Senior Associate, Manager Research

Position Overview

Senior Associate, Manager Research – OCIO Manager Research / Analytics Team

• Lead manager identification, selection, due diligence, monitoring, and termination work for assigned coverage areas; oversee approved manager list and conduct quarterly manager research calls.
• Develop and maintain analytics used in manager selection, partnerings, vehicle pricing, performance/risk/return attribution, LDI tracking, projected returns analysis, and portfolio construction support.
• Support portfolio strategists and client‑facing teams with asset allocation modeling, risk analytics, scenario analysis, portfolio comparison, and custom client‑solution analytics.
• Translate technical investment analysis into clear talking points, bullet points, and storylines for client‑facing partners.
• Contribute to investment governance and committee support, including performance, attribution, risk analytics, fiduciary process support, and cross‑functional collaboration with operations, IT, actuarial, and data science partners.

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, preferably with a major in finance or economics.
• 5 years of investment‑related experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in manager oversight.
• Solid understanding of investment managers and general knowledge of current economic and financial market conditions, with proven ability to efficiently research, compile, and analyze information.
• Advanced Excel ability and proficiency with PowerPoint.

• Experience in an OCIO environment.
• Experience with Morningstar Direct and Fact Set.
• Manager research experience across large‑cap equities, international, or LDI institutional asset classes.
• Interest in broader investment support work, including asset allocation strategy, modeling, portfolio analytics, and client‑solution analysis.
• Experience using AI or process improvement approaches to create efficiencies in investment research or analytics workflows.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• High degree of professionalism, organization, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage expectations in a fast‑paced work environment.

$127,000 – $171,000 per year (exempt position). Additional compensation through annual profit share bonus plan.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried (exempt) employees: paid time for vacation, personal or short‑term illness.
• Pension eligibility.

We are not considering candidates that require any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

Remote and hybrid opportunities available. Hybrid locations include Des Moines, IA or a Principal office (if available in your community).

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.