Investment Officer - Quantitative Analytics

Teachers-Retirement-System-of-the-State-of-Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,720 - 227,323; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

TRS retirement pension plan

Deferred compensation plans

Job summary

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois seeks a mid-senior Investment Officer in the Investments Department. Under the Deputy CIO, you will implement quantitative models to optimize risk-adjusted returns across an ~$86B portfolio, collaborating across internal teams and external managers.

You will develop, back-test, and present analytics supporting investment decisions, with a strong focus on data-driven strategies and risk budgeting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CS, math, statistics, engineering, physics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience with quantitative modeling or portfolio management.
• Advanced proficiency in statistical modeling, data analysis, and programming (Python, R, MATLAB, SQL).
• Experience with machine learning, multivariate regression, and data analysis techniques.
• Experience with reporting and data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work well both independently and within a team environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quantitative models to analyze asset classes, optimize portfolio construction, and evaluate market opportunities and risks.
• Apply quantitative techniques to back-test investment ideas and provide ex-ante investment analysis to align portfolios with expected risk-return profiles.
• Work with investment leadership to recommend and implement risk management controls and contribute to risk budgeting across portfolios.
• Deliver analytics to monitor System investment performance, identify trends, and inform investment decisions for CIO, Deputy CIO, committees, and TRS Board.
• Collaborate with investment leadership, risk, operations, managers, consultants, and stakeholders to gather data and insights for modeling and risk assessments.
• Identify new data sources, technologies, and methodologies to improve accuracy and efficiency of quantitative models.
• Communicate complex quantitative outputs to stakeholders in clear, concise terms.

Skills

Python

R

MATLAB

SQL

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

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.It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.Mission Statement:Delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators, helping them achieve their promised retirement security.The Investments Team:The Investments team at TRS plays a critical role in advancing the System's mission by managing and monitoring more than $86.4 billion in assets in a highly specialized, performance-driven environment.Comprised of more than 30 investment professionals and continuing to grow, the team is responsible for evaluating and selecting external investment managers across the portfolio. Investments span a broad range of strategies, including public equities, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds, and private markets. The team's investment process is rigorous and highly analytical, grounded in deep qualitative and quantitative due diligence. Investment professionals engage directly with existing and prospective managers to assess performance, risk, and portfolio fit. The Investments team operates with high expectations for talent, accountability, and collaboration, where the strength of the team directly drives long-term outcomes for the System and its members.Job Summary:The Investment Officer is a mid-senior level investment professional in the Investments Department. Under the direction of the Deputy CIO, the Quantitative Analytics Officer will collaborate with the investments team and play a pivotal role in implementing the quantitative investment analysis strategy for the ~$86 billion investment portfolio of the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois. This position is responsible for coding, developing, and implementing quantitative models seeking to optimize the System’s risk-adjusted returns, and providing quantitative analysis that supports the strategic investment decisions across all asset classes. The Officer will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to the overall investment analysis strategy to ensure TRS’ long-term financial sustainability and growth.Essential Functions:Quantitative Analysis : Develop and implement quantitative models to analyze asset classes, optimize portfolio construction, and evaluate market opportunities and risks. Apply quantitative techniques to back-test investment ideas and provide ex-ante investment analysis to align portfolios with expected risk-return profiles.Risk Management : Work with investment leadership and the Director of Risk to recommend and implement risk management controls and contribute to risk budgeting across portfolios, ensuring compliance with TRS’ investment policies and procedures.Data Analytics and Reporting : Deliver analytics to monitor System investment performance, identify trends, and inform investment decisions. Present quantitative findings and recommendations to the Chief Investment Officer, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, internal investment oversight committees, and the TRS Board of Trustees as needed.Collaboration : Work closely with investment leadership, the Director of Risk, investment operations, internal investment teams, investment managers, consultants, and other stakeholders to gather data and insights needed for quantitative modeling and risk assessments.Technology and Innovation : Identify, develop, and integrate new data sources, technologies, and methodologies to improve the accuracy and efficiency of TRS’s quantitative models.Communication : Effectively communicate complex quantitative concepts and model outputs to stakeholders, including investment staff, the TRS Board of Trustees and investment leadership, in clear and concise terms.Minimum Requirements:Education :Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, or a related field is required.Experience :Minimum 6 years’ experience with quantitative modeling or quantitative investment portfolio managementSkills :Advanced proficiency in statistical modeling, data analysis, and programming (Python, R, MATLAB, SQL, etc.).Experience with machine learning, multi-variate regression and similar data analysis techniques.Experience with reporting and data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI.Ability to translate complex quantitative findings into practical investment solutions and strategies.Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work well both independently and within a team environment.Excellent organizational skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent project management skills and ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate in cross-functional teams.A curious mind, passion, and motivation to learn new skills, tools, and techniques necessary to tackle investment challenges.Please note: The salary range listed for this position is based on the Chicago, IL market. The salary range for Springfield is $126,713 - $197,672.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$145,720.00 - $227,323.00Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.BenefitsTRS 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.)