Investment Analyst - Diversifying Strategies

Position Overview

As an Investment Analyst/Investment Associate focused on Diversifying Strategies, you will play a pivotal role in researching markets and analyzing fund and co-investment opportunities, with an exclusive focus on the credit, hedge fund, and real assets markets. Investment analysts also assist more senior investment personnel with portfolio management and program administration. This position involves applying advanced financial analysis, market research, and investment modeling to real-world decisions, while collaborating closely with team members to deliver strategic insights and achieve portfolio objectives. This position reports to the Senior Investment Director responsible for Diversifying Strategies.

You'll conduct macro-level research, assist with fund due diligence, and contribute to investment recommendations and monitoring activities. We're seeking a detail-oriented, analytical professional with 5+ years of work experience who is ready to take ownership of complex projects and contribute meaningfully to a dynamic investment team.

This is a hybrid position with at least 3 days in the office.

We are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for this position. However, we are able to consider candidates who currently hold H-1B status and are eligible for an H-1B transfer.

Responsibilities
The Investment Analyst/Investment Associate is involved in all stages of the investment process from origination, due diligence, and implementation of investment opportunities, to subsequent monitoring and portfolio management:

Based on qualifications and experience, the selected candidate will be hired into the appropriate job level (Investment Analyst OR Investment Associate).

Portfolio Management (50%):

• Engagement with the Endowment's existing portfolio of Private Credit, Hedge Fund, and Real Asset fund managers as part of the ongoing monitoring and due diligence process
  • Reviewing quarterly reports, statements, newsletters to maintain a robust knowledge of the drivers of investment performance within each underlying fund position.
  • Meeting with these existing fund managers on a regular basis to build and maintain relationships and knowledge of the investment process-including compilation of pre-meeting
    materials and accurate post-meeting notes
  • Travel to attend Annual Meetings and/or ad hoc meetings with these existing fund managers as needed

New Investment Sourcing and Underwriting (25%):

• Supporting the Senior Investment Director in the identification and evaluation of prospective new investment opportunities.
  • Market mapping and peer networking
  • Screen and evaluate new investment managers and opportunities, ability to assist in triage of inbound investment opportunities
  • Deep qualitative and quantitative due diligence, performance evaluation, assessment of risk management, etc.
  • Assist with the drafting of Investment Memos for presentation to the rest of the Investment Team alongside the Senior Investment Director.
  • Coordination with Middle and Back office functions to complete investments and establish ongoing monitoring processes.

Portfolio Analysis (25%):

• Supporting both the Senior Investment Director and the Chief Investment Officer on matters related to portfolio management:
  • Exposure analysis
  • Thematic research projects
  • Risk reporting
  • Preparation of quarterly Investment Advisory Committee materials
  • Various ad-hoc administrative tasks as required
  • Supporting the investment activities of the other pools of capital managed by OIB

Investment Associate Expanded Responsibilities:
The Investment Associate is accountable for the same responsibilities outlined above. The role is differentiated from the Analyst not by additional duties, but by the level at which those shared responsibilities are performed:

• Carries out the responsibilities above with limited day-to-day direction and oversight, independently managing workflow, prioritization, and execution against team objectives.
• Exercises independent judgment on the more complex, ambiguous, and higher-stakes aspects of the same work - forming and substantiating independent views and engaging the Senior Investment Director selectively on matters of materiality rather than for routine direction.
• Takes greater ownership of the accuracy, quality, timeliness, and outcomes of the shared responsibilities, seeing work through to completion and standing behind the conclusions.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant Years of Experience
  • Investment Analyst: BA/BS plus at least five years of relevant experience
  • Investment Associate: BA/BS degree plus at least six years of relevant experience
• Experience in any of the following asset classes: hedge funds, credit, real assets
• Progress toward or completion of a CFA, CAIA, or MBA is a plus and may be eligible to count towards the years of experience requirement
• Strong interest in the investment industry, portfolio theory, and the global capital markets
• Strong intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and data-driven approach to analysis
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Experience in conducting research and organizing findings.
• Solid knowledge of Excel, database tools, AI applications and other technology pertinent to the analyst role.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work closely with a small team
• Solid oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Unquestionable ethics and integrity.

The University of Minnesota is the state's land-grant University and one of the nation's most prestigious public research universities. We're ranked by Forbes as a Best Employer by State and currently have an extraordinary opportunity within the Office of Investments & Banking (OIB). OIB is driven to 1) professionally steward the University's financial assets, producing superior risk-adjusted investment returns that provide the University with added resources to support its core objectives, and 2) deliver institutional-quality investment operations and enterprise-wide treasury management services.

OIB currently manages approximately $4.5 billion across the endowment ($2.5 billion) and operating pools ($1.9 billion), while also overseeing the defined contribution retirement plans and a miscellany of smaller pools of capital (e.g. technology commercialization fund, state-sponsored venture program, captive insurance company portfolio, bond proceeds, etc.).

The University's Endowment portfolio follows a modified version of the "endowment model" and makes heavy use of alternative investment strategies to achieve its fiduciary objectives. The portfolio as a whole includes allocations to fixed income, private credit, hedge funds, real assets, private equity, active public equity, and venture capital.

Pay Range: $117,000 - $193,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

As part of the application process, please include a resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in the position and relevant experience and background.

Note: The Office of Investments & Banking is currently hiring for two different positions within the investment team. Please feel free to apply for the Investment Analyst - Growth Strategies and/or the Investment Analyst - Diversifying Strategies position(s). If you have any questions relating to the position or process, please contact Anna Griebel, our University of Minnesota Talent Acquisition Specialist, at grieb070@umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.