidates have access to qualified preparatory course providers.
• Liaise with Asia Regional Coordinator to ensure proper client support/follow-up is conducted.

Public Relations – 5%

• May entail representing the CAIA Association with local press.

• Ability to establish connections with industry regulators and government authorities in Beijing.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in the investment industry.
• Self-starter who can self-direct.
• Ideal candidate will have CAIA designation, or commit to attain the designation within 2 years.
• Strong communication skills.
• Must be willing to travel.
• Must be fluent in English and Mandarin.
• Position based in Beijing.

The Managing Director - Global Business Development is responsible for developing/managing relationships with key target accounts, and for providing leadership to the Marketing and Outreach Departments through effective strategic/financial planning, staff management and public/media outreach. The Managing Director will coordinate the activities of marketing and outreach to ensure effective targeting and messaging to CAIA’s potential candidates, institutions, and regulators. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Strategic Planning – 20%

• Works with Executive Director, COO, Director of Marketing, and Director of Industry Relations and Outreach to establish the Association’s Strategic Marketing and Outreach Plan.
• With the plan as the guide, works with Marketing and Outreach teams to set short- and long-term strategic imperatives in pursuit of the Association’s mission, with clearly defined priorities, goals, and quantifiable measures of success.

Staff Management – 20%

• Responsible for directing the development of strategic marketing and outreach plans to ensure consistent, effective messaging and account targeting.
• Coordinate closely with Member Services to develop strong member advocates within participating firms.
• Oversee the development of turnkey messaging and materials.
• Guide the marketing and outreach teams in fostering a collaborative environment that motivates and supports team members.

Direct Sales/Outreach - 60%

• Establish and manage senior relationships with top-tier institutional investors, industry associations and government regulators.
• Gain access to purchase decision-makers at key target accounts.
• Represent the Association, its mission, and activities at conferences and through selective media opportunities.
• Secure corporate sponsorship of and direct participation in various Association events.

• 10+ years experience in finance industry.
• Strong communication skills.
• Proven track record of setting, achieving and exceeding goals.
• Experience in leading organizational change.
• Direct experience marketing and selling to the finance industry a plus.
• Position based in U.S.
• Must be willing to travel globally.

The Research Associate is primarily responsible for the development and the production of curriculum materials that will serve as the basis for the CAIA examinations. The Research Associate reports to the Director of Curriculum and will work with other CAIA staff as well as outside experts, including CAIA members, to manage the curriculum. The Research Associate will ensure that all materials developed are technically sound and reflect academic research and industry practices. The foundation of the CAIA curriculum is the Core Knowledge Outline. The Research Associate will revise and update the Core Knowledge Outline (CKO) so that it remains consistent with CAIA’s core mission and reflects alternative investment industry practices. The Research Associate will interact with the Examination Team, receiving feedback regarding the curriculum readings and offering help in the design of exam questions. Finally, the Research Associate will contribute to the research efforts at CAIA including occasional contributions to All About Alpha and CAIA Monthly Newsletters. This is a full time position requiring a graduate degree with several years of academic or industry experience. This position will operate from the headquarters of CAIA located in Amherst, Massachusetts, USA.

Update and revise the CKO and CAIA Curriculum Material - 70%

• Work with outside experts (CAIA members, CAIA curriculum Committee members, CAIA Advisory Board and ad hoc industry/academic experts) in curriculum development.
• Update and revise the Core Knowledge Outline.
• Develop and revise the curriculum reading material.
• Follow academic research and industry trends in various areas of alternative investments.
• Ensure that the topic outlines and actual and planned curricula are consistent through study guide revisions and the development of supporting reading materials.
• Write and manage the development and revision of topic outlines, study guides, supporting reading materials, and sample exam questions to ensure consistency throughout the program.

Coordinate with the Examination team - 20%

• Incorporate feedback from the examinations team into curriculum development process as appropriate.
• Provide feedback to the examinations team as appropriate.

Service to CAIA Organization - 5%

• Respond to inquiries and requests from Marketing, Member Services, and Candidate Services and CAIA members.
• Contribute to the monthly Member and General newsletters and to the CAIA blog.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, committees, annual staff retreat.

Represent CAIA - 5%

• Participate in industry and academic conferences on behalf of the CAIA Association.

• Graduate degree with extensive knowledge of research and practice related to alternative investment industry.
• At least 4 years of academic or industry experience.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.