Analyst, Absolute Return/Fixed Income

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including over-incarceration, global climate change, nuclear risk, and significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsible and responsive democracy, as well as the strength and vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago.

MacArthur is one of the nation's largest independent foundations. Organizations supported by the Foundation work in about 50 countries. In addition to Chicago, MacArthur has offices in India and Nigeria.

Summary

The Investment team is responsible for managing the Foundation’s $8.5 billion investment portfolio. The capital is managed within a globally diversified, multi asset class portfolio with the objective of earning a 5% real return annually. This portfolio is the source of funds for the Foundation’s grant making activity and other organizational expenses.

The Analyst will be an active participant on the Absolute Return and Fixed Income team and involved in weekly meetings covering asset allocation decisions, portfolio monitoring, new investments, legal issues, etc., for the entire portfolio.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Analyst will assist in many facets of the investment process.  Typical responsibilities include:

• Evaluation of new and existing investment managers, monitoring the performance of existing investments, and assisting with the preparation of investment memos and presentations.
• Assist with investment and operational due diligence on prospective managers.
• Perform portfolio analytics and monitor performance and attribution on absolute return, fixed income, and credit investments across both public and private strategies.
• Perform an initial review of incoming investment opportunities, assist in monitoring of the current portfolio, maintain benchmarking and comparative statistics, prepare and refine a variety of quantitative analysis, and assist in various other projects including portfolio reviews and overall market research.
• Participate in manager meetings – onsite and potential travel
• Perform other duties as assigned

This is a two-year term position with the possibility for extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; coursework in finance or accounting preferred
• Excellent academic records
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Creativity and analytical ability
• Strong interest in portfolio management and institutional investment issues, along with a willingness and commitment to continually expand knowledge of the investment process, capital markets and all finance and economic related materials
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including advanced Excel skills
• Able to learn various software programs used by the Investment Department
• Able to function effectively as a team member and work independently as needed
• Thorough professionalism in all technical and non-technical aspects of the position
• Able to prioritize, and meet work deadlines consistently

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The work environment is an office setting.  Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and walking during working hours.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

The position is based in Chicago, Illinois.