Head of Municipal Research

Gannett Welsh & Kotler, LLC (GW&K), is an investment management subsidiary of the Bank of New York Mellon with $8.1 billion in equity and fixed income assets under management.

GW&K has been managing money for individuals and small institutions since 1974. We are dedicated to delivering a high level of investment expertise and helping our clients reach their financial goals. To keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of the investment community, we are continuously looking for individuals who can contribute to GW&K's growth. At GW&K we believe our people are our most valuable assets. Employees thrive in a dynamic work environment that promotes growth and opportunity.

We are seeking a Head of Municipal Research who will be responsible for managing and directing Gannett Welsh & Kotler's municipal research efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership for establishing and modeling best practices and for managing workflow.
• Design, develop and implement processes, reports and other tools to produce and deliver analytical results and recommendations.
• Demonstrate creative and strategic thought on investment issues and generate credit ideas that add value.
• Manage research agenda and build an investment track record.
• Interact extensively with Traders and Portfolio Managers.
• Communicate with clients and consultants on a regular basis.
• Analyze and interpret municipal economic and market data that could impact portfolio performance.
• Conduct research and make value added investment recommendations.
• Deliver persuasive oral and written communications regarding investment recommendations and rationale.
• Monitor a diversified portfolio of existing credits.

Qualifications:

• 10 plus years of municipal research experience.
• Strong management skills and oversight of research staff.
• Bachelor's degree required, MBA or CFA strongly preferred.
• Seasoned and proven judgment in the field of research.
• Consistent and strong performance record.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Qualified candidates should send resumes to careers@gwkinc.com.

Assistant Vice President/Vice-President,
Municipal Credit Risk
Global Risk Management

LOCATION
New York, NY

Merrill Lynch seeks a qualified candidate for a municipal credit officer within the Global Risk Management ("GRM") group. The position will be at the Assistant Vice President or Vice President level, depending on experience. GRM reflects the recent merging of Global Credit & Commitments and Market Risk.

THE ROLE
The candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Providing credit assessment of municipal counterparties for financing and derivative trading activities;
• Monitoring of diversified portfolio of existing municipal accounts;
• Review of credit exposures, including daily oversight of system-generated credit exposure alerts;
• Interacting with various intra-firm constituencies including municipal sales and trading, investment banking, legal and collateral management groups

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will have approximately three to five years of municipal experience, including capital markets, rating agency, financial guaranty or government finance related work, or a combination thereof. Candidates with a background in general obligation backed debt are preferred. The candidate should have an interest and general understanding of municipal finance markets and documentation, and possess strong quantitative, analytical, oral presentation and writing abilities. MBA/MPA, related graduate degree, or CFA is helpful, but not required.

THE COMPANY
Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 38 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.8 trillion.

Merrill Lynch offers a broad range of services to private clients, small businesses, and institutions and corporations, organizing its activities into two interrelated business segments - Global Wealth Management and Global Markets & Investment Banking.

It is a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes and serves as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide.

Merrill Lynch owns approximately half of BlackRock, one of the world's largest publicly traded investment management companies, with more than $1 trillion in assets under management.

In short, Merrill Lynch is a fast and agile organization Ð able to capitalize quickly on a wide range of market opportunities across economic cycles. The company places a high value on talent and on maintaining a culture defined by meritocracy. For these reasons, it is deeply committed to professional development, opportunity and accountability at all levels of the organization.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Suparna Basu
Telephone 212-670-0926
Email suparna_basu@ml.com

Associate VP/Vice President, Research Analyst, Municipal Bonds

Overview of the Position
Based in Hartford, CT, the AVP/VP Research Analyst, Municipal Bonds will conduct research and make value added investment recommendations to $13.5B of municipal bond investments, both taxable and tax-exempt, covering investment grade and non-investment grade munis. The muni portfolio consists of general account assets, mutual funds and separate accounts. The AVP/VP will regularly interact with the Portfolio Manager, trader, and other analysts to discuss credits and make investment recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent fundamental research with to support specific, insightful, and timely credit research opinions, including buy/sell recommendations, interacting extensively with Portfolio Manager. This will include security specific research; collateral and counterparty credit risk.
• Demonstrating independent, creative, and strategic thought on investment issues and generating credit ideas that add value.
• Research, develop and apply quantitative and mathematical models to assess risk and return and evaluate portfolio efficiency.
• Design, develop and implement processes, reports, and other tools to produce and deliver analytic results and recommendations.
• Analyze and interpret Global, US and municipal economic and market data for trends that could impact portfolio performance risk or investment opportunities.
• Independently identify and recommend investment opportunities that improve portfolio returns and/or reduce risk.
• Maintain successful track record of investment recommendations.
• Deliver persuasive oral and written communications regarding investment recommendations and rationale.
• Develop relationships with securities dealers an industry peers and organizations.
• Establish and maintain a reputation both internally and externally as a knowledgeable and ethical investment professional.
• May support sales and service activities for clients. With guidance, prepare for and conduct meetings and presentations to investors, industry peers and other internal and external constituents.
• Provide leadership for establishing and modeling best practices and for managing workflow.
• Independently manage research agenda, building an investment track record and gaining internal and external recognition/prominence.

Candidate Profile

• 7+ years in credit or investment research, with a minimum of 3-5 in the municipal sector.
• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or related field with a CFA and/or MBA preferred.
• Collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and accuracy.
• Sound judgment and decision making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Technology savvy.
• Negotiation skills.
• Business knowledge, intellectual curiosity about investments and the municipal sector, proactive learner.
• Muni experience in High Yield and/or the following sectors is a plus: tobacco, housing.

As part of one of the oldest financial services companies in the United States, HIMCO has developed a strong results-oriented culture based on delivering superior investment solutions to our clients. We thrive on our ability to harness the insights and experience we have garnered over several decades to help our clients face the challenges of today's financial markets. While experience is an important contributor to our success in investment management, we also realize the importance of innovation and evolving markets. Accordingly, we have created a structure and culture for our firm that we believe positions our clients to benefit from tomorrow's opportunities and challenges.

What Is The Compensation Opportunity?
This opportunity will pay competitively. Our compensation philosophy is simple: we pay competitive base salaries and we reward performance. In addition, you will be eligible to participate in our comprehensive benefits program including medical insurance, a 401K Plan, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan and more.

We are an affirmative action - equal opportunity employer

Qualified candidates only, please email resume in Word or PDF format to maura.burton@himco.com. No phone calls please.

Senior Analyst-Municipal Credit Research

Location: Valley Forge, PA

Description:
Vanguard, one of the world's largest investment companies, is seeking a Sr. Municipal Credit Analyst to join the Fixed Income Credit Research Group to contribute to investment decision making and strategy.

You will provide the Fixed Income Group with coverage of governmental securities; familiarity with TOBS is a plus. You will interact regularly with portfolio managers, and will need to develop and maintain productive relationships with these individuals, as well as with investment banks, issuers, rating agencies, and fellow analysts. Based on your timely and accurate assessments of the credit quality of issuers, you will recommend to portfolio mangers the purchase and sale of securities in your assigned coverage universe.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; Graduate degree in a related field and/or professional certification (CFA) is a major plus.
• Seven to ten years of progressive analytic experience with a minimum of five years of direct municipal credit research experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• A demonstrated record of initiative and career advancement.
• The ability to work independently at a high level of performance.

At Vanguard, you'll be part of the essential core of an industry-leading company known for its strong ethical practices and client focus. The environment is collaborative and team-oriented, yet individual achievement is recognized and rewarded. Set your goals high, and explore this dynamic position with Vanguard.

Vanguard, a leading financial company, offers a competitive Total Rewards package of cash compensation, benefits, work-life programs, and conveniences. Employment is contingent on a successful drug-screening result, and we maintain a smoke-free work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.

Apply Method:
Please email resume and cover letter to Anne_C_Hewitt@Vanguard.com.

Credit Risk Management - Municipal Finance

Location: New York

A large international bank is seeking a qualified individual with a minimum of 5 years of Municipal Bond research experience to join the Credit Risk Management Group.

The role includes, but is not limited to, independent and comprehensive analysis of municipal credit risk in accordance with internal risk and rating methodologies. The role requires the ability to develop a macro, as well as a micro economic view of municipal finance risk not only in the US but Canada as well. The individual is expected to contribute to the overall goals of the Credit Risk Management team including time sensitive sector analysis and pro-active surveillance reviews.

The ideal candidate must possess strong communication (both oral and written) and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks within a strict deadline. Other characteristics also include an intellectual curiosity and sound analytical and research abilities with proficiency in Excel spreadsheet financial functions.

Please forward resumes and cover letter to include compensation requirements to: Pub_fin_bank@yahoo.com

Senior Credit Analyst

Boston-based Municipal Bond Investment Management firm is seeking a Senior Municipal Bond Credit Analyst specializing in General Obligation, Water and Sewer Revenue and other high grade revenue sectors. The portfolio goals are high tax-exempt income with limited capital risk for high net worth investors and selective institutional accounts. We are looking for an analyst who will work with portfolio managers and traders to identify opportunities in improving credits and market mispricing of credit risk and monitor portfolio holdings. We require strong communication skills both verbal and written in order to convey complex credit situations in straightforward language non- municipal bond experts can read and understand. Some client contact is required for quarterly reviews and client visits. We are looking for someone with at least five years experience working with rating companies and street analysts. A CFA, MBA or MPA are desirable credentials for this position.

To apply, please email your resume to jobs@bondinvestor.com.

Municipal Research Assistant

Location: Boston

Gannett Welsh & Kotler, LLC (GW&K), is an investment management subsidiary of the Bank of New York Mellon with over $7.5 billion in equity and fixed income assets under management. GW&K has been managing money for individuals and small institutions since 1974. We are dedicated to delivering a high level of investment expertise and helping our clients reach their financial goals. To keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of the investment community, we are continuously looking for individuals who can contribute to GW&K's growth. At GW&K we believe our people are our most valuable assets. Employees thrive in a dynamic work environment that promotes growth and opportunity. We are seeking a Municipal Research Assistant to will work closely with three senior municipal credit analysts to assist in the due diligence process for new purchases as well as the surveillance process for existing holdings.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the three senior municipal credit analysts to assist in the due diligence process for new purchases as well as the surveillance process for existing holdings.
• Write credit analyses on issuers and bond insurers.
• Complete special projects on credit-related topics
• Responsible for obtaining and tracking relevant financial information on issuers, and for maintaining credit files.
• Work with database systems and credit-related spreadsheets to track credit characteristics of holdings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Working towards a Master's degree or CFA designation is a plus.
• 1-3 years of relevant investment experience. Exposure to Municipals is preferred.
• Strong organizational and computer skills are necessary.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and with accuracy is imperative.

Please apply by e-mailing your resume to careers@gwkinc.com.

Public Finance - Associate Director - Tax Supported

Location: Chicago

Fitch Ratings is seeking an Associate Director to join Fitch's Public Finance Department. Qualified candidates will work in the Midwest(Chicago) as part of the Eastern team of the tax-supported group, which also includes water/sewer and solid waste revenue bond issues.

Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing financial, debt, and economic data related to municipal issuers.
• Presenting analysis to committee of analysts within the public finance department
• Writing credit reports summarizing quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Providing support on high-profile and complicated credits to senior analysts
• Attending issuer meetings, site visits, and conferences in this region.

Qualifications:

• Candidate should possess a graduate degree and 2-5 years of experience in Public Finance
• Self-motivated, inquisitive professional with strong credit analysis skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of standard business software.

To apply, please visit www.FitchRatings.com, Careers/The Americas/Job ID 998.

Research Analyst

Van Kampen Investments is one of the nation's largest investment management companies with roots in money management dating back to 1927. The company has one of the broadest product lines in the investment industry, offering a wide variety of mutual funds and unit investment trusts. Headquartered in the Chicago area, Van Kampen is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS). For more information, visit Van Kampen's Web site at www.vankampen.com.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Research Analyst in our Unit Trust Division which offers innovative investment solutions covering nearly every segment of the financial markets including Enhanced Index, Fixed Income and Closed-End Strategies.

Responsibilities are to provide in depth analysis for holdings, maintain detailed written reports and due diligence files on all securities assigned, provide information and/or give presentations regarding securities and/or sectors of the market as needed. Provide time sensitive credit analysis regarding securities being acquired for new trust deposits and identify relative value opportunities across market sectors & individual securities. Ability to present investment conclusion in a concise, well-organized manner is critical. Monitor & analyze equity securities held within the Unit Trust portfolios. Manage equity, fixed income research relationships and create value-added research across market sectors for the Sales team.

Qualified candidates should have 5-8 years experience as a fixed income analyst. Successful candidates would exhibit the ability to handle a fast-paced environment and various projects simultaneously. Credit analysis experience should include municipal and/or corporate bonds, although experience across sectors is preferred. A bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is required in addition to progress toward MBA and/or CFA. Series 7 required.

Van Kampen Investments provides an excellent compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans, 401(k), and a pension plan.

Interested individuals should submit their resume through the Career section of Morgan Stanley's website: morganstanley.com.

Morgan Stanley is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity.

Public Finance Credit Analyst

Walnut Creek, CA

At Bank of the West, we've surrounded ourselves with some of the brightest, talented and most devoted professionals in the financial services industry to form a solid and secure foundation. We currently have an excellent opportunity in Walnut Creek for a highly motivated professional to provide senior credit analysis support to the Public Finance office.

Specifically, you will:

• Produce qualitative financial review to be included as a portion of the credit request
• Analyze credits including financial statement spreading analysis and cash flow projections
• Provide support to the Public Finance Manager for special projects and reporting tasks (projects may include surveillance of credit facilities, portfolio analysis, budget forecasts and the creation of excel based underwriting tools)
• Provide the relationship managers with current and timely analysis during the loan underwriting process
• Interface directly with the borrowers to obtain financial information and review financial information directly
• Obtain updated financial exhibits from borrowers as specified in loan agreements and oversee the maintenance of financial covenant tickler files
• Monitor delinquencies, matured and maturing loans, and assist with the preparation of extension requests
• Set up credit files and ensure assigned files are complete and updated periodically
• Assist Public Finance Manager with review of credit requests
• Prepare and update reports

This position requires:

• A BA/BS or equivalent combination of training and experience
• 5+ years of financial statement and cash flow analysis experience
• The ability to analyze financial statements, tax returns, and cash flow
• Excellent organizational, supervisory, and written/verbal communication skills
• PC proficiency with MS Office and with the software used for analysis (FAMAS and Tax Analysis).

For immediate consideration, visit www.bankofthewest.com, click on 'Employment', search under 'Walnut Creek, CA', and apply online for the 'Public Finance Credit Analyst'.

Bank of the West and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers. It is our policy to recruit, advertise, employ, promote, transfer, discipline, and discharge without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sex, and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Bank of the West
Community Focused Banking

Research Analyst - Fixed Income

Federated Investors is a world-class investment management company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With approximately $ 300 Billion in assets under management and over 151different domestic and international equity, fixed-income and money market mutual funds, as well as a variety of separate account options, Federated delivers a diversified product line to financial intermediaries to help them reach a variety of investment goals for their clients. (For additional information about Federated Investors visit www.federatedinvestors.com)

An opportunity currently exists within our Investment Management department for a Research Analyst.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY #: 005105
POSITION TITLE: RESEARCH ANALYST - FIXED INCOME
DEPARTMENT: INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

• Master degree in finance, economics, public policy or business related field preferred or equivalent related investment analysis experience in lieu of advanced degree
• Knowledge of fixed-income market securities preferred
• Solid understanding of structured products preferred
• CFA level 1 preferred
• PC Skills required

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Perform credit analysis/assessment of municipal securities. This includes quantitative and qualitative review
• Review documents to ensure issuer is in good standing
• Present credit analysis on securities to the Municipal Credit Committee
• Provide buy, sell and hold recommendations
• Maintain knowledge of regulatory/level environment
• Monitor the fundamental health of existing holdings
• Establish and maintain files for all credits
• Perform other related duties

HOURS/LOCATION:

• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Overtime as required)
• Federated Investors Tower - Pittsburgh, PA 15222

EXPLANATORY COMMENTS:

• Strong math and analytical background
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Strong quantitative skills required
• Keen attention to detail required

Federated Investors, Inc. offers a competitive salary and benefits package along with a professional environment.

For consideration, go to https://careers.federatedinvestors.com and apply to job # 5105 (Research Analyst).

Only those candidates in whom we have an interest will be contacted.
EOE

Financial Analyst

Robert W. Baird & Co.
Milwaukee, WI

SUMMARY:
Performs quantitative analysis for various types of municipal bond issuers. Prepares and organizes detailed and creative financing plans for municipal transactions. Follows all steps of the financing process from gathering preliminary information, through bond structuring, pricing and settlement. Series 7 or 52 license desired or willingness to become licensed within six months.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Generates financing scenarios and models using Excel and Munex- (a municipal finance software application). Gathers and analyzes necessary data to identify relevant issues, accurately defines the objective and formulates and evaluates alternatives to recommend a solution.
2. Utilizes strong communication abilities with working group professionals, both internal (underwriters, investment bankers) and external (issuers, bond counsel, bidders) to facilitate municipal bond transactions.
3. Performs bond pricing by communicating details with the municipal underwriters, director of public finance and public finance investment banker.
4. Assists clients with the interpretation of financing options and researches and develops creative financing strategies that will best fit the unique goals of a particular client. May include some travel and attendance at client meetings.
5. May prepare financial ratio analysis and analyze credit of potential issuers.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

1. Bachelor's degree in Math, Finance, Accounting or Economics (Finance background preferred) and 3-5 years previous industry experience.
2. Series 7 or 52 licensed or willingness to become licensed within six months.
3. Strong intellectual curiosity and tenacity required, as well as sound mathematical, statistical, computational, analytical and research abilities. Adept in Microsoft Excel; working knowledge of financial functions, formulas, macros, etc.
4. Exceptional attention to detail and strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks under strict deadlines.
5. Highly motivated individual who is bright, enthusiastic, has a desire to learn and to think creatively in a demanding environment.
6. Strong initiative and work ethic, and an ability to work well both within a team and on a self-directed basis. Able to handle demanding hours that public finance entails.
7. Ability to travel and attend client meetings outside normal business hours.

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK:
Since 1919, Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird) has aimed to provide the best financial advice and service to our clients. To attract and retain the high quality team of associates needed to achieve this goal, we have focused on making Baird a great place to work. We recognize that associates are our greatest assets, and are committed to making Baird a place where they can thrive professionally. This commitment to our employees has been repeatedly acknowledged by our inclusion on FORTUNE magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices and operating affiliates in the United States, Europe and Asia. Leveraging our deep expertise, our long-term focus and our belief that integrity is irreplaceable, we focus on great outcomes and how we achieve them for our individual institutional, corporate and municipal clients. During 2006, our more than 2,200 associates generated $656 million of revenue. Overall, Baird manages and oversees more than $78 billion in assets.

Please apply by e-mailing your resume to jobs@rwbaird.com. Thank you.