Investment Analyst - Diversifying Strategies

Office of Investments and Banking:
The University of Minnesota is the state's land-grant University and one of the nation's most prestigious public research universities. We're ranked by Forbes as a Best Employer by State and currently have an extraordinary opportunity within the Office of Investments & Banking (OIB). The charge of OIB is to effectively steward the financial asset programs that support the University of Minnesota's broader mission of changing lives through research, education and outreach. OIB currently manages approximately $4.2 billion across the endowment (~$2.4 billion) and operating pools (~$1.7 billion), while also overseeing the defined contribution retirement plans (~$7 billion) and a miscellany of smaller pools of capital (e.g. captive insurance company portfolio).

The University's Endowment portfolio follows a modified version of the "endowment model" and makes heavy use of alternative investment strategies to achieve its fiduciary objectives. The portfolio as a whole includes allocations to fixed income, private credit, hedge funds, real assets, private equity, active public equity, and venture capital.

Position Overview:
As an Investment Analyst focused on Diversifying Strategies, you will play a pivotal role in researching markets and analyzing fund investment opportunities, with a particular focus on the credit, hedge fund, and real assets markets. In addition, you will be expected to provide support for modeling co-investments. Investment analysts also assist more senior investment personnel with portfolio management and program administration. This hands-on position involves applying advanced financial analysis, market research, and investment modeling to real-world decisions, while collaborating closely with team members to deliver strategic insights and achieve portfolio objectives.

You'll conduct macro-level research, assist with fund due diligence, and contribute to investment recommendations and monitoring activities. We're seeking a detail-oriented, analytical professional with 5+ years of work experience who is ready to take ownership of complex projects and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic investment team.

Responsibilities:
Analysts are involved in all stages of the investment process from sourcing, origination, due diligence, and implementation of investment opportunities, to subsequent monitoring and portfolio management.

Portfolio Management (50%):

• Engagement with the Endowment's existing portfolio of Private Credit, Hedge Fund, and Real Asset fund managers as part of the ongoing monitoring and due diligence process
  • Reviewing quarterly reports, statements, newsletters to maintain a robust knowledge of the drivers of investment performance within each underlying fund position
  • Meeting with these existing fund managers on a regular basis to build and maintain relationships and knowledge of the investment process
  • Travel to attend Annual Meetings and/or ad hoc meetings with these existing fund managers as needed

New Investment Sourcing and Underwriting (25%):

• Supporting the Senior Investment Director in the identification and evaluation of prospective new investment opportunities
  • Market mapping and peer networking
  • Deep qualitative and quantitative due diligence, performance evaluation, assessment of risk management, etc.
  • Drafting of Investment Memos for presentation to the rest of the Investment Team alongside the Senior Investment Director
  • Coordination with Middle and Back office functions to complete investments and establish ongoing monitoring processes

Portfolio Analysis (20%):

• Supporting both the Senior Investment Director and the Chief Investment Officer on matters related to portfolio management:
  • Exposure analysis
  • Thematic research projects
  • Risk reporting
  • Preparation of quarterly Investment Advisory Committee materials

Other/Administrative (5%):

• Various ad-hoc administrative tasks as required

The responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the above. The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

*Please document qualifications on resume*

Required Qualifications (Candidates will be evaluated for the level most appropriate to their experience and qualifications and the level of work):

• Years of Experience
  • Financial Professional 4: BA/BS plus at least five (5) years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years.
  • Financial Analyst 1: BA/BS degree plus at least six years of experience.
• Strong interest in the investment industry, portfolio theory, and the global capital markets.
• Strong intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and data-driven approach to analysis.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Experience in conducting research and organizing findings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with a small team.
• Solid oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity.

Pay Range: $117,000 - $193,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: Resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).