Analyst, Investment Operations

University of Illinois Foundation; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness center

Hybrid work schedule

Generous pension benefits

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

Job summary

The University of Illinois Foundation seeks an Investment Operations Analyst to support a multi-asset investment portfolio, focusing on accurate data, policy adherence, and efficient operations.

You will leverage technology to manage transactions, reconciliations, and reporting while collaborating with a skilled investment team in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, with a record of strong academic achievement.
• 2–5 years of progressive experience.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Process-oriented and able to manage simultaneous projects.
• Strong work ethic and collaborative mindset.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and adeptness at learning new software/systems.

Responsibilities

• Enter transactions and valuations in the internal investment portfolio system and initiate transactions in the custodian’s trade order management system.
• Reconcile, research, and resolve trade, valuation, and performance discrepancies across systems.
• Prepare performance reporting and analytics for internal and external constituents.
• Maintain an internal database of investment documents by organizing information from investment managers.
• Monitor liquidity and fee terms; prepare cash flow projections and analyses.
• Complete subscription and redemption documents and respond to KYC/AML requests.
• Respond to surveys regarding asset allocation, fees, and performance.
• Assist with operational due diligence on new and existing investments.
• Assist with annual audit requests.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field

Tools

Trade order management system

Custodian systems

KYC/AML tools

Job description

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION

Investment Operations Analyst

The University of Illinois Foundation (Foundation) is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization of the University of Illinois (University). It works closely with alumni and friends, faculty and staff, corporations and foundations, as well as campus development professionals to create fundraising programs and opportunities that benefit the University.

The Investment Operations Analyst provides critical support to the investment team tasked with managing a multi-asset class investment portfolio. The position offers a range of responsibilities across investment operations with a keen focus on ensuring the availability of accurate and timely data and maintaining policies and procedures in accordance with best practices. The Investment Operations Analyst will leverage technology in performing primary duties and responsibilities to optimize operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for entering transactions and valuations in the internal investment portfolio system and initiating transactions in the custodian’s trade order management system.
2. Reconcile, research, and resolve any trade, valuation, and performance-related discrepancies between the internal investment portfolio system, custodian, and investment manager.
3. Prepare performance reporting and related analytics for internal and external constituents.
4. Maintain an internal database of investment documents by monitoring, downloading, and organizing information provided by investment managers.
5. Maintain liquidity and fee terms for all investments in the internal investment portfolio system and prepare cash flow projections and analysis of cash needs.
6. Complete subscription and redemption documents for review and execution and respond to KYC/AML requests.
7. Respond to various surveys regarding asset allocation, fees, and performance.
8. Assist with operational due diligence on new and existing investments.
9. Assist with annual audit requests.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, with a track record of strong academic achievement.
• 2-5 years of progressive experience.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Process-oriented and able to manage simultaneous projects.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work collaboratively.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and adeptness at learning new software/systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior investment operations experience at an endowment, foundation, pension, OCIO, investment consultant, or fund administrator is highly desirable.
• Experience with institutional investment portfolios, including exposure to performance measurement and portfolio management, is a plus.

Application Deadline: October 4, 2026

The starting salary range for this position is projected to be $66,500- $77,000 per year. While our job postings include salary ranges, your compensation will be based on your specific experience and qualifications—we're not limited by these posted ranges.

You’ll be inspired daily in our state-of-the-art, environmentally conscious workspace - a stunning LEED-certified building featuring contemporary amenities including an on-site wellness center and café with healthy dining options. We encourage work-life balance through our hybrid schedule for many positions, combining in-office collaboration with up to 2 days of remote work flexibility.

Your comprehensive benefits package includes:

• medical, vision, and dental coverage, company paid life insurance, generous vacation time including 24 days annually, and more.
• Generous pension benefits are also included.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER