Investment Analyst

 Submissions will be expected to include the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume

University of Minnesota Office of Investments and Banking

The Investment Analyst will focus primarily on supporting the investment activities of the University’s ~$1.5B endowment fund. The Analyst will play a key role partnering with all members of the investment team in sourcing, researching, diligencing, and monitoring investments across the full spectrum of liquid and illiquid asset classes and strategies utilized in the endowment, including: traditional rates and credit, public equities, private credit, venture capital, private equity, real assets and hedge funds. Area(s) of focus at any point in time will be directed by the Deputy Chief Investment Officer based on an amalgamation of considerations such as market environment and opportunity, current portfolio dynamics, and/or the Investment Analyst’s particular areas of expertise or familiarity. 

OVERVIEW OF UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA OFFICE OF INVESTMENTS AND BANKING

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 $2.7 billion across the endowment (~$1.5 billion) and operating pools (~$1.2 billion), while also overseeing the defined contribution retirement plans (~$6 billion) and a miscellany of smaller pools of capital (e.g. captive insurance company portfolio).

The OIB currently consists of nine professional positions - five are dedicated to treasury, trading, operations and/or administrative roles, the remaining four comprise the investment team, which includes the following positions: Chief Investment Officer, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Investment Manager and Investment Analyst. Concurrent with this Investment Analyst search process, OIB will also be recruiting a fifth investment team member to join in an additional Investment Manager role as well as an Investment Operations Manager.

The OIB team seeks to foster a diverse, open and collegial culture in which each of the investment team members are expected to work collaboratively, contribute to idea generation and debate the merits of investment ideas with both rigor and respect.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Investment Analyst will focus primarily on supporting the investment activities of the University’s ~$1.5B endowment fund. The Analyst will play a key role partnering with all members of the investment team in sourcing, researching, diligencing, and monitoring investments across the full spectrum of liquid and illiquid asset classes and strategies utilized in the endowment, including: traditional rates and credit, public equities, private credit, venture capital, private equity, real assets and hedge funds. Area(s) of focus at any point in time will be directed by the Deputy Chief Investment Officer based on an amalgamation of considerations such as market environment and opportunity, current portfolio dynamics, and/or the Investment Analyst’s particular areas of expertise or familiarity. 

Specific responsibilities and expectations include:

• Providing quantitative and qualitative due diligence support to the OIB investment team. Research projects will be wide ranging, involving various asset classes, investment strategies and thematic market opportunities
• Functioning as the key “go-to” person for financial modeling needs
• Maintaining and utilizing various information management systems (related to, for example, investment manager CRM system, cash flow modeling, alternative investment commitment pacing, portfolio risk management, etc.), often in close partnership with the Investment Operations Manager
• Assisting in the preparation of investment memorandums and committee meeting materials
• Partnering with internal general counsel and Investment Operations Manager to review, negotiate and execute legal documents
• Cultivating networks and relationships across the industry to stay abreast of key trends and best practices
• Depending on the chosen candidate’s experience, skillset and/or interest level, additional involvement could include: operating pool investment strategy, defined contribution retirement program design and oversight and/or broader finance-related projects supporting the University.
• Operations, accounting and administrative support is likely to comprise 10-15% of the Investment Analyst’s time.
• Both domestic and international travel are expected, likely representing between 5-15% of the Investment Manager’s time.

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. Additional duties and projects may be assigned depending on the needs of OIB and the University.

Required Qualifications:

• A BA/BS in economics, finance, accounting or related disciplines plus at least two years of professional work experience in related finance or investing role, preferably at an asset owner, investment bank, consulting firm, or investment manager or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years. Consideration may be given to candidates with less full-time work experience but who can demonstrate having relevant professional experience through internships or other professional activities.

The ideal candidates will possess the following characteristics/traits:

• Progress toward a CFA designation. Other degrees and/or certifications viewed favorably include: CAIA, FRM, MBA and/or other advanced degree in finance or related disciplines.
• A passion for investing and analysis
• Skilled in financial modeling and data analytics
• Detail oriented with a keen focus on ensuring integrity of process and accuracy of data
• Highly analytical with a curious and investigative approach to diligence and problem solving.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to articulately and persuasively state and support a thesis.
• High degree of proficiency in utilizing data and information management systems and processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Desire to work as part of a high-functioning team, with strong interpersonal skills and an approach to collaboration that reflects both confidence and humility.
• Ability to function as a self-starter, exercise excellent time and project management skills and manage challenging workflow and multiple assignments
• The ability to effectively develop relationships and credibility with the institutional asset management community.
• Professional maturity
• Commitment to high standards of moral and ethical behavior