Position Vacancy Announcement

SURS is the administrator of a cost-sharing, multiple-employer, public employee retirement system that provides retirement, survivor, disability and death benefits to employees of Illinois state universities, community colleges, and certain other affiliated organizations and agencies. SURS was created in 1941, by an act of the Illinois General Assembly, and is governed by the Illinois Pension Code (40 ILCS 5/15-101 et seq.). SURS provides benefit services to over 250,000 members who work for 61 employers. SURS is responsible for investing assets in a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign stocks, bonds, real estate and alternative investments. SURS maintains a defined benefit plan, which on June 30, 2023, had assets valued at approximately $23.2 billion. SURS also administers two defined contribution plans, the Retirement Savings Plan, which on June 30, 2023, had assets of approximately $3.7 billion and the Deferred Compensation Plan, which had assets of approximately $28.5 million. Northern Trust serves as SURS’ master trustee custodian.

Position: The Investment Analyst Intern assists other Investment staff in managing SURS defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Developing a broad-based understanding of investment principles and portfolio management. This role will participate in the following types of activities:

• The evaluation and implementation of a new risk management system focusing on investment exposure and risk of public and private markets investments
• Creation and evaluation of total plan investment risk reporting and communication
• Participate in new manager selection and on-going manager evaluations
• Training on, and use of, various investment software such as Evestments, Bloomberg, and Aladdin or other risk analytics software
• Numerous projects highlighting the investment and operational activities of the investment office of a large public plan sponsor
• Assist with responses to FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests related to investments

This role will have the opportunity to gain insight into public market fixed income and equity mandates as well as private market mandates (such as real estate, infrastructure, private equity and private credit) depending on projects during the internship and interest/skills of the candidate.

Position: Investments Analyst Intern (2 positions open)

Position Type: Part-Time | In-person

Main Duties

• Support staff with risk tools (systems) and communication (potentially participate in the evaluation, selection and implementation of a new risk management system)
• Support staff with the evaluation, and monitoring of investment managers.
• Lead, with direction, project to identify opportunities for the investment team to leverage AI tools.
• Complete special projects and reports while working closely with Investment staff.
• Develop the knowledge and skill necessary for investment decision making and manager evaluation.

Required Qualifications

Interest in pursuing a career in Investments.

1. Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
2. Good oral and written skills.
3. Strong computer skills. MS Office Suite experience preferred.

Location

• This position is based at the SURS offices in Champaign, IL.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please click the apply button at the top of this job posting. Please fill out the online application and attach a copy of your resume and cover letter.