Position Summary

The Rice University Endowment is approximately $8 billion and ranks in the top 20 endowments of private research universities (by market value) in the US. The endowment is critical to the university’s ability to achieve its goals. The annual distribution from the endowment funds nearly half of the university’s annual operating budget. The Rice Management Company (RMC) is a division of Rice University with the goal of providing a stable source of funding for current university operations and to preserve and grow the purchasing power of the endowment to benefit future generations of students. The RMC is responsible for all endowment matters of the university including asset allocation, the selection and termination of investment managers and monitoring performance of the portfolio, and reporting to the Rice Management Company Board of Directors. The endowment primarily utilizes outside investment managers and invests globally across all asset classes.     

The investment associate position is a full-time, pre-MBA role. The investment associate will be actively involved in all aspects of investment and manager research for the Rice Endowment. The investment associate will report to the Investment Manager. The generalist role will allow an associate broad exposure across asset classes. Associates must have strong work ethic, attention to detail, quantitative and analytic skills, the ability to work in teams, self-motivation, good written and verbal communication skills, experience with computers, and an interest in investing. This is a two-year term appointment with the possibility of an additional third year extension.

Essential Functions

•    Assists in the monitoring of existing managers of the public and private investments portfolios  
•    Gathers data for reports and prepares reports for the routine review of asset class level performance  
•    Provides support to team and assists in the screening and due diligence process for new managers  
•    Assists with the documentation of manager due diligence process  
•    Assists with the development and maintenance of asset class models and databases 
•    Participates in investment research projects from asset allocation to security level review  
•    Assists in the preparation of materials for quarterly board meetings  
•    Provides applicable administrative support to the investment team which includes scanning, filing, meeting preparation, copying documents, creating PowerPoint presentations, and other duties  
•    Complete other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s Degree 
•    Two years of related experience as an analyst at a consulting firm, investment bank, or investment firm
•    Fundamental understanding of investment principles and financial metrics
•    Strong technical / quantitative skills with demonstrated ability to execute complex financial analysis
•    Ability to communicate effectively with senior management and investment professionals
•    Proficiency in MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
•    Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and on a collaborative basis as part of a team
•    Accuracy, attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and organizational skills
•    Team orientation and strong interest in supporting the work of a university endowment
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•    Strong work ethic and willingness to work until the task is completed successfully
•    Self-motivated, passion for learning, desire to learn about investments
•    High moral character 
•    High academic achievement
 

About Rice University

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.