Zell Family Office · 2 months ago
Senior Associate, Investments
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
4+ years expZell Family Office is seeking a Senior Associate, Investments to support the development and management of multi-asset portfolios for family trusts, foundations, and personal accounts. The role involves portfolio management, investment committee communications, and operational support, requiring strong analytical skills and collaboration with various teams and external partners.
Financial Services
Responsibilities
Support strategy development, portfolio construction, investment selection, cash management, and risk management through rigorous research and reporting
Monitor portfolios for adherence to mandates, house limits, and strategic constraints; actively track performance, turnover, and portfolio efficiency
Measure and manage risk, leveraging modeling and analytical tools (Excel, portfolio management platforms) to evaluate exposures and performance attribution
Assist with the liquidation or monetization of private investments as needed
Prepare and present investment committee memos, synthesizing due diligence findings and recommendations for new investments
Communicate effectively in writing and presentations, ensuring clarity and professionalism in all materials delivered to internal and external stakeholders
Participate in quarterly calls with managers to discuss portfolio performance, extracting key information and ensuring managers are investing capital in line with ZFO’s expectations
Collaborate with internal teams (accounting, tax, legal, family engagement and learning) and coordinate communications with external partners (GPs, asset managers, brokers)
Work with the operations team to develop and maintain reports that analyze fund and portfolio-level exposures (including sector, geographic, leverage, underlying positions, etc.), risk metrics, liquidity, and performance attribution
Maintain benchmarks, monitor trading activity, and review external service levels
Lead or support special projects, process improvements, and continuous learning initiatives
Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
Uphold the family’s reputation for professional excellence, integrity, and community responsibility
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or related field
Minimum 4+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, asset management, family office, endowment, foundation, pension plan, fund of funds, or similar institutional environment
Experience conducting investment due diligence—either on direct companies or funds—and manager sourcing, with a preference for candidates with public equities, private equity, or venture capital experience
Strong proficiency in Excel and financial modeling; experience with portfolio management tools and third-party research platforms (Morningstar, Bloomberg, FactSet, Thomson Reuters)
Demonstrated ability to manage multi-asset portfolios, conduct due diligence, and oversee third-party managers
Must have a good foundational understanding of financial markets and trends and a passion for investments
Knowledge of investment products is essential
Intellectually curious, eager to learn, and motivated to achieve success
Strong analytical, quantitative, and qualitative skills, coupled with sound judgment
Excellent communicator (verbal and written), with exceptional interpersonal and presentation skills, including experience presenting to Boards and committees
Team player who asks questions, treats others with respect, and is thoughtful about colleagues and stakeholders
Adopts a professional, collegial approach; builds trust within the team and operates for the best of the group
Assumes positive intent and contributes to a culture of respect and collaboration
Highly collaborative and adaptable; able to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment
Highest standards of personal and professional ethics, discretion, and integrity
Generalist mindset—open to sourcing ideas and working across asset classes; not limited to a single investment type
Preferred
MBA, CFA, or similar professional designation
Previous direct or co-investing experience at a buy-side firm
Operational experience in investment diligence
Company
Zell Family Office
The Zell Family Office (ZFO) is a family-focused office that supports the needs of the Zell Family, offering a range of services focused on enhancing their overall well-being, from their health to their finances.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase