Investment Analyst

Villanova University is seeking a full-time Investment Analyst to support its $1.4 billion endowment portfolio. The role involves due diligence, performance analysis, and collaboration with an experienced investment team. This three-year commitment includes opportunities for mentorship and promotion. The position follows a hybrid model, requiring onsite work in Villanova, PA, and emphasizes strong organizational and analytical skills, relationship building, and a passion for investments.
Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number:
20254320S

Position Title:
Investment Analyst

Position Type:
Staff

Location:
Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule:
full-time/12-months

Avg Hours Week

Department:
438-Investment Office

Position Summary:

The Investment Analyst will work closely with the investment and operations team across all areas of the University's $1.4 billion endowment portfolio. The creation of this position represents the continued growth of an in-house investment function for the University. The Investment Analyst will have a material impact on the University's actively managed portfolio with opportunities for mentorship from a small, collaborative, and experienced investment team.

The position is structured as a three-year commitment with potential for promotion based on performance, career goals, and organizational needs. The role follows a hybrid model, which includes working onsite in Villanova, PA.

The Investment Analyst will play an integral role on the team with responsibilities for the following:
• Support senior investment team members with due diligence and monitoring of potential and existing investments across a wide range of asset classes including public equities, private equity, hedge funds, and private credit;
• Monitor current managers by analyzing performance, tracking underlying investments, and actively participating in meetings/calls, with responsibility for drafting meeting summaries, reviewing observations with senior team members, and following up on any issues identified;
• Analyze investment performance and portfolio positioning for the total endowment, and maintain the Investment Office's models and analytical tools used to monitor performance, exposures, cash flow, and liquidity;
• Manage portfolio exposures on a look-through basis and highlight material changes;
• Prepare performance reports, investment recommendations, and presentation materials for the Investment Committee; and
• Cultivate and maintain a professional network across the investment community, including managers, peers, consultants, etc. to serve as a source of idea generation, manager research, and industry trends.

The Investment Analyst must have the ability to build and maintain productive relationships and work effectively and independently in a collaborative, collegial team environment. The position requires the ability to handle a high level of responsibility, strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, critical thinking and analytical aptitude, a positive work attitude, and a passion for investments and for Villanova University.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Monitor existing manager relationships and funds across all asset classes. This includes analyzing performance, tracking underlying investments, and actively participating in meetings/calls, reviewing letters and reports, and developing and maintaining templates for tracking and analyzing investment performance and other information.
• Assist senior team members in performing due diligence around new funds and strategies across all asset classes. Schedule calls and meetings, conduct reference checks, and write professional-level manager memos. Interact professionally with managers, advisors, and others. Work with internal and external legal counsel in reviewing and executing investment agreements.
• Develop and maintain various systems, reports, templates, and commentary for internal use, the Investment Committee, and other constituents, as well as presentation materials for the Investment Committee and other constituents and committees. Provide information related to the endowment for external constituencies (e.g., industry surveys, donors in conjunction with University Advancement), as appropriate.
• Assist Investment Operations Manager in managing consultant and external service provider relationships; maintain close, effective relationships with investment advisors, analytics providers, custodian and fund administrators.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required, plus 1 to 3 years of investment-related work experience, preferably at a progressively-oriented endowment, foundation, family office, fund of funds, or investment consulting firm.
• Familiarity with institutional investment portfolios and specifically endowments or foundations. Knowledge of financial and investment theory, economic and political history. Experience with investment analysis (including performance measurement and risk analytics) and financial markets.
• Demonstrated responsibility, strong organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and impeccable character. Ability to assimilate disparate, abundant, and complex information, and summarize key points and issues. Ability to juggle multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines. Superior verbal, written, and interviewing skills. Ability to gather, organize, and analyze data using MS Excel and complex formulas. Curious, analytical problem solver with an entrepreneurial outlook. Positive attitude toward work; ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment. Strong alignment with the values and educational mission of Villanova University. Willingness to travel (overnight, out-of-town) periodically as necessary.
• Mastery of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Progress towards CFA designation is a plus.
• Database knowledge viewed favorably.
• Knowledge of Backstop, Bloomberg, MSCI/Burgiss, or other portfolio management software and systems preferred.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

N/A

Special Message to Applicants:

Posting Date:
03/25/2025

Closing Date (11:59pm ET):

Salary Posting Information:

Salary is commensurate with experience

Salary Band:
17

Job Classification:
exempt