Investment Analyst

Waycrosse•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

Waycrosse is a full-service, multi-generational family office based in Wayzata, Minnesota, providing wealth management and financial services to family members, trusts, and foundations. It manages a substantial pool of capital through external investment managers, with portfolios spanning traditional stocks and bonds as well as alternative investments such as private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds. Its investors generally have long time horizons, low near-term liquidity needs, and an ongoing need for investment origination. The Investment Analyst works closely with the Chief Investment Officer and Investment Directors to provide research and analysis supporting management of the portfolio. This generalist role evaluates investment strategies and managers across major asset classes, uses investment technology to monitor investments and support accurate reporting, and conducts market and economic research. The Analyst is part of the Investment team and works with external managers and Investment Operations, and may also support Client Portfolio Managers and Family Advisors on family investment needs. The role combines investment analysis with operational and technology-related support.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant investment management experience covering multiple asset groups, including some exposure to evaluating public stocks, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity, and/or real assets.
Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, or business.
Exceptional investment judgment and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to conduct analysis, express independent thought, and deliver concise analytical conclusions.
Understanding of how technology is used in investments and its role in investment decision-making, efficiency, and reporting.
Attention to detail and willingness to independently develop and perform primary investment research.
Proven spreadsheet and analytical skills; proficiency in Excel, Bloomberg, and similar tools.
Inquisitiveness and appetite for learning.
Ability to think conceptually and develop innovative approaches to open-ended market and investment questions.
Ability to build professional relationships with investment managers, peer investor groups, intermediaries, and other industry participants.
Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and unwavering ethical standards.
Willingness and desire to travel as needed to meet investment managers.

Nice To Haves

Investment experience at a family office, endowment, or foundation.
MBA and/or CFA.

Responsibilities

Evaluate external investment managers’ performance, strategies, and exposures through independent research, analysis, and commentary, with emphasis on alternative assets as well as traditional stock and bond managers.
Assess global markets and investment strategies and help identify managers for potential investment.
Review direct co-investment opportunities and special situations, and develop a network of potential investment prospects over time.
Support investment proposals and participate in investment team discussions and recommendations concerning new investments.
Prepare analyses and portfolio materials for the investment team, Investment Advisory Committee, and other audiences as needed.
Monitor existing portfolio investments and re-underwrite managers as needed; communicate observations to investment and operations staff and document investment notes and conclusions.
Manage technology tools used for investment monitoring, valuation, and reporting, serving as a primary contact between Investments, Operations, and third-party service providers.
Use analytical techniques and due diligence to evaluate risk and reward for prospective managers and investments.
Serve as an expert user of the firm’s investment management system and conduct data quality reviews to ensure investment data is timely, accurate, and complete.
Generate portfolio analyses and reports, and project-manage system and reporting projects with investment managers and Investment Operations.
Document recent activity and maintain current status in internal investment systems.
Support operational, tax, and legal diligence as needed.
Promote new ideas, research areas, and investment methods, and communicate observations to the investment team.
Support client service initiatives, including presentation preparation, asset allocation analysis, and cash flow forecasts.
Lead or actively participate in department meetings, projects, and initiatives.
Provide backup to other team members as needed.
Travel as needed to meet current and prospective investment managers.