Research Associate, Defined Contribution

Marquette was founded in 1986 with the sole objective of providing investment consulting at the highest caliber of service. Our expertise is grounded in our commitment to client service — our team aims to be a trusted partner and as fiduciaries, our clients’ interests and objectives are at the center of everything we do. Our approach brings together the real-world experience of our people and our dedication to creativity and critical thinking in order to empower our clients to meet their goals. 

The role of the Research Associate, Defined Contribution is to support the defined contribution efforts of the firm through the development of expert knowledge and dissemination of industry best practices through research and analysis to a variety of internal team members.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and due diligence on defined contribution service providers such as plan recordkeepers, custodians, managed accounts, and investments managers
• Collaborate with Marquette’s Research team to support manager due diligence and ongoing DC efforts such as retirement income, target date funds, and core menu design
• Assist in the creation of education materials such as investment basics, financial wellness, financial planning, and other related topics
• Support the development and communication of the firm’s views on defined contribution benefits to current clients and the internal client team
• Research and monitor defined contribution plan industry trends including investment, regulatory, and fiduciary trends
• Serve as a member of the firm’s Defined Contribution Services Committee
• Meet with DC industry experts such as recordkeepers, investment managers, plan sponsors, and ERISA experts
• Support consultants in their efforts to present advice and education to plan sponsors
• Collaborate on new business efforts; develop and maintain Marketing RFP responses and materials
• Write papers on topical and academic research topics related to defined contribution plans such as plan governance and fiduciary best practices, plan design features, investment menu, behavioral finance, financial wellness, retirement planning, etc.
• Other projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 4 – 6 years of investment management experience with a focus on defined contribution plans
• Understanding of defined contribution recordkeeping services
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized with ability to work independently to meet deadlines
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and react to change positively
• Ability to write summaries, white papers, and other internal and external communications
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office; ability to quickly learn new software applications
• Critical thinking skills, a self-starter with excellent follow-up abilities
• Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule, Chicago-based preferred
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic knowledge of defined contribution plans such as 401(k), 403(b), 457 is a plus
• Experience with retirement plan participant education such as investment education, financial planning, and financial wellness is a plus

BENEFITS WE OFFER:

Top tier healthcare coverage

100% paid premium for disability and employee life insurance coverage

Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA options

Company 401K contribution

Hybrid work policy

Paid time off & 15+ holidays

Summer hours

Enhanced employee assistance program

Volunteer opportunities

Tuition and education reimbursement

Company-wide events

Marquette Associates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.