Human Resources Business Partner - Investments

Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois • Chicago, IL

1d • $106,139 - $165,577

About The Position

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 462,000 members and had assets of approximately $83.7 billion as of Feb. 28, 2026. 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. Job Summary: Under the direction of the HRBP Supervisor, this position serves as a strategic advisor to investment leadership, aligning human capital strategies with the operational and long-term objectives of the investment department. The role is responsible for driving talent strategies that support the attraction, development, and retention of highly specialized investment professionals within a competitive market. The HRBP – Investments provides consultative expertise in workforce planning, organizational design, and performance management, while assisting in the development and administration of compensation strategies that balance market competitiveness, internal equity, and public sector accountability. This position partners closely with leadership to assess organizational effectiveness, mitigate talent-related risks, and support succession planning for critical roles. A strong understanding of investment management organizations and/or asset allocators and investment functions is essential to provide informed guidance and advance the performance and sustainability of the investment department.

Requirements

• Strong strategic consulting and business partnering skills, with the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Advanced analytical skills, including the ability to interpret workforce data, evaluate highly specialized positions for talent acquisition, compensation data, and market trends to inform decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex HR concepts into clear, actionable guidance that align with evolving investment priorities and market conditions.
• Effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills in complex, high-impact situations.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish trust across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Knowledge of investment functions.
• Knowledge of workforce planning, organizational design, and talent management strategies.
• Ability to handle highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and provide sound, unbiased recommendations.
• Ability to think strategically while executing operationally in a fast-paced, specialized environment.
• Ability to assess organizational risk and proactively develop mitigation strategies related to talent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required
• 5 years of progressive HR experience, including experience as an HR Business Partner or strategic HR advisor.
• Experience supporting investment, finance, or highly specialized technical teams strongly preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Partner with investment leadership and business units to develop and implement HR strategies that support investment performance and long-term system goals.
• Provide consultative support on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development specific to investment functions.
• Advise on and administer compensation strategies aligned with investment benchmarks, ensuring market competitiveness, and internal equity.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition to attract and retain specialized investment talent in a competitive labor market.
• Provide oversight and guidance on onboarding and integration strategies for highly specialized investment hires to accelerate time-to-productivity.
• Support performance management processes, including goal setting, evaluations, and development planning, tailored to investment team objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by supporting leadership in navigating complex employee relations matters that may have reputational, legal, or fiduciary implications.
• Develop and monitor retention strategies for critical investment talent, including career pathing and succession pipelines.
• Partner with Learning & Development to design programs that enhance investment team capabilities and leadership effectiveness.
• Collaborates with investment leadership to support learning and development needs through TRS University, helping to coordinate the delivery of targeted programs that enhance technical expertise, leadership capability, and overall workforce effectiveness within the investment function.
• Analyze workforce data and trends to inform decision-making and recommend solutions to leadership.
• Support change management efforts related to shifts in investment strategy, departmental restructuring, or market-driven adjustments.
• Facilitate workforce and organizational effectiveness assessments to ensure optimal team structure and alignment with investment strategy.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends in institutional investing and human capital practices to proactively advise leadership.
• Assists HR Operations Supervisor on initiatives/projects
• Performs other duties as assigned

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.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level