Private Equity Analyst

Sophisticated Work. In a Great City. Making a Difference.

The State of Wisconsin Investment Board (SWIB) manages more than $178 billion in assets, including those of the fully-funded Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). SWIB operates at a level more often seen in top-tier global asset managers than in typical public pension funds. SWIB is a home for top talent. Approximately 61 percent of SWIB’s investment professionals are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholders.

The City of Madison, the state capitol and home of Wisconsin’s flagship university, makes regular appearances on lists of best places to live, eat, and play. SWIB offers a modern workspace, hybrid work options, and competitive compensation and benefits.

Serving over 703,000 WRS beneficiaries, SWIB is driven by a clear mission: securing the financial future of those who serve Wisconsin. When you work at SWIB, you know your work matters.

Job Description:

About the Team

SWIB is seeking an Investment Analyst to join its Private Markets & Funds Alpha Division. The Investment Analyst will collaborate with the Head of Private Equity, Portfolio Managers and Investment Analysts to source, review and evaluate prospective investments for the Private Equity and Current Return (i.e. private debt) Portfolios. 

The Private Equity Portfolio, with a market value of 18 billion dollars, focuses on global buyout, growth equity and co-investments. SWIB invests across the private equity spectrum with a current focus on U.S. and Western European small and middle-market buyout funds and growth equity funds.  The Current Return Portfolio, with a market value of $4 billion, focuses on senior and mezzanine loan funds (performing credit), distressed debt funds (non-performing credit), secondary funds, other yield-driven strategies and co-investments.  Co-Investments are positions in underlying portfolio companies’ equity and/or debt, alongside the Private Equity Portfolio and the Current Return Portfolio General Partners.

Essential activities:

• Assist in coordinating the timely review of new fund and co-investment opportunities
• Participate in discussions with the team regarding new potential funds and co-investments
• Assist with due diligence on new investment opportunities through research, financial modeling, participation in meetings, and travel when needed
• Coordinate with operations and legal teams on the closing of new investments
• Assist in executing the private equity strategy; help create and implement new processes to better effect communication and execute strategy
• Manage the private markets database (eFront) and track the inflow of investment opportunities
• Maintain portfolio performance and quarterly returns with an overlay of benchmark statistics

The ideal candidate:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 2 - 4 years of investment experience (private equity preferred)
• CAIA or CFA designation a plus
• Advanced financial modeling skills
• A willingness to travel
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An ability to be adaptive and thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Superb work ethic, attention to detail, team orientation, and commitment to excellence

• Competitive total cash compensation, based on AON (formerly McLagan) industry benchmarks
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Educational and training opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Challenging work in a professional environment
• Hybrid work environment