Investment Analyst

Investment Analyst
Department: Investments
Reports to: Senior Director and Head of Private Investments
FLSA Status: Exempt
 
This position will be based out of the Lawrence, Kansas office.
 
*Note: This position will be filled at the Investment Analyst or Senior Analyst level, commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.
 
Who we are and what we’re about:
KU Endowment is an independent, nonprofit organization and the official fundraising foundation for the University of Kansas.  We partner with donors in providing philanthropic support to build a greater KU.

The eight-person Investment Office at KU Endowment is responsible for asset allocation, manager research, and risk management for approximately $3.5 billion in investment assets, including $2.5 billion in endowed assets.  Endowed assets are managed through a pooled vehicle, the Long-term Investment Program (“LTIP”).  In addition to endowed funds, the team is responsible for an expendable, short-term fund, plus defined benefit, defined contribution, planned giving, and other investment assets.  Members of the investment team are also co-leading two real estate ventures: a recently opened 200-unit apartment complex in Kansas City, The Hudson, and a 30-acre grocery-anchored mixed-use project in Lawrence, The Crossing at KU.  

As an employee of KU Endowment, you’ll witness firsthand the power of our donors’ generosity.  You will join a talented and fun group of people who are inspired to help KU through the support of loyal alumni and friends.  This support fuels excellence, enabling students and faculty to develop innovative programs and research that distinguish the university.  We connect the philanthropic passions of donors with the needs of students, faculty and programs – and everyone benefits.

People are engaged. Purpose is ignited.  Lives are changed.
 
What we are looking for:
Reporting to the Head of Private Investments, this role will primarily support the oversight of >$700 million private equity and venture capital portfolio. However, the analyst may also contribute as a generalist across other asset classes, supporting two investment directors who are responsible for public equities, credit, and alternative strategies.
 
The Investment Analyst will play an integral role in portfolio analysis, manager due diligence, and ongoing monitoring of investment managers. Together with the Head of Private Investments, the analyst will lead the selection and implementation of new analytical tools and resources to enhance Endowment’s private markets program. While the primary focus is on investment-related responsibilities, the analyst may also support back-office functions as needed.
 
The individual in this position is expected to embrace KU Endowment’s stated core values – collaboration, curiosity, empowerment, and excellence – and demonstrate support for them through professional interactions and activities. 

What’s a typical day look like?

• Assist in sourcing, screening, and evaluating private equity and venture capital managers by conducting both quantitative and qualitative due diligence, including performance analysis and reference calls. 
• Monitor investment performance, exposures, and risk metrics across private investments, and maintain internal databases and dashboards to track pipeline activity and highlight trends.
• Prepare performance reports, benchmarking studies, and contribute to the preparation of materials for Investment Committee meetings. 
• Conduct thematic and market research on macroeconomic trends, industry developments, and emerging investment strategies relevant to private markets. 
• Identify and implement process improvements and technology solutions to enhance investment workflows, data management, and reporting capabilities. 
• Support asset allocation modeling, liquidity forecasting, and commitment pacing analysis to inform portfolio construction and strategic planning.
• Occasional travel may be required for manager meetings, site visits, or industry events.
• Regular and reliable attendance is essential for this position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field. 
• Candidates should have 1–5 years of relevant experience in institutional asset management, ideally within an endowment, foundation, pension fund, family office, OCIO, consultant, investment management firm, or investment banking environment. 
• KU Endowment is open to hiring either an entry-level analyst or a more experienced candidate at the senior analyst level, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Office Suite tools is expected.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) concepts and applications is a plus. 
• Possession or progression toward Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA).

• The successful candidate demonstrates a strong passion for financial markets and investing, with excellent oral and written communication skills. 
• They possess a solid foundation in corporate finance and valuation and can apply quantitative analysis to develop investment theses and communicate insights clearly. 
• They are intellectually curious, with critical reasoning skills and sound judgment, and consistently ask thoughtful, insightful questions. 
• They are a motivated self-starter and problem-solver who delivers high-quality work under tight deadlines and with minimal supervision. 
• They thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail. 
• They work effectively as part of a small, diverse, and collaborative team, contributing to a collegial and professional culture. 
• They are adaptable and responsive to changing priorities, often contributing beyond the direct scope of their responsibilities. 
• They demonstrate high moral character and professionalism in all interactions, both internally and externally. 
• They are proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and have a strong aptitude for quantitative analysis and data interpretation as well as the internal drive to experiment with new AI tools.

• A valid driver’s license. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple locations for training, manager meetings, networking, events, and/or work-related activities.
• Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to directions and safety hazards.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office productivity machinery such as computers, keyboards and a mouse, laptops, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. 
• This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to move files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary.
• The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The person in this position frequently communicates with colleagues, students, and general public. Must be able to communicate with others effectively.
• Physical effort/lifting, light-up to 20 pounds regularly and medium-up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Occasional travel (up to 15%) requirements can include evenings, weekends, and out of town overnight trips as a regular part of the job. 

• 100% employer-paid pension plan
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) matching program
• Section 125 flexible benefits
• Generous paid leave including holidays, personal and sick leave
• Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability insurance
• Legal & ID Theft protection
• Critical Illness
• Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• KU education assistance
• Free parking