Analyst, Investment Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Pension benefits

Vacation time (24 days/year)

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The University of Illinois Foundation seeks an Investment Operations Analyst to provide critical support to the investment team managing a multi-asset portfolio. The role focuses on accurate data, efficient operations, and adherence to best practices, leveraging technology to optimize processes.

Typical duties include transaction entry, reconciliations, performance reporting, and due diligence. The position offers a hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility and a comprehensive benefits

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of progressive experience.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and ability to learn new software/systems.

Responsibilities

• Enter transactions and valuations in the internal investment portfolio system and initiate trades in the custodian’s trade order management system.
• Reconcile, research, and resolve trade, valuation, and performance discrepancies across systems and managers.
• Prepare performance reporting and analytics for internal and external constituents.
• Maintain an internal database of investment documents and organize information from investment managers.
• Monitor liquidity and fee terms, and 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

Teamwork

Process-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance/Economics/Accounting/Business

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