Description

Position Overview: 

As an Investment Associate/Senior Investment Associate focused on Growth Strategies, you will play a pivotal role in researching markets and analyzing fund investment opportunities, with a particular focus on public equities and private capital (private equity and venture capital) within the Endowment portfolio. An Investment Associate/Senior Investment Associate will also assist the Senior Investment Director with portfolio management and program administration. This 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. This position reports to the Senior Investment Director responsible for Growth Strategies. 

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 who is ready to take ownership of complex projects and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic investment team.

This is a hybrid position with at least 3 days in the office. 

We are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for this position. However, we are able to consider candidates who currently hold H-1B status and are eligible for an H-1B transfer. 

Responsibilities:

The Investment Associate/Senior Investment Associate is involved in all stages of the investment process, from origination, due diligence, and implementation of investment opportunities to subsequent monitoring and portfolio management.

Based on qualifications and experience, the selected candidate will be hired into the appropriate job level (Investment Associate OR Senior Investment Associate). 

Existing Portfolio Monitoring & Management (50%):

Engagement with the Endowment’s existing portfolio of Growth 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
• Actively participate with existing fund managers to build and maintain relationships and knowledge of the investment process – including compilation of pre-meeting materials and accurate post-meeting notes
• Travel to attend Annual Meetings and/or ad hoc meetings with these existing fund managers as needed – serving as a representative of the Endowment

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
• Screen and evaluate new investment managers and opportunities, ability to assist in triage of inbound investment opportunities
• Deep qualitative and quantitative due diligence, performance evaluation, assessment of risk management, etc.
• Assist with the 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, Data Analysis & Operational Support (25%):

Supporting both the Senior Investment Director and the Chief Investment Officer on matters related to portfolio management

• Develop working knowledge of day-to-day activities related to Endowment’s investment operations activities and collaborate with the team on projects as needed
• Build, update and maintain models, spreadsheets and dashboards (related to portfolio, managers and underlying exposures)
• Assist in thematic research projects
• Assist in preparation of quarterly Investment Advisory Committee materials, ensuring accuracy of data and presentation
• Supporting the investment activities of the other pools of capital managed by OIB
• Various ad-hoc administrative tasks as required

Senior Investment Associate Expanded Responsibilities: 

The Senior Investment Associate is accountable for the same responsibilities outlined above. The role is differentiated from the Investment Associate not by additional duties, but by the level at which those shared responsibilities are performed:

• Carries out the responsibilities above with limited day-to-day direction and oversight, independently managing workflow, prioritization, and execution against team objectives.
• Exercises independent judgment on the more complex, ambiguous, and higher-stakes aspects of the same work — forming and substantiating independent views and engaging the Senior Investment Director selectively on matters of materiality rather than for routine direction.
• Takes greater ownership of the accuracy, quality, timeliness, and outcomes of the shared responsibilities, seeing work through to completion and standing behind the conclusions. 

About the Department:

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). OIB is driven to 1) professionally steward the University’s financial assets, producing superior risk-adjusted investment returns that provide the University with added resources to support its core objectives, and 2) deliver institutional-quality investment operations and enterprise-wide treasury management services.

OIB currently manages approximately $4.5 billion across the endowment ($2.5 billion) and operating pools ($1.9 billion), while also overseeing the defined contribution retirement plans and a miscellany of smaller pools of capital (e.g. technology commercialization fund, state-sponsored venture program, captive insurance company portfolio, bond proceeds, etc.).

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.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:  $140,000 to $230,000, depending on level, plus participation in OIB incentive compensation program

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A 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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online, through the University of Minnesota Careers Site. 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.

As part of the application process, please include a resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and relevant experience and background.

Note: The Office of Investments & Banking is currently hiring for two different positions within the investment team. Please feel free to apply for the Investment Analyst - Growth Strategies and/or the Investment Analyst - Diversifying Strategies position(s).

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. 

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements
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.

About University of Minnesota

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).

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Relevant years of Experience
  • Investment Associate: BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience.
  • Senior Investment Associate: BA/BS degree plus at least eight years of relevant experience
• Experience in any of the following asset classes: public equity, private equity or venture capital
• Progress toward or completion of a CFA, CAIA, or MBA is a plus and may be eligible to count towards the years of experience requirement
• 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.
• Solid knowledge of Excel, database tools, AI applications and other technology pertinent to analyst role
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with a small team
• Solid oral, written, and presentation skills – ability to state and support a thesis
• Strong work ethic, professional maturity
• Commitment to high standards of moral and ethical behavior