Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois

Financial Planning and Analysis

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. Essential Functions: 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.

Investment Officer- Real Assets