Senior Investment Analyst - Lynchburg, United States - Liberty University

Description

The Senior Investment Analyst will support Liberty University's Chief Investment Officer and the senior investment team in the management of Liberty's endowment assets. As part of a small investment team, the Sr. analyst will have the exposure to develop generalist skills for the overall endowment and develop expertise in alternative assets (i.e., private equity, private credit, real assets) over time, working closely with investment directors in researching, sourcing, manager due diligence, portfolio monitoring activities to meet endowment's investment objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Investment Analyst will be expected to support LU's investment program through the implementation and execution of the investment strategy within legal and policy guidelines while performing other tasks, as assigned. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct qualitative research and quantitative analysis supporting the transition of investment program.
• Support senior team members in developing internal investment process including manager evaluation criteria, investment memo template, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reporting template etc.
• Assist in selecting, onboarding, and maintaining technology vendors for the investment program such as portfolio performance system and document management systems.
• Support investment directors in sourcing and evaluating prospect fund managers, including analysis of investment strategy, process, organization, portfolio positions, competitive landscape and track record.
• Develop internal model to run track record analysis
• Actively participate in manager meetings and help draft diligence memo
• Assist senior team members in researching industry/sectors to form investment thesis
• Assist in the preparation of materials for Investment Committee meetings
• Work closely with custodian bank in month end closing and reconciliation, and prepare customized performance report for the investment team
• Being a role model for junior analyst; mentor junior analyst and help manage analyst's workload and deliverables.
• Assist in monitoring existing investments including reviewing quarterly letters, manager correspondence and support the senior team in proactively managing the external relationships.
• Represent LU endowment at industry conferences/networking events and attend on-site diligence meetings to develop industry networks and manager relationships.
• Contribute to ad-hoc projects related to improving investment process, portfolio monitoring and operations.
• Serve as the liaison between the investment team and the operations team, supporting data management, cash flow management, portfolio management systems and other interrelated activities.
• Support monitoring compliance with Board-approved investment policies, strategies, and portfolio guidelines.
• Work effectively with other university departments such as the accounting and legal office.
• Assist with information requests from financial auditors, legislative and regulatory agencies, and others.

Qualifications and Credentials

• Minimum bachelor's degree in economics, finance, business, mathematics, or a related field; MBA degree or CFA certificate is desired.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working at an endowment, foundation, family office or similar organization allocating capital to external investment managers
• Ability to actively participate in due diligence activities and incorporate qualitative and quantitative analyses in the evaluation of investment strategies, investment processes, and investment performance to form conviction
• Ability to leverage critical thinking and intellectual honesty for constructive debate with senior team members to constructively contribute to investment decisions across the portfolio
• Clear long term investment philosophy, with the ability to remain intellectually open to new ideas and approaches
• Strong intellectual capacity for learning multi-disciplinary subjects
• Resourceful and self-motivated, can complete projects without too much supervision
• Ability to work independently and work in a team environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present perspectives and recommendations, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and logical manner
• Ability to mentor and motivate younger analysts
• The highest level of integrity, honesty, and sense of fiduciary duty
• Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups.
• Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan.
• Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR b)(18)(i))

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB
Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to communicate in a professional and Christ-like manner, resolving issues with an attitude of courtesy and respect.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Display self-motivation and multi-tasking skills.
• Possess excellent listening and discerning skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods of time to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Occasionally required to handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Driving Requirements

Use of one's personal vehicle is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.