Investment Officer- Diverse and Emerging Managers

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team committed to securing retirement for Illinois educators. As an Investment Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in managing a significant portfolio, focusing on diverse and emerging managers. This position offers the chance to influence investment strategies that support underrepresented firms while ensuring competitive returns. If you're passionate about finance and diversity in asset management, this role provides an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of educators. Collaborate with industry experts and contribute to a mission-driven organization that values innovation and inclusivity.

Benefits

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Retirement Pension Plan

Deferred Compensation Plans

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of investment principles and portfolio construction.
• Strong analytical expertise and ability to evaluate investment strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage investments in diverse and emerging managers.
• Evaluate and prepare analyses for new investment opportunities.
• Build relationships with diverse and emerging managers.

Skills

Investment Analysis

Due Diligence

Portfolio Management

Relationship Management

Quantitative Analysis

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or related field

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation

Job description

Investment Officer- Diverse and Emerging Managers

Join to apply for the Investment Officer- Diverse and Emerging Managers role at Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Investment Officer- Diverse and Emerging Managers

Join to apply for the Investment Officer- Diverse and Emerging Managers role at Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.

We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.

About TRS

Founded in 1939 by the Illinois General Assembly, the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago. The System serves over 456,000 members and had assets of $74.22 billion as of February 28, 2025. TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees.

Mission Statement

Delivering expert pension service to Illinois public Educators as they earn their promised retirement security.

The Investments Team

An investments career with TRS is an opportunity to help Illinois public educators achieve their promised retirement security. The Investments team at TRS serves a critical role within TRS’ mission, as the team collectively manages and monitors over $74.22 billion in retirement assets on behalf of the System, as of February 28, 2025. The team consists of over 20 professionals that are responsible for evaluating and selecting external investment managers for the investment portfolio. Investing in a variety of strategies spanning equity, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds, and private markets asset classes, the team’s investment process includes significant qualitative and quantitative diligence. Investment professionals meet with existing and prospective managers to evaluate manager returns, risk, and fit within the portfolio. Manager exposures, track record, and other data are thoroughly analyzed within multiple systems throughout the investment process.

As part of TRS’s commitment to increasing diversity and accessibility in asset management, the System has developed a Diverse and Emerging Manager Program, now in its 20th year. This mature and well-established program is designed to identify, invest in and support diverse and early-stage asset managers across various asset classes. The program plays a critical role in TRS’s broader investment strategy by providing opportunities to historically underrepresented investment firms while generating competitive returns.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Senior Investment Officer, this role is responsible for leading, coordinating, and managing investments in diverse and emerging investment managers across multiple asset classes.

This position requires a deep understanding of investment principles, manager due diligence and portfolio construction with a particular focus diverse and emerging asset managers. This role supports TRS’s efforts to cultivate a pipeline of high-potential investment firms and ensure that diverse and emerging managers are integrated into the broader investment portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess strong investment acumen, analytical expertise, and relationship-building skills. This individual must be able to work independently and collaboratively within the team, perform thorough due diligence and make well-supported investment recommendations. The role also involves managing relationships with external managers, industry partners and stakeholders while contributing to the continued expansion and diversification of TRS’s investment portfolio.

This position requires a strong foundation in investment theory, the ability to operate effectively under pressure and excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate will bring robust quantitative expertise, a deep knowledge of global financial markets and a demonstrated ability to evaluate and propose innovative investment strategies. Additionally, the responsibilities encompass assigning and assessing the work of direct reports, conducting annual performance evaluations and implementing corrective measures when needed, as well as addressing employee concerns and feedback with a thoughtful approach.

Essential Functions

• Source, evaluate and prepare analyses and proposals for investments in new potential diverse and emerging asset managers.
• Evaluate the qualifications of prospective investment management relationships in accordance with investment policy, asset allocation directives and mix, diversification strategies and guidelines controlling risk/return characteristics for the Diverse and Emerging Manager portfolio.
• Develop and implement investment strategies that expand access and opportunities for diverse and emerging managers within the TRS portfolio.
• Research the investment performance and portfolio characteristics of existing and prospective investment management relationships and asset class structures.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on investment opportunities, portfolio performance, and program progress for internal investment committees and the TRS Board of Trustees.
• Proactively research investment approaches, asset mixes, and portfolio management techniques to provide potential incremental return to TRS’s individual assets and at the total fund level.
• Engage and build relationships with diverse and emerging managers, industry organizations, consultants and peer institutions to enhance TRS’s manager sourcing efforts.
• Collaborate with TRS’s asset class teams to integrate diverse and emerging manager investments into the broader portfolio.
• Represent TRS in industry events, conferences and advisory boards to promote the System’s commitment to diversity in asset management.
• Assist with the development and implementation of TRS’s diversity score methodology and other program initiatives aimed at assessing and tracking diversity within investment portfolios.
• Manage internal reviews of documentation and provide logistical leadership for the relevant oversight committee.
• Assist with developing the skillsets of investment analysts within the investment program.
• Continue professional development, as prudent.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to positively represent the organization with external constituents
• Builds and manages effective teams
• Develops and delivers effective presentations
• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or related field is required
• A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or credible progress toward earning the CFA charter is preferred
• Requires a minimum of five (5) years of investment experience, ideally focused on emerging and early-stage managers
• A background in due diligence and sourcing is preferred
  
  

If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.

For Illinois Job Seekers

Pay Range

$120,255.00 - $187,598.00

Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.

Benefits

TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.)

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance and Sales

• Industries

  Government Administration

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