VC Investor @ TRS in Chicago, IL

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.

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 456,000 members and had assets of $74.22 billion as of February 28, 2025.

TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees.

Delivering expert pension service to Illinois public Educators as they earn their promised retirement security.

An investments career with TRS is an opportunity to help Illinois public educators achieve their promised retirement security. The Investments team at TRS serves a critical role within TRS’ mission, as the team collectively manages and monitors over $74.22 billion in retirement assets on behalf of the System, as of February 28, 2025. The team consists of over 20 professionals that are responsible for evaluating and selecting external investment managers for the investment portfolio.

Investing in a variety of strategies spanning equity, fixed income, real assets, hedge funds, and private markets asset classes, the team’s investment process includes significant qualitative and quantitative diligence. Investment professionals meet with existing and prospective managers to evaluate manager returns, risk, and fit within the portfolio. Manager exposures, track record, and other data are thoroughly analyzed within multiple systems throughout the investment process.

As part of TRS’s commitment to increasing diversity and accessibility in asset management, the System has developed a Diverse and Emerging Manager Program, now in its 20th year. This mature and well‑established program is designed to identify, invest in and support diverse and early‑stage asset managers across various asset classes. The program plays a critical role in TRS’s broader investment strategy by providing opportunities to historically underrepresented investment firms while generating competitive returns.

Under the direction of the Senior Investment Officer, this role is responsible for leading, coordinating, and managing investments in diverse and emerging investment managers across multiple asset classes.

This position requires a deep understanding of investment principles, manager due diligence and portfolio construction with a particular focus diverse and emerging asset managers. This role supports TRS’s efforts to cultivate a pipeline of high‑potential investment firms and ensure that diverse and emerging managers are integrated into the broader investment portfolio. The ideal candidate will possess strong investment acumen, analytical expertise, and relationship‑building skills.

This individual must be able to work independently and collaboratively within the team, perform thorough due diligence and make well‑supported investment recommendations. The role also involves managing relationships with external managers, industry partners and stakeholders while contributing to the continued expansion and diversification of TRS’s investment portfolio.

This position requires a strong foundation in investment theory, the ability to operate effectively under pressure and excellent oral and written communication skills. The ideal candidate will bring robust quantitative expertise, a deep knowledge of global financial markets and a demonstrated ability to evaluate and propose innovative investment strategies. Additionally, the responsibilities encompass assigning and assessing the work of direct reports, conducting annual performance evaluations and implementing corrective measures when needed, as well as addressing employee concerns and feedback with a thoughtful approach.

• Source, evaluate and prepare analyses and proposals for…