Job Description

Join to apply for the Investment Officer- Private Equity role at Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

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Join to apply for the Investment Officer- Private Equity role at Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Direct message the job poster from 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 approximately $74.4 billion as of April 30, 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 mission, as the team collectively manages and monitors over $74.4 billion in retirement assets on behalf of the System as of April 30, 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 teams 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

This is an exciting opportunity to join the dedicated private equity team of a large institutional investor with over $12 billion in private equity investments deployed globally across buyouts, growth equity, venture capital, and co-investments. The Systems private equity program currently has a target allocation of 15% of overall plan assets. The Investment Officer is a mid-senior level investment professional in the Investments Department. Under the direction of senior investment staff, the Investment Officer leads and monitors investments within the private equity portfolio. The teams relatively small size and dynamic decision-making process will enable the selected candidate to make impactful contributions early in his or her tenure.

The candidate 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. The incumbent must be able to function effectively in stressful situations and possess a high degree of skill in both oral and written communications.

Essential Functions

• Source, evaluate, execute, and monitor new primary fund and co-investment commitments across the Systems private equity portfolio with emphasis on the buyout space
• Lead and strengthen select manager relationships within the program, including facilitating co-investment opportunities and representing TRS on investment advisory boards
• Evaluate the qualifications of prospective investment management relationships in accordance with the Systems investment policy, asset allocation directives, diversification strategies, and guidelines controlling risk/return characteristics for private equity portfolio
• Develop and present formal investment recommendations and other related materials on behalf of the Systems internal investment committees
• Evaluate performance and portfolio characteristics to ensure compliance with the directives of the TRS Board of Trustees regarding investment objectives and constraints
• Monitor existing investments and contribute to portfolio decision-making
• Assist Emerging Manager program staff, as necessary, in preparing analyses, due diligence, evaluations and proposals for administering emerging manager investment activity
• Assist with developing and mentoring investment analysts
• Support department initiatives pertaining to policies, technology, and other cross-functional efforts
• Travel up to 25% of the time to attend GP meetings, diligence sessions, and industry conferences
• Perform other duties as assigned or required in a dynamic and evolving environment

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Self-motivated
• Passion for investments
• Ability to positively represent the organization with external constituents
• Experience with financial tools a plus (i.e. Bloomberg, FactSet, Pitchbook, PowerBI)
• Develops and delivers effective written and oral presentations
• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, team orientation, and commitment to continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelors degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, or related field
• Advanced degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, or related field is preferred
• Four years of investment or related experience with exposure to the private equity industry preferred
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designation or progress toward earning either is preferred
• Background in private equity due diligence and sourcing is preferred

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

$120,255.00 - $187,598.00

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

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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

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Job Tags

Full time, Part time, Local area,

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