Credit Associate, Strategic Investments Group

SUMMARY

The Strategic Investments Group combines our unparalleled deal sourcing platform with the flexibility to capture an evolving opportunity set across asset classes, liquidity profiles, capital structures, and geographies. The team integrates this deal sourcing capability and flexible mandate with a seamless execution process that has allowed it to become one of the leading opportunistic investment platforms in the marketplace. The Strategic Investments Group manages over $5bn in AUM, of which $2bn is focused on alternative credit.

The credit platform is growing as the business is currently raising capital for its second opportunistic credit vehicle. We are seeking an entrepreneurial and accomplished candidate to join a lean and growing platform inside of an established investment management firm. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside an experienced team and develop a broad set of skills analyzing opportunities across the entire public and private credit markets.

Unlike many traditional credit investment roles, the group’s mandate is highly flexible, with the ability to pivot focus to areas of the credit market with the highest risk-adjusted return.  As a result, the associate can expect to work on a diverse set of opportunities, including tradeable credit, opportunistic private credit, performing private credit, distressed debt investments, structured credit, and other asset backed investments.

The Associate will work alongside senior and mid-level professionals to conduct investment due diligence, underwriting, and position monitoring. Chicago is the preferred location for this role; however, New York City is an option.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual will be involved in the following critical activities:

• Analyze financial statements and diligence materials.
• Conduct independent investment research for potential investment opportunities.
• Build detailed financial models to perform valuation analyses.
• Interface with external parties and perform diligence calls.
• Prepare and present investment opportunities to the internal investment committee. 
• Provide client management support and related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal experience and critical competencies for the role include the following:

• 3-6 years of total experience, preferably with at least 1-2 years of credit investing experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with a strong record of academic success and investing acumen is required.
• Advanced financial modeling skills are required.
• Precise verbal and written communications skills.
• Superior organization, multitasking and critical thinking skills.
• Outstanding project management skills and the ability to work effectively in a deal teams, often on several transactions or potential opportunities simultaneously, under tight deadlines.
• Ability to balance multiple concurrent projects and work both independently and as a productive member of project teams.
• Desire to work in a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization with a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of integrity.
• Dedicated work ethic and commitment to team and a goal-oriented environment.

In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate will be self-motivated and energized by working amongst a group of thoughtful, smart and successful colleagues. The individual will enjoy being part of an organization focused on excellence and will be a naturally collaborative person who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels. Additionally, the individual will be a strong team player with a proactive approach and the ability to exercise discretion and judgment.