Senior Portfolio Analyst, Inflation Sensitive and Diversifying

Department

Investment Inflation Sensitive and Diversifying

About the Department

The Office of Investments manages and grows the University of Chicago’s endowment to advance UChicago’s mission of academic excellence and inquiry. Guided by the Board of Trustees Investment Committee, we actively steward one of the nation’s largest private university endowments. Emphasizing innovation and proactive sourcing, we continually seek out exceptional investment opportunities to maximize the long-term value of the endowment and support the University’s future.

Job Summary

The Office of Investments is seeking a Senior Analyst to join our collaborative investment team, working alongside portfolio managers and fellow analysts who value intellectual curiosity and teamwork. Under the guidance of senior managers, the Senior Analyst will contribute to the evaluation of new investment managers, as well as monitor and analyze manager performance. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with leading investors globally and make a direct impact on the financial strength of the University, supporting UChicago’s mission for generations to come.

We welcome experienced professionals, 2-5 years of experience, with a strong work ethic, analytical mindset, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Team orientation, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity are highly valued. For Senior Analysts interested in further education, the University provides financial support for pursuing an MBA at the Booth School of Business and the CFA Charterholder designation. This position offers the option to work remotely on Fridays, except when required on-site for manager meetings.

Responsibilities

• Assists the portfolio team under the direct supervision of the Managing Director in conducting investment analysis to inform decisions for our diversified global portfolio. 
• Supports the sourcing, research, analysis, and ongoing due diligence of external investment managers. Responsibilities include meeting with managers, conducting quantitative and risk analysis, reviewing manager reports and correspondence, and engaging in investment discussions with the team. 
• Prepares data-driven investment memos and recommendations for prospective portfolio investments by synthesizing information, applying existing analytical frameworks, and resolving routine issues using established approaches.  
• Contributes to project-based work, including liquidity analysis, fee and term assessments, portfolio company metrics, and exposure reviews. Occasionally leads the work of small project teams and provides informal guidance to junior staff as needed.
• Documents meeting notes and maintains thorough qualitative and quantitative records related to investments, continuing to build knowledge of the organization, processes, and stakeholders. 
• Networks with institutional peers and managers to stay abreast of market trends and identify potential investment opportunities.
• Collaborates with team members across asset classes to exchange best practices, refines underwriting and reporting processes, and conducts topical analyses. 
• Partners with colleagues to resolve issues promptly and efficiently. 
• Prepares presentation exhibits for the management team. Gains exposure to various asset classes through a scheduled analyst rotation.
• Supports many facets of the investment process, including the selection and monitoring of external investment specialists across asset classes.
• Sources and performs due diligence of potential new investments. Performs industry analysis to determine investment attractiveness of various investment strategies.
• While the focus will be a on primary asset class, the job will also process information on CRSP indexes, alternative investments, long-term equity, joint venture investments, or administer loans and tracking the performance of them.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications 

Education:

• Coursework in finance, economics or accounting.

Certifications:

• Work towards a CFA designation.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Proficient with Bloomberg, Cambridge Associates data and benchmarking processes.
• Proficient with data analytics. 
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office products.
• Quickly learn and adapt to new software programs utilized by the Investment Office. 

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptional analytical abilities, with a talent for interpreting complex data and collaborating with senior team members to improve analytical frameworks and uncover unique insights. 
• Excellent writing skills to draft clear and concise investment previews, memos, and meeting notes. Distill relevant facts, identify key themes or concerns, draw conclusions, and outline actionable next steps. 
• Strong verbal communication skills to effectively engage with team members, external partners, and the broader Investment Office. Comfortable switching between detailed analysis and high-level perspectives as needed. 
• Superior organizational skills, with the capacity to manage work independently, coordinate workflows, and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. 
• Exemplary work ethic, demonstrating enthusiasm for a high-volume, fast-paced investment environment. 
• Genuine interest in portfolio management and institutional investing, with intellectual curiosity and a continual desire to deepen understanding of investment processes, capital markets, decision-making, and economics.
• Function both independently and as an effective team member. 
• Unwavering professionalism to handle sensitive information discreetly, and interact with high-profile individuals while exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality.

Working Conditions

• Office setting Monday-Thursday; remote option on Friday.
• Some US travel.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required) 

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$114,750.00 - $144,450.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for In addition to the base pay posted above, this position may be eligible for incentive compensation of up to 35% of salary.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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