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.
About TRS:
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 $76.7 billion as of June 30, 2025. TRS is governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees.
Mission Statement:
Delivering expert pension service to Illinois Public educators as they earn their promised retirement security.
The Investments Team:
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’s mission, as the team collectively manages and monitors over $76.7 billion in retirement assets on behalf of the System. The team consists of over 38 professionals that are responsible for strategically positioning, 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, equity, inclusion and accessibility in asset management, the System has developed a Diverse and Emerging Manager Program that seeks 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.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Senior Investment Officer, the Investment Officer – Real Assets is a mid-senior level investment professional in the Investments Department who assists in coordinating, monitoring, and expanding the Teachers’ Retirement System’s Real Assets portfolio. This portfolio encompasses investments such as infrastructure, real estate, natural resources, and related sectors that provide diversification, inflation protection, and long-term value creation.
This position requires deep expertise in Real Assets investment principles, including market analysis, valuation methodologies, and the unique risk-return profiles of physical and resource-based assets. The Investment Officer will conduct property and manager due diligence and contribute to portfolio construction strategies that align with TRS’s objectives. The role also supports efforts to cultivate a pipeline of high-potential Real Assets investment managers.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong investment acumen, analytical rigor, and relationship-building skills. Responsibilities include performing thorough due diligence on Real Assets opportunities, developing well-supported investment recommendations, and managing relationships with external managers, industry partners, and stakeholders.
This role demands a strong foundation in investment theory as applied to Real Assets, the ability to operate effectively under pressure, and exceptional oral and written communication skills. Candidates should have robust quantitative expertise, deep knowledge of Real Assets markets, and the capacity to evaluate innovative investment strategies in infrastructure, real estate, and natural resources. Additional responsibilities include overseeing direct reports, conducting performance evaluations, implementing corrective actions when necessary, and addressing employee concerns with professionalism and care.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to positively represent the organization with external constituents
• Builds and manages effective teams
• Develops and delivers effective presentations
• Demonstrated analytical skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration or related field is required
• A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or credible progress toward earning the CFA charter is preferred
• Requires a minimum of two years of investment experience, ideally focused within the particular asset class
• A background in due diligence and sourcing is preferred.
  If you thrive in a dynamic environment and enjoy collaborating with driven, enthusiastic professionals, you will find a rewarding career with us.
  For Illinois job seekers:

• Source, evaluate, and prepare analyses and proposals for investments in potential real estate assets and asset managers.
• Evaluate the qualifications of prospective investment management relationships in accordance with investment policy, asset allocation directives and mix, diversification strategies and guidelines controlling risk/return characteristics for the Real Assets portfolio.
• Develop and implement investment strategies that foster the inclusion of diverse and emerging managers within the TRS portfolio.
• Research the investment performance and portfolio characteristics of existing and prospective real estate assets, investment management relationships and asset class structures.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations on investment opportunities, portfolio performance, and program progress for internal investment committees and the TRS Board of Trustees.
• Proactively research investment approaches, asset mixes, and portfolio management techniques to provide potential incremental return to TRS’s individual assets and at the total fund level.
• Engage and build relationships with industry organizations, consultants, and peer institutions to enhance TRS’s manager sourcing efforts.
• Manage internal reviews of documentation and provide logistical leadership for the relevant oversight committee.
• Assist with developing the skillsets of investment analysts within the investment program.
• Continue professional development, as prudent.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.