Investment Operations Analyst

CFA Institute; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Wellness center

On-site café

Medical, vision, dental coverage

Pension benefits

Vacation 24 days

Job summary

The University of Illinois Foundation in Illinois is seeking an Investment Operations Analyst to support the investment team that manages a multi-asset portfolio. The role focuses on accurate data, policy adherence, and using technology to optimize operations.

Responsibilities include trade entry, reconciliation, reporting, and due diligence support, with a collaborative team and a hybrid work schedule that allows remote work several days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field with strong academic record.
• 2–5 years progressive experience.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical capabilities.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Collaborative work ethic and strong communication.
• Advanced Excel skills and quick learner of new software.

Responsibilities

• Enter transactions and valuations in internal systems and initiate trades in custodian systems.
• Reconcile discrepancies among internal systems, custodians, and managers.
• Prepare performance reporting and analytics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain an internal database of investment documents and organize information.
• Monitor liquidity and fees; prepare cash flow projections.
• Complete subscription/redemption documentation and respond to KYC/AML requests.
• Respond to surveys on asset allocation, fees, and performance.
• Assist with due diligence on new/existing investments.
• Support annual audit processes.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Quantitative skills

Process-oriented

Team collaboration

Excel proficiency

Learning new software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION

has an immediate opening for an

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. We invest in your present and future wellbeing, providing the support you need to succeed.

Application Process: For full consideration for the role, all candidates must complete an online application and include a cover letter and resume. Candidates may create a profile through https://jobs.uif.uillinois.edu. For further information regarding application procedures, contact Foundation Human Resources at [e-mail].

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER