Senior Associate, Portfolio Analytics Strategy Specialist

About the Team

Portfolio Analytics, one of the three core teams in the Portfolio Risk & Data Analytics (PR&DA) Group, is responsible for conducting performance and portfolio analytics for the Baron Portfolio Strategies and investment products. Members of Portfolio Analytics meet regularly with Portfolio Managers (PMs) to discuss market trends and drivers of absolute and relative performance. In addition, the team maintains databases used to perform custom analytics, analyzes performance dispersion between portfolios, and systematically tracks trends in different metrics and fundamental KPIs. Furthermore, the team supports the Firm’s internal research and external marketing efforts and is responsible for the production of periodic reports for the Firm’s CIOs, executives, and the Board of Trustees. Portfolio Analytics works closely with the Risk & Quantitative Data Analytics and Performance & Peer Analytics teams and interacts regularly with sales, accounting, marketing, and most other departments at the Firm.

Team members collaborate with each other and with departments across the Firm, including the Investment team (equity research analysts and PMs), IT developers, and the accounting department to dissect and analyze the Firm’s investment strategies exposures and performance and provide accurate reports and metrics summarizing results and characteristics.

About the Role

The Senior Associate, Portfolio Analytics Strategy Specialist will play a key role in providing portfolio insights, strategy analysis, and decision-support analytics to PMs, senior leadership, and client-facing teams. The Senior Associate will be responsible for transforming complex data into actionable intelligence, enabling investment, risk, and distribution teams to make better-informed decisions. The individual will be responsible for conducting analysis on assigned investment strategies/portfolios, asset class characteristics, portfolio construction, and positioning to support the needs of PMs. This position is responsible for the development and enhancements of portfolio analytics for different investment vehicles within specific portfolio strategies.

The Portfolio Analytics Strategy Specialist also conducts portfolio analyses supporting marketing, sales, and client service efforts. The individual is expected to understand assigned strategies and portfolio mandates, the Baron investment philosophy and process, as well as market events and trends to effectively respond to ad hoc and periodical requests for analytics. The Portfolio Analytics Strategy Specialist is expected to communicate results effectively to members of the team and to different areas of the Firm. Analysis and content developed by the Portfolio Analytics Strategy Specialist supports the Firm's efforts to provide outstanding client service and to gather and retain assets. The individual will use portfolio analytics tools to fill periodical technical ad-hoc requests from the Investment team for performance and holdings-based analytics and prepare standardized portfolio analytics packets. The position requires familiarity with equity analytics tools and portfolio management concepts, as well as formal training in statistical and quantitative aspects of investment analysis. Importantly, this position also requires the ability to convey complex statistical, portfolio analytics concepts and processes to the members of client-facing teams at the Firm. The position also requires the use and understanding of these analytical tools to produce content used by different groups across the Firm.

This role is highly visible and requires strong technical, analytical, and communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate across investment, sales, marketing, and operations teams in a boutique, entrepreneurial environment. The PR&DA group has a strong team-based orientation yet relies upon its members to take initiative and responsibility for their own individual projects. A highly proactive, entrepreneurial, and professional attitude is essential.

The Portfolio Analytics Strategy Specialist must continuously grow and adapt to meet changing demands and a wide range of requests for support given markets, strategy lifecycles, and performance cycles change over time. This individual must excel at working independently, collaborating with key professionals, and leading projects to completion. The role is responsible for participating in project teams and collaborating effectively with many groups across the Firm. An active interest in acquiring new fundamental knowledge and practical analytics skills is highly encouraged. 

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio and Strategy Coverage

• Serve as the dedicated analytics specialist for assigned equity strategies, developing a deep understanding of investment objectives, guidelines, holdings, performance drivers, and risk exposures.
• Contribute to monthly reporting alongside other members of the Portfolio Analytics team by covering certain Baron Strategies.
• Partner directly with PMs to provide ongoing analytics, competitive intelligence, and customized insights to support portfolio positioning and communication.

Analytics and Insights

• Develop a strong understanding of all PR&DA tools available, such as FactSet Portfolio Analytics (PA), MSCI Barra, Morningstar Direct, Nasdaq eVestment, Advent Portfolio Exchange (APX), and Baron proprietary tools and models.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of performance, performance contribution and attribution,, style/factor exposures, and portfolio and performance-based characteristics across strategies and peer groups.
• Prepare materials and summaries for PMs and client reviews.
• Identify trends and insights that inform both portfolio management decisions and firm-wide strategic initiatives.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Support

• Act as a bridge between investment teams, distribution (sales/marketing), and PR&DA leadership by delivering tailored analytics and presentations.
• Support cross-functional initiatives, including product development, investor communications, and competitive positioning.
• Liaise with the Risk & Quantitative Data Analytics and Performance & Peer Analytics teams to ensure consistency and alignment in analytics delivery.
• Liaise with different departments to ensure data accuracy and investigate any performance related issues.

Reporting and Visualization

• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and presentations leveraging FactSet PA, Morningstar Direct, Nasdaq eVestment, and other analytical tools.
• Translate technical analysis into clear, compelling narratives suitable for board-level, client, and internal leadership audiences.

Process and Innovation

• Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the Portfolio Analytics function by automating reporting, creating and maintaining reporting templates, improving data workflows, and adopting best practices.
• Mentor junior associates, supporting their development and ensuring quality in deliverables.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s or post-graduate/master’s degree in business/finance or a quantitative field such as quantitative finance, statistics, applied mathematics, engineering, or computer science.

• Professional accreditations such as CFA designation or progress toward CFA desired.
• 3 to 6 years of relevant experience in performance/portfolio analytics, equity research, risk/quantitative analysis, or related function within the investment management industry.

Knowledge:

• Financial Knowledge: Understanding of investment instruments, financial markets, economic indicators, and the investment management industry.
• Proficiency with various financial applications, such as FactSet PA, Morningstar Direct, Nasdaq eVestment, Bloomberg, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with performance attribution methodologies.
• Some knowledge of relevant programming languages (Python, SQL, R) and of data visualization tools (Microsoft Power BI and/or Tableau) for data manipulation and automation. The ideal candidate must be able to create and maintain complex spreadsheets, databases, reports, and visually appealing presentations in Excel, PowerPoint, and internal dashboards.
• Office productivity: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, VBA, PowerPoint, and Word.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong Analytical and Quantitative Skills: Ability to interpret complex investment concepts and draw actionable insights, proficiency in financial modeling, statistical analysis, data interpretation.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex concepts to a broad audience, including PMs, senior management, and external stakeholders.
• Mindset: Highly pro-active and energetic, self-motivated, intellectually curious with commitment to continuous learning, strong work ethic, service-oriented and operational/analytical mindset.
• Attention to detail: Keen attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of analyses, reports, and models.
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to learn and adapt to new tools, techniques, and methodologies as required by the role, the Firm’s dynamic environment, and the industry.
• Organizational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work under pressure.
• Team player: Ability to work well in a collaborative environment, while also taking the initiative, ownership, and responsibility for individual projects.