Investment Analyst

Cornell University•New York, NY

6d•$94,350 - $127,500•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of University Investments (OUI) manages the University's $13+ billion endowment which supports this mission by seeking to generate superior risk-adjusted returns through traditional and alternative investments in US and international equities, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, and real assets. The global, multiple-asset class approach taken exploits a central insight of modern financial theory: namely, that portfolio risk can be minimized for any targeted rate of return through the inclusion of a broad selection of asset classes – since risky asset classes often behave differently as regional and global economic, financial, and political events unfold. The Chief Investment Officer is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Investment Office and is supported by a dedicated team of investment professionals. The Investment Office is responsible for implementing policies established by the University Board of Trustees and its Investment Committee. To learn more about OUI's policies, objectives, and organizational structure, please visit our website. Analyst Program Purpose and Goals: Through a wide variety of asset class, operations, and portfolio and risk analytics assignments, Investment Analysts are expected to acquire a deep knowledge of issues surrounding the development and execution of a robust global, multi-asset class, long-term oriented institutional investment strategy. Analysts work with senior team members in the investment analysis and due diligence process and take on numerous analytic, quantitative, and qualitative projects on an independent basis to facilitate the overall investment process. In contrast to more narrowly defined entry-level finance positions, Investment Analysts are assigned a broad and deep range of asset class exposure and projects covering all aspects of institutional portfolio construction and management over the course of the three-year period. As part of the program, OUI encourages and supports Investment Analysts as they pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation as well as one other professional credential (CAIA, FRM, CIPM, etc.).

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent: All majors are encouraged to apply (Master’s degree candidates welcome). Disciplines on our team have recently included: Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering (Biological, Biomedical, Chemical, Mechanical, Operations Research, Computer Science, Engineering Management), French, Actuarial Science, Biology, English Literature, Statistics, Physics, Physiology, Psychology.
Relevant experience: Up to 1 year of related or relevant work experience.
Excellent qualitative and interpersonal skills: Applicants must be capable of interacting effectively with external investment managers, the campus community, and the University's Investment Committee.
Strong quantitative capabilities: Significant coursework in one or more of the following fields (even if not a major) is highly valued: statistics, mathematics, computer science, operations research, science, and/or information systems (evidenced via a transcript or other documentation).

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated interest in learning about investment theory and practice, economics, and financial markets.
Willingness to undertake the CFA Program upon joining (see https://www.cfainstitute.org/ for background on the CFA® credential).
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a thorough and detail-oriented fashion.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Enthusiasm for supporting the mission of higher education and representing the University in a professional manner.
Evidence of ability to work in teams, positive attitude, and ability to gain and maintain credibility with the campus community and investment managers.
Willingness to travel, at times extensively, on average 15% of the time.
Proficiency in spreadsheet software and mathematics/quantitative technique.
Demonstrated programming skills in one or more of the following languages: R, VBA, Python, SQL, SAS, Tableau, C#.

Responsibilities

Acquire a deep knowledge of issues surrounding the development and execution of a robust global, multi-asset class, long-term oriented institutional investment strategy;
Collaborate with senior team members on work related to investment analysis and investment underwriting, including investment sourcing, due diligence, and structuring of new investments;
Take on numerous analytic, quantitative, and qualitative projects on an independent basis to facilitate the overall investment process;
Evaluate and engage with existing investments and manager relationships by analyzing reports, attending meetings with managers, identifying potential issues, and proactively providing relevant updates and/or necessary solutions to emerging issues;
Use rigorous quantitative/statistical techniques and apply and/or develop innovative modelling skills to analyze current and prospective investments and conduct portfolio-level analyses;
Acquire a deep understanding of portfolio rebalancing and optimization, asset class construction, and investment valuation and relative valuation techniques;
Execute a wide variety of performance, risk measurement, and attribution analyses;