Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois
Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
Join to apply for the
Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
role at
Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
Join to apply for the
Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
role at
Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.
We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.
About TRS
Founded in 1939 by the Illinois General Assembly, the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago. The System serves over 456,000 members and had assets of $75.7 billion as of May 31,2025. TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees.
Mission Statement
Delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.
The Investments Team
An investments career with TRS is an opportunity to help Illinois public educators achieve their promised retirement security. The Investments team at TRS serves a critical role within TRS’s mission, as the team collectively manages and monitors over $75.7 billion in retirement assets on behalf of the System, as of May 31, 2025. The team consists of over 38 professionals that are responsible for evaluating and selecting external investment managers for the investment portfolio. Investing in a variety of strategies spanning equity, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds, and private markets asset classes, the team’s investment process includes significant qualitative and quantitative diligence. Investment professionals meet with existing and prospective managers to evaluate manager returns, risk, and fit within the portfolio. Manager exposures, track record, and other data are thoroughly analyzed within multiple systems throughout the investment process.
Job Summary
The Senior Investment Officer is a senior level investment professional in the Investments Department. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Investment Officer, the Senior Investment Officer assists in leading, coordinating and managing investments within the Teachers’ Retirement System’s Diversifying Strategies portfolio, which comprises more than $4 billion in assets.
This role requires a comprehensive understanding of overarching investment principles, with a specific focus on hedge fund investments like trend following, long volatility, global macro, and relative value fixed income hedge funds. The Diversifying Strategies portfolio plays a critical role investing in risk mitigating hedge fund strategies that support the System’s ability to rebalance, meet benefit obligations, and fund capital calls, particularly during periods of market stress. The role requires an individual who can work both independently and within a team, perform comprehensive analysis and due diligence, and deliver actionable recommendations backed by solid research.
This position requires a strong foundation in investment theory, the ability to operate effectively under pressure, and excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate will bring robust quantitative expertise, a deep knowledge of global financial markets, and a demonstrated ability to evaluate and propose innovative investment strategies. Additionally, the responsibilities encompass assigning and assessing the work of direct reports, conducting annual performance evaluations, and implementing corrective measures when needed, as well as addressing employee concerns and feedback with a thoughtful approach.
Essential Functions
Source, evaluate, and prepare analyses and proposals for investments in new potential 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 Diversifying Strategies 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 ensure compliance with the directives of the TRS Board of Trustees regarding investment objectives and constraints. Prepare statistical and narrative reports regarding the investment portfolios within the diversified strategy asset class, market factors, alternative investment prospects, and investment industry practices. Proactively research investment approaches, asset mixes, and portfolio management techniques to provide 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 reviews of documentation and provide logistical leadership for the relevant oversight committee within the Diversifying Strategies asset class. Assist Emerging Manager program staff, as necessary, in preparing analyses, due diligence, evaluations and proposals for administering emerging manager investment activity Assist with developing the skillsets of investment analysts within the investment program. Continue professional development, as prudent. Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Ability to positively represent the organization with external constituents Builds and manages effective teams Develops and delivers effective presentations Demonstrated analytical skills Maintains a high degree of professionalism
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 five (5) years of investment experience, ideally focused on hedge fund investments A background in due diligence and sourcing is preferred.
This position may be based in either Chicago, IL, or Springfield, IL. Please note that salary ranges vary by location. The range provided below reflects the Springfield market and may be adjusted to account for the cost of living in Chicago. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and the selected work location.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.
For Illinois Job Seekers
Pay Range
$185,314.00 - $289,089.00
Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.
Benefits
TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.) Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Finance and Sales Industries Government Administration Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois by 2x Inferred from the description for this job
Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Paid maternity leave Paid paternity leave Tuition assistance Pension plan Disability insurance Get notified about new Senior Investment Officer jobs in
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Join to apply for the
Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
role at
Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
Join to apply for the
Senior Investment Officer-Diversifying Strategies
role at
Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois It is inspiring to work in an organization where individuals are deeply committed to the mission and values that drive our success.
We are dedicated to delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.
About TRS
Founded in 1939 by the Illinois General Assembly, the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) is one of the largest pension systems in the United States. We provide retirement, disability and survivor benefits to teachers, administrators and other public-school personnel employed outside the city of Chicago. The System serves over 456,000 members and had assets of $75.7 billion as of May 31,2025. TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees.
Mission Statement
Delivering expert pension service to Illinois public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.
The Investments Team
An investments career with TRS is an opportunity to help Illinois public educators achieve their promised retirement security. The Investments team at TRS serves a critical role within TRS’s mission, as the team collectively manages and monitors over $75.7 billion in retirement assets on behalf of the System, as of May 31, 2025. The team consists of over 38 professionals that are responsible for evaluating and selecting external investment managers for the investment portfolio. Investing in a variety of strategies spanning equity, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds, and private markets asset classes, the team’s investment process includes significant qualitative and quantitative diligence. Investment professionals meet with existing and prospective managers to evaluate manager returns, risk, and fit within the portfolio. Manager exposures, track record, and other data are thoroughly analyzed within multiple systems throughout the investment process.
Job Summary
The Senior Investment Officer is a senior level investment professional in the Investments Department. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief Investment Officer, the Senior Investment Officer assists in leading, coordinating and managing investments within the Teachers’ Retirement System’s Diversifying Strategies portfolio, which comprises more than $4 billion in assets.
This role requires a comprehensive understanding of overarching investment principles, with a specific focus on hedge fund investments like trend following, long volatility, global macro, and relative value fixed income hedge funds. The Diversifying Strategies portfolio plays a critical role investing in risk mitigating hedge fund strategies that support the System’s ability to rebalance, meet benefit obligations, and fund capital calls, particularly during periods of market stress. The role requires an individual who can work both independently and within a team, perform comprehensive analysis and due diligence, and deliver actionable recommendations backed by solid research.
This position requires a strong foundation in investment theory, the ability to operate effectively under pressure, and excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate will bring robust quantitative expertise, a deep knowledge of global financial markets, and a demonstrated ability to evaluate and propose innovative investment strategies. Additionally, the responsibilities encompass assigning and assessing the work of direct reports, conducting annual performance evaluations, and implementing corrective measures when needed, as well as addressing employee concerns and feedback with a thoughtful approach.
Essential Functions
Source, evaluate, and prepare analyses and proposals for investments in new potential 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 Diversifying Strategies 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 ensure compliance with the directives of the TRS Board of Trustees regarding investment objectives and constraints. Prepare statistical and narrative reports regarding the investment portfolios within the diversified strategy asset class, market factors, alternative investment prospects, and investment industry practices. Proactively research investment approaches, asset mixes, and portfolio management techniques to provide 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 reviews of documentation and provide logistical leadership for the relevant oversight committee within the Diversifying Strategies asset class. Assist Emerging Manager program staff, as necessary, in preparing analyses, due diligence, evaluations and proposals for administering emerging manager investment activity Assist with developing the skillsets of investment analysts within the investment program. Continue professional development, as prudent. Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
Ability to positively represent the organization with external constituents Builds and manages effective teams Develops and delivers effective presentations Demonstrated analytical skills Maintains a high degree of professionalism
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 five (5) years of investment experience, ideally focused on hedge fund investments A background in due diligence and sourcing is preferred.
This position may be based in either Chicago, IL, or Springfield, IL. Please note that salary ranges vary by location. The range provided below reflects the Springfield market and may be adjusted to account for the cost of living in Chicago. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications and the selected work location.
If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.
For Illinois Job Seekers
Pay Range
$185,314.00 - $289,089.00
Compensation will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of each candidate.
Benefits
TRS is an agency of the State of Illinois. As such, full and part-time employees are eligible for the State of Illinois comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental and vision coverage. All employees participate in the TRS retirement pension plan and have the option to contribute to additional State of Illinois deferred compensation plans. The TRS pension plan is a reciprocal system to other state and local pension plans (SERS, SURS, IMRF, etc.) Seniority level
Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type
Employment type Full-time Job function
Job function Finance and Sales Industries Government Administration Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois by 2x Inferred from the description for this job
Medical insurance Vision insurance 401(k) Paid maternity leave Paid paternity leave Tuition assistance Pension plan Disability insurance Get notified about new Senior Investment Officer jobs in
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Chicago, IL $190,000.00-$225,000.00 1 week ago Senior Trade & Investment Officer – Financial and Professional Services
Greater Chicago Area $112,770.00-$193,320.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $99,600.00-$169,200.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $122,548.00-$208,711.00 1 week ago Chicago, IL $99,600.00-$169,200.00 1 week ago Chicago, IL $88,800.00-$165,600.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $71,000.00-$110,000.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $122,400.00-$228,000.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $100,450.00-$206,640.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $150,000.00-$200,000.00 2 weeks ago Chicago, IL $88,800.00-$165,600.00 6 days ago Business Analyst Contract - Investment Management - Chicago
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