Investment Analyst

Investment Analyst

Department: Investments

Reports to: Senior Director and Head of Private Investments

FLSA Status: Exempt

This position will be based out of the Lawrence Kansas office.

*Note: This position will be filled at the Investment Analyst or Senior Analyst level commensurate with the successful candidates experience and qualifications.

Who we are and what were about:

KU Endowment is an independent nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas. We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

The eight-person Investment Office at KU Endowment is responsible for asset allocation manager research and risk management for approximately $3.5 billion in investment assets including $2.5 billion in endowed assets. Endowed assets are managed through a pooled vehicle the Long-term Investment Program (LTIP). In addition to endowed funds the team is responsible for an expendable short-term fund plus defined benefit defined contribution planned giving and other investment assets. Members of the investment team are also co-leading two real estate ventures: a recently opened 200-unit apartment complex in Kansas City The Hudson and a 30-acre grocery-anchored mixed-use project in Lawrence The Crossing at KU.

As an employee of KU Endowment youll witness firsthand the power of our donors generosity. You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends. This support fuels excellence enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university. We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students faculty and programs and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited. Lives are changed.

What we are looking for:

Reporting to the Head of Private Investments this role will primarily support the oversight of >$700 million private equity and venture capital portfolio. However the analyst may also contribute as a generalist across other asset classes supporting two investment directors who are responsible for public equities credit and alternative strategies.

The Investment Analyst will play an integral role in portfolio analysis manager due diligence and ongoing monitoring of investment managers. Together with the Head of Private Investments the analyst will lead the selection and implementation of new analytical tools and resources to enhance Endowments private markets program. While the primary focus is on investment-related responsibilities the analyst may also support back-office functions as needed.

The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowments stated core values collaboration curiosity empowerment and excellence and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities.

Whats a typical day look like

Assist in sourcing screening and evaluating private equity and venture capital managers by conducting both quantitative and qualitative due diligence including performance analysis and reference calls.

Monitor investment performance exposures and risk metrics across private investments and maintain internal databases and dashboards to track pipeline activity and highlight trends.

Prepare performance reports benchmarking studies and contribute to the preparation of materials for Investment Committee meetings.

Conduct thematic and market research on macroeconomic trends industry developments and emerging investment strategies relevant to private markets.

Identify and implement process improvements and technology solutions to enhance investment workflows data management and reporting capabilities.

Support asset allocation modeling liquidity forecasting and commitment pacing analysis to inform portfolio construction and strategic planning.

Occasional travel may be required for manager meetings site visits or industry events.

Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Whats required to be considered:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in finance accounting economics or a related field.

Candidates should have 15 years of relevant experience in institutional asset management ideally within an endowment foundation pension fund family office OCIO consultant investment management firm or investment banking environment.

KU Endowment is open to hiring either an entry-level analyst or a more experienced candidate at the senior analyst level depending on experience and qualifications.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office Suite tools is expected.

Familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and applications is a plus.

Possession or progression toward Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

What separates the best from the rest

• The successful candidate demonstrates a strong passion for financial markets and investing with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• They possess a solid foundation in corporate finance and valuation and can apply quantitative analysis to develop investment theses and communicate insights clearly.
• They are intellectually curious with critical reasoning skills and sound judgment and consistently ask thoughtful insightful questions.
• They are a motivated self-starter and problem-solver who delivers high-quality work under tight deadlines and with minimal supervision.
• They thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• They work effectively as part of a small diverse and collaborative team contributing to a collegial and professional culture.
• They are adaptable and responsive to changing priorities often contributing beyond the direct scope of their responsibilities.
• They demonstrate high moral character and professionalism in all interactions both internally and externally.
• They are proficient in Microsoft Office particularly Excel and have a strong aptitude for quantitative analysis and data interpretation as well as the internal drive to experiment with new AI tools.

Physical Requirements:

• A valid drivers license.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training manager meetings networking events and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers keyboards and a mouse laptops phones photocopiers filing cabinets and fax machines.
• This is largely a sedentary role; however some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with colleagues students and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting light-up to 20 pounds regularly and medium-up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Occasional travel (up to 15%) requirements can include evenings weekends and out of town overnight trips as a regular part of the job.

KU Endowment is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job as regulated by ADA. If you require accommodation for any part of the application process or during employment please contact to discuss your needs.

Weve got you covered:

KU Endowment offers a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package including:

100% employer-paid pension plan

Health dental and vision insurance

401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program

Section 125 flexible benefits

Generous paid leave including holidays personal and sick leave

Volunteer and community engagement opportunities

Paid Parental Leave

Life AD&D short- and long-term disability insurance

Legal & ID Theft protection

Critical Illness

Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance

KU education assistance

Free parking

Sounds good right Whats next

Please include your resume and cover letter when applying for this position on our website at regarding this vacancy may be addressed to:

Human Resources
KU Endowment

PO Box 928
Lawrence KS 66044-0928
Email:

Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled. Because of the sensitive nature of KU Endowment business and the importance of our reputation with donors KU Endowment conducts a comprehensive review of applicants. By submitting your application you authorize us to conduct reference checks and a review of available public information. Employment is contingent upon background and reference checks that KU Endowment finds acceptable.