Job Summary

The Investment Officer is a mid-senior level investment professional in the Investments Department. Under the direction of senior Investment staff, the Investment Officer assists in coordinating and monitoring investments of the Teachers’ Retirement System within a particular asset class.

The Investment Officer is a key member of an investment team responsible management of the System’s $65 billion in assets. The incumbent must be able to work independently, conduct thorough analysis and due diligence, and produce quantifiable recommendations supported by this research. This position requires a thorough knowledge of general investment theory, with particular emphasis on the asset class to which they are assigned. At the same time, the incumbent is expected to work with professionals across all asset classes to ensure effective management of the total portfolio. The incumbent must be able to function within stressful situations and possess a high degree of skill in both oral and written communications.

Investment Officers at TRS work in one of the following asset classes:

• Public Equity – Domestic & International Equities
• Global Income – including public income investments and private credit
• Private Equity – including buyout, venture capital, distressed debt and co-investment program
• Real Assets – including direct real estate, private equity real estate and infrastructure
• Diversifying Strategies – other alternatives seeking low correlation to traditional asset classes

Essential Functions

• Help source, evaluate, and prepare analyses and proposals for investments in new investment managers and structures.
• Evaluate the qualifications of prospective investment management relationships in accordance with investment policy, asset allocation directives and mix, diversification strategies and guidelines controlling risk/return characteristics for the private equity portfolio.
• Research the investment performance and portfolio characteristics of existing and prospective investment management relationships and asset class structures.
• Evaluate performance and portfolio characteristics to assure compliance with the directives of the Trustees regarding investment objectives and constraints.
• Prepare statistical and narrative reports regarding investment portfolios, market factors, alternative investment prospects, and investment industry practices.
• Proactively research investment approaches, asset mixes, and portfolio management techniques to provide for potential incremental return to TRS’s individual assets and at the total fund level.
• Interact at the highest level with outside managers in direct management of the relationship to help facilitate co-investments.
• Represent TRS on partnership advisory panels and within the industry.
• Manage internal review of documentation and provide logistical leadership for the relevant internal investment committee.
• Assist emerging manager program staff, as necessary, in preparing analyses, due diligence, evaluations and proposals for administering emerging manager investment activity
• Assist in mentoring and developing the skillsets of investment analysts within the investment program.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or related field is required
• A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or credible progress toward earning the CFA charter is preferred
• Requires a minimum of two years of investment experience, ideally focused within the particular asset class
• A background in due diligence and sourcing is preferred