Contract Administrator/Business Development Associate 1660

Legg Mason, a leading global asset management firm, has many exciting opportunities available from our Corporate Headquarters in Baltimore, MD, to locations in New York, NY, Stamford, CT, and San Francisco, CA. We invite you to explore opportunities to advance your future with an industry leader by visiting our website at www.leggmason.com.

Legg Mason is currently seeking a Contract Administrator/Business Development Associate to join the US Distribution group in our Stamford, Connecticut location. The role is part of the Business Development Group, in Legg Mason's asset management and mutual funds distribution business. Legg Mason Asset Management entities and affiliated entities include: ClearBridge Asset Management (formerly Salomon Brothers and Smith Barney) Royce, Brandywine, Batterymarch, and Western Asset Management. Assets under management exceed $850 billion. We are the world's 5th largest asset manager.

Culture: The culture is a fast paced culture and one where adaptability to change is a plus.

Business Lines: Investment product lines supported are mutual funds, 401k, variable investment trusts, mutual funds sub advisory, 529s and retail separate accounts

Objective of position: Implement contracts and due diligence for distribution of our investment products at intermediary financial firms

Interfaces with: Legal, compliance, operations, sales, clients, other business development staff

Reports to Assistant Vice President of Business Development ' Contract Administration

Responsibilities:
There will be a mix of independent work, following the contract issuance procedures for 529, 401k, variable investment trust and mutual fund contracts. There are also ad hoc work items delegated by and working with the AVP and Director of Business Development.

'Operate independently as well as assist to:


Issue and process the standard contracts, due diligence and set up forms required to enter into new broker dealer, 529 and 401k plan contracts to distribute Legg Mason's investment products

Respond to client inquiries related to the status of their contracts on a timely basis

Work with and respond to sales staff's inquiries on contract status or information related to them

Conduct due diligence checks on the prospective business partners/clients: including review of responses to our standard form, and performing online NASD, D&B and background checks (will train)

Update of partner contact lists and Access database for each new contract/business partner

Send due diligence issues and altered contracts to legal and compliance and follow-up (If there are any during the course of the standard contract issuance process)

Assist with data provision for annual board reporting related to distribution arrangements of mutual funds

Conduct and properly document and store annual due diligence updates by partner to manage risk and satisfy board reporting requirements

Assist with documentation of processes

Weekly reporting on new and in-progress 401k relationships/contracts and monthly reporting to compliance with respect to new fund contracts etc

Other special projects and ad hoc items as assigned
REQUIREMENTS
Educational and experience requirements:

3 years + of work experience in the financial services industry and a related university degree. Investment product knowledge desirable. (eg mutual funds)

Personal Standards of Excellence:
1.Results oriented with excellent execution skills and a strong work ethic and ability to juggle multiple tasks
2.Strong command of language and excellent reading skills to effectively review, interpret contracts/changes to them. Clear and efficient communicator.
3.Ability to independently analyze and resolve issues
4.Excellent organizational and follow-up skills
5.Flexible and adaptable and willing to take on projects as assigned
6.Technologically proficient in all applicable software
7.Strong customer relationship management and servicing skills (able to deal effectively) with clients on the phone as well as internal corporate relationship management skills.
8.Demonstrates an appropriate 'sense of urgency' with regard to priority items

Legg Mason is an equal opportunity employer.