Research Analyst, Private Placements

Thrivent • Minneapolis, MN

69d • Onsite

About The Position

We exist to help people achieve financial clarity. At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we are committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given. At our core, we are a membership-owned fraternal organization, as well as a holistic financial services organization, dedicated to serving the unique needs of our clients. We focus on their goals and priorities, guiding them toward financial choices that will help them live the life they want today—and tomorrow. Job Summary The Research Analyst, Private Placements is the first level research analyst responsible for independent research. This role analyzes and recommends the purchase and sale of privately placed investment grade corporate bonds and related securities. While some industry expertise may be developed, the position is generalist (not industry specific) in nature. In addition, the research analyst monitors existing investments, manages credit risk, makes recommendations, maintains relative weighting and relative value recommendations and assists with the overall maintenance of the Private Placement portfolio. These tasks will be performed with the oversight of peers/mentors on the Private Placement Team. Assisting senior staff with formulating trade strategies, and then executing on those strategies, will be expected. Success in this role requires working well in a team environment, effectively prioritizing individual workflow and market-driven demands, and generating consistent, superior performance. It is expected that peer consultation will be more significant at this level than for senior analyst levels. The Research function is responsible for conducting research analyses on specific organizations, securities, financial products, and the overall economic environment. We have two Research Analyst, Private Placements roles open for this group. One will be hired in 2025 and one will be hired in 2026.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years relevant investment professional experience sufficient to perform independent work. Relevant experience may include full-time investment professional work or academic investment research analyst work equivalent or internships, preferably focused on credit risk evaluation, plus:
• Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in finance, business, economics or related area.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting, finance, and government/tax policy.
• Strong analytical, mathematical, statistical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to disseminate information concisely and confidently.
• Ability to work independently and has eagerness to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Strong technical skills, including advanced skills in using Microsoft Office suite, Bloomberg or Aladdin or related systems.

Nice To Haves

• 3 - 5 years of investment research analyst experience, plus:
• Master of Business Administration, Finance or other advanced degree in relevant field, with money management or applied securities experience.
• Progress toward or completion of CFA designation strongly preferred if no master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent, fundamental credit analysis to develop a strong understanding of the issues and issuers. Individual work will be required, and supervised evaluation within a team framework will also be expected.
• Analyze issuers' financial statements from a bondholder’s perspective to develop an opinion of their operational strengths, weaknesses, and directional outlook. Deep dives into footnotes, along with issuer-provided materials, and external research when applicable
• Evaluation, with internal/external legal support of structural and legal documentation.
• Develop relative value opinions and translate these into portfolio recommendations.
• Play an active role in managing credit risk in assigned holdings by monitoring existing positions, relevant industry/economic influences, and how these risks impact the portfolio.
• Assists in the reporting of position and portfolio information to the Private Placements team, and other Thrivent stakeholders
• Proactive and timely communication of relevant information to leadership
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on credit analysis and investment strategies.
• Utilize all available technological resources to maximize efficiency.
• Model Thrivent’s leadership competencies – Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes.
• Support and/or develop an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
• Shape and/or support a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.

Benefits

• various bonuses (including, for example, annual or long-term incentives); medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account; flexible spending account; 401k; pension; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance; supplemental protection insurance; 20 days of Paid Time Off each year; Sick and Safe Time; 10 paid company holidays; Volunteer Time Off; paid parental leave; EAP; well-being benefits, and other employee benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees