Analyst, Absolute Return/Fixed Income (MF)

MacArthur Foundation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MacArthur Foundation in Chicago seeks an Analyst on the Absolute Return/Fixed Income team to help evaluate managers, monitor investments and participate in weekly asset allocation discussions. The role involves due diligence on prospective managers, portfolio analytics for absolute return and credit strategies, and supporting market research and portfolio reviews.

Strong analytical ability, Excel skills and clear communication are essential to contribute to the Foundation's long‑term,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; coursework in finance or accounting preferred.
• Excellent academic records.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Creativity and analytical ability.
• Strong interest in portfolio management and institutional investment issues, with willingness to continually expand knowledge of the investment process.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including advanced Excel skills; able to learn various software used by the Investment Department.
• Able to function effectively as a team member and work independently as needed.
• Thorough professionalism in all technical and non-technical aspects of the position.
• Able to prioritize and meet work deadlines consistently.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate new and existing investment managers, monitor performance, and assist with investment memos and presentations.
• Assist with investment and operational due diligence on prospective managers.
• Perform portfolio analytics and monitor performance on absolute return and fixed income/credit investments, both public and private strategies.
• Perform initial review of incoming investment opportunities, assist in monitoring the current portfolio, benchmark and statistics, and support market research and portfolio reviews.
• Participate in manager meetings – onsite and potential travel.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Financial analysis

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Bloomberg Terminal

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Analyst, Absolute Return/Fixed Income (MF)

Posted on May 05, 2019

The MacArthur Foundation’s investment team is responsible for managing the Foundation’s $6.4 billion investment portfolio. The money is managed in a globally diversified/multi asset class portfolio with the objective of earning a 5% real return annually. This portfolio is the source of funds for the Foundation’s grant making activity and other organizational expenses. The Analyst will be an active participant on the Absolute Return/ Fixed Income team and involved in weekly meetings covering asset allocation decisions, portfolio monitoring, new investments, legal issues, etc., for the entire endowment.

Job Description

The Analyst will assist in many facets of the investment process. Typical responsibilities include:

• Evaluation of new and existing investment managers, monitoring the performance of existing investments, and assisting with the preparation of investment memos and presentations
• Assist with investment and operational due diligence on prospective managers.
• Perform portfolio analytics and monitor performance on absolute return and fixed income /credit investments, both public and private strategies.
• Perform initial review of incoming investment opportunities (strategies, sectors, geographies), assist in monitoring of the current portfolio, maintain benchmarking and comparative statistics, prepare and refine a variety of quantitative analysis, as well as assist in various other projects including portfolio reviews and overall market research.
• Participate in manager meeting – onsite and potential travel
• Perform other duties as assigned

This is a two-year term position with the possibility for extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; coursework in finance or accounting preferred
• Excellent academic records
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Creativity and analytical ability
• Strong interest in pottfolio management and institutional investment issues, along with a willingness and commitment to continually expand their knowledge of the investment process, capital markets and all finance and economic related materials
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including advanced Excel skillsAble to learn various software programs used by the Investment Department
• Able to function effectively as a team member and work independently as needed
• Thorough professionalism in all technical and non-technical aspects of the position
• Able to prioritize, and meet work deadlines consistently