Investment Associate

Position Summary:  

Cerity Partners is hiring a single Investment Associate to be shared across three to four Chicago wealth management partners. This is a career-track investment role for a high-quality recent graduate with a strong finance/investment background and a genuine interest in building a career in wealth management. Over a 3–5 year developmental arc, the analyst will become a dedicated investment resource for each participating partner — learning their clients, investment philosophy, preferred models, and portfolio-management approach — while pursuing the CFA designation.

The role provides approximately 9–12 hours of dedicated investment support per partner per week, depending on whether the position is shared among three or four partners. It moves investment-knowledge work — but not necessarily partner-level experience — to the appropriate level, freeing partners and senior team members to focus on client relationships and advice, complex planning, prospect development, COI relationships, business development, and asset gathering and retention.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Maintain advisor-preferred models in RedBlack, including allocation changes, manager changes, and implementation preferences, consistent with the Cerity Partners A4P List
• Monitor IPS compliance, including allocation ranges, portfolio drift, exceptions, and other issues requiring advisor attention
• Prepare and process trades and portfolio rebalances
• Raise cash for distributions and anticipated client needs
• Invest incoming cash and implement approved portfolio changes
• Proactively review portfolios ahead of client meetings and recommend trades or other actions for advisor consideration
• Prepare customized investment analysis and client meeting materials, including portfolio attribution and other portfolio-specific analysis
• Progress over time from primarily executing instructions to proactively identifying portfolio issues and recommending actions for advisor approval
• Stay appraised of and understand new investment opportunities brought forth by the firm’s investment committee and identify where and why the opportunity makes sense or does not for client portfolios.
• Work with custodians to ensure money moves properly between accounts, investment data is properly recorded and understand the limitations or restrictions imposed on accounts that may influence investment decision.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field, with a strong academic record
• Genuine interest in investments and a career in wealth management; willingness to pursue the CFA designation during the role
• Strong analytical and Excel skills; comfort working across multiple advisors' books and priorities
• Familiarity or willingness to learn and master how to use various software programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Office, Claude, RedBlack, and Addepar.
• High attention to detail, particularly around trading, rebalancing, and compliance monitoring
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to prepare client-ready materials independently

Skills & Competencies:

·       Ability to talk to clients independently

·       Ability to train and mentor Client Service Associates

·       Ability to develop wealth planning and investment recommendations and present to clients when applicable

·       Working knowledge of e-Money, Salesforce a strong plus.

·       Exceptional problem-solving skills, and ability to organize and prioritize work in order to meet deadlines in a proactive manner with little supervision required.

·       Must accept and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment.

·       Ability to build and maintain relationships with potential and current clients.

·       Tenacious about doing what is right for the client – always.

Physical Requirements:

·       Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

·       Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

Compensation Range:

$75,000 - $100,000

Why Cerity Partners:

Our people drive our success by working together to deliver exceptional service to our clients. Below is a glimpse of the key elements of our total rewards package:

·       Health, dental, and vision insurance – day 1!

·       401(k) savings and investment plan options with 4% match

·       Flexible PTO policy

·       Parental Leave

·       Financial assistance for advanced education and professional designations

·       Opportunity to give back time to local communities

·       Commuter benefits

Cerity Partners is committed to providing an environment where all individuals can be their authentic selves. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who respects each individual and supports the diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences of our colleagues. We are dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. 

Cerity Partners is committed to working with and providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities or special needs. For those needing accommodations, please reach out to [email protected]. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.