Position Vacancy Announcement

Position: The Senior Investment Analyst assists other Investment staff in managing SURS defined benefit and defined contribution plans. This role will initially focus on the risk management and performance effort. The Senior Analyst will be responsible for data integrity of our performance and risk analytics tool and the creation and evaluation of risk reports. This role will also work with our custodian on performance reporting and account architecture. The Senior Analyst may also support the investment team on investment manager selection and evaluation and other projects.

This role will have the opportunity to build expertise on investment risk management, alternative investment strategies, 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 and interest/skills of the candidate.

Position: Senior Investments Analyst

Position Type: Full-time | Hybrid, Based in Champaign, IL

Main Duties

• Responsible for data management for new risk and performance analytics tool. Including: coordinating data feeds, auditing account structures, reviewing for accuracy and identifying and resolving issues.
• Crucial team member for the implementation of new analytics tool. Developing processes to support the integrity of the system.
• Assist with the creation and evaluation of total plan investment risk reporting and communication.
• Lead, with support, the creation and production of asset class specific investment risk management reporting.
• Act as subject matter expert for new risk and performance analytics tool, supporting the larger team’s understanding and use of the system.
• Coordinate reporting needs with the plan consultant and custodian, including standard and custom reports and account structure and architecture.
• Audit custodian reports and portfolio architecture.
• Act as subject matter expert on the custodian reporting tool.
• Support staff with the evaluation, and monitoring of Crisis Risk Offset investment managers, including Alternative Risk Premia, Systematic Trend Following and Long Volatility strategies.
• Complete special projects and reports while working closely with Investment staff.
• Additional responsibilities could include:
  1. Support with the monitoring and evaluation of defined contribution investments.
  2. Other support for custodian reports and account set-up.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s of Science or Bachelor’s of Arts in a related field.
2. Two years of related work experience.
3. Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
4. Good oral and written skills.
5. Strong computer skills. Microsoft Office Suite experience preferred.
6. Positive attitude and strong collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of investments and asset classes.
• Relevant experience or course work in derivatives (options, futures and SWAPS etc).
• Interest in pursuing advanced certification such as CFA, CAIA or FRM programs.

Position Information

This is a full-time position is based in Champaign, IL. This position comes with an opportunity for hybrid work. The starting salary range for this position is $72,450 - $77,256. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits, including medical, vision and dental
• Participation in SURS retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave and 10 paid holidays
• 2 additional floating holidays after 6 months of employment
• Paid Parental Leave after six months of employment
• Casual/business casual attire (dependent on job duties)
• Flexible work environment
• Free parking
• 37.5-hour standard work week
• Find more details regarding the benefits SURS offers at: SURS Employee Benefits - SURS

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.

About SURS

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 255,000 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, 2024, had assets valued at approximately $24.3 billion. SURS also administers two defined contribution plans, the Retirement Savings Plan, which on June 30, 2024, had assets of approximately $4.3 billion and the Deferred Compensation Plan, which had assets of approximately $67.4 million. Northern Trust serves as SURS’ master trustee custodian.