Analyst, Investments

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA, invites applicants for a two-year Analyst, Investments program starting June 2027. This full-time role offers a rotational experience within the Office of Investment Management, exposing you to global markets, asset allocation, and investment strategies while collaborating with senior staff.

Ideal candidates are graduates with strong analytical and communication skills, eager to learn, and ready to contribute in a fiduciary environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree; strong academic record.
• Interest in investment management and asset allocation.
• Ability to analyze data and present insights clearly.
• Wamiliarity with financial markets and research methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform asset class reviews, portfolio analysis, and monitor investments.
• Conduct market research across global public and private markets.
• Support investment decision making with economic analyses and trends.
• Assist senior staff on special projects.
• Contribute to investment risk discussions and reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Independent work

Communication

Team collaboration

Learning mindset

Critical thinking

Quantitative analysis

Comfort with ambiguity

CFA/CAIA interest

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Copilot

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS The Opportunity

If you are looking to belong to an organization that is focused on education, research, and impacting the world, you may be interested in this career opportunity. Penn State’s multi-billion dollar Long Term Investment Pool (LTIP) is a diversified program invested across a variety of asset classes and strategies. The Office of Investment Management (OIM), together with Penn State Investment Council (appointed by the University’s Board of Trustees), are charged with managing the LTIP for current and future program spending while preserving the long-term purchasing power of the overall portfolio. Wisely investing funds for Penn State will support future generations through education, while also contributing to the growth and development of Penn State. OIM has an ongoing two year investment analyst program intended to prepare graduates for a successful career in investing. If you have a desire to learn about institutional investing, this entry level position will provide a solid foundation for your future while continuing to benefit from and contribute to the Penn State community. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more about our team and how we support the university at our website. https://oim.psu.edu/

Hybrid Work Arrangements

We embrace a flexible hybrid work model designed to balance collaboration and autonomy. For this role, the analyst is required to work onsite at our State College office three days per week, with the remaining two days offering the flexibility to work either onsite or from another location.

Position Summary

We are seeking candidates to join our two-year program starting in June of 2027. The position is open to graduating students. The Analyst, Investments position is a full-time, term role intended to provide a two-year rotational program within the Penn State Office of Investment Management providing an excellent opportunity to gain experience in institutional asset management and exposure to the global markets including both public and private investment strategies. The position reports to the Managing Director, Investments, supporting and interacting with the entire team. This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and challenging work environment. As a member of OIM, you will be joining a team of individuals in a collaborative, team environment focused on continual learning while meaningfully impacting Penn State.

What we will provide

The Analyst will be an important part of the institutional investment process and gain broad exposure to capital markets, asset allocation, investment strategies, portfolio construction, and investment manager selection. Investment Analysts work directly with senior staff, meet and interact with some of the world’s leading investment managers, and help identify investment opportunities. Analysts enjoy early responsibility and have a seat at the table from day one. (This role will not provide opportunities to analyze and manage portfolios of individual securities.) A successful individual in this position will obtain the skills and experience providing a solid foundation for a career in investment management, and receive appropriate training and mentoring needed for this role and development into a successful investment professional.

Responsibilities of the Analyst, Investments

• Investment Analysis Perform asset class reviews, portfolio analysis, and monitoring of existing investments.
• Investment Research Perform market surveillance and investment research across global public markets as well as a wide range of private investment strategies, geographies, and sectors.
• Impact the investment decision making process by contributing insights resulting from evaluation of economic research, investment market environments, psychology of investors, and trends.
• Assist with special projects assigned by senior staff.
• Risk Management Assist with defining investment risk exposures and evaluating investment risks at the aggregate portfolio level.
• Contribute to investment risk discussions within the investment office.
• Communications Create and maintain investment reports, databases, and presentations.
• Contribute to the internal dialogue with the entire investment team to enhance the investment process.
• Due Diligence Participate in investment strategy/manager due diligence as well as assisting with operational due diligence.
• Governance Adhere to the values of the University and act as a fiduciary. Contribute to the process to improve and update investment policy statements.

Expected Competencies – Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a dynamic individual that will challenge and assist in the evolution of our investment beliefs. Intellectual curiosity and a passion for learning about investing are necessary. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well as in a collaborative environment with a diverse team.

• A desire to learn about investment strategies, including the principles of asset allocation, endowment management, and macroeconomic theories
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to incorporate quantitative and qualitative factors
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with emphasis on Excel, Copilot, PowerPoint
• Aptitude in learning third-party software for investment analysis
• Familiarity with gathering, analyzing and visualizing data or desire to develop skills
• Resourcefulness in managing multiple tasks; advancing projects from ideas to outcomes on a timely basis
• Comfort with basic statistics
• An interest in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) programs
• The temperament to deal with ambiguity
• A balance of confidence and humility
• The ability to constructively challenge and respectfully debate topics, quickly synthesize information, and articulate ideas with a diverse audience
• Elevated level of professionalism with excellent organizational, communication and critical thinking skills

Requirements to express interest

Please note that a resume and cover letter are required as part of this application. All application materials must be uploaded at the time of application, as you will not be able to update your application once you hit submit. Consider joining Penn State where you would enjoy a generous benefits package from the first day on the job! Benefits also include CFA or CAIA program support. Example of equivalency - Associate's degree plus 4 years of related experience, in lieu of the Bachelor’s only requirement. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $137,280.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.