Senior Research Analyst II - Yield

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.

The Senior Research Analyst II, High‑Yield is the second level research analyst responsible for independent research covering a particular industry.

This role analyzes and recommends the purchase and sale of public high yield corporate bonds and related securities that contribute to incremental out performance within the analyst’s assigned industries. Analysts at the Senior II level conduct research analyses on specific organizations, securities, financial products, and the overall economic environment with minimal director oversight.

In addition, the Senior II Research Analyst monitors existing investments, manages credit risk, makes industry recommendations, and maintains relative weighting and relative value recommendations within the high yield credit market. This level analyst consistently positively impacts portfolios.

Success in this role requires working well in a team environment, effectively prioritizing individual workflow and market‑driven demands, and generating consistent, superior performance.

The Research function is responsible for conducting research analyses on specific organizations, securities, financial products, and the overall economic environment.

• Perform independent, fundamental credit analysis on issuers within assigned industries. Has a strong understanding of assigned credits/industries. Has the ability to take on new and/or additional coverage.
• Analyze company financial statements from a bondholder's perspective to develop an opinion of the company’s operational strengths, weaknesses, and directional outlook.
• Develop and maintain financial models to evaluate credit worthiness.
• Prepare detailed credit reports and provide relative value opinions, which lead to portfolio recommendations.
• Play an active role in managing credit risk in assigned industries/sectors by monitoring existing holdings and portfolio weightings.
• Make recommendations on issuer/industry/trade that are regularly implemented by portfolio managers.
• Demonstrates a track record of consistently strong performance that positively impacts portfolio performance.
• Apply strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence portfolio managers to consider and implement recommendations into portfolios.
• Mentor and guide more junior analysts and/or summer interns within credit research by providing training and support as needed.
• 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.

Required:

• Minimum of 4 years, likely more, relevant investment professional experience;
• Relevant experience may include full‑time investment professional work or academic investment work equivalent or internships, preferably focused on credit risk evaluation, plus:
  • Master's degree in finance, business, economics or related area, or
  • Progress toward CFA designation.
• Alternative requirements:
  Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related discipline plus a minimum of 10 years of successful investment professional experience.
• Strong working knowledge of accounting, finance, government/tax policy or related market.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal…