Director, Investment Research Team

This is a hybrid work opportunity which requires commuting to our New York or Chicago office two times per week. Please ensure you can meet this requirement prior to applying.

Harbor Capital Advisors is a dynamic, fast-paced, innovative company. We partner with differentiated managers to curate compelling investment solutions for our clients. We are rapidly expanding our suite of innovative solutions across diverse investment vehicles and geographies. 

Harbor’s Investment Research Team (IRT) is responsible for investment selection and oversight of our partners and subadvisors. IRT maintains relationships with our investment partners by interacting with portfolio managers, research analysts, and other personnel while conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses and engaging with new potential investment partners. IRT collaborates with several internal teams, most closely working with Harbor’s Investment Risk, Analytics and Insights (IRAI) team, Multi-Asset Solutions Team (MAST), as well as Product, Distribution, Legal & Compliance, and Operations. IRT also bolsters Harbor’s investment strategies, both internally and externally, through timely presentations. As a member of IRT, you would play a direct role in curating investment solutions – from around the globe - that serve to enhance outcomes in client portfolios.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Conduct ongoing investment manager due diligence on current subadvisor partners, using qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct rigorous analysis and come to well-rounded assessments on a continuous basis  

• Identify or help develop new and differentiated investment strategies for addition to the investment platform 

• Partner with other internal stakeholders in the creation and underwriting of new investment partners and strategies, including meeting with the respective investment firms, running analysis and writing a comprehensive Investment Memorandum  

• Host internal and external presentations with subadvisor investment partners, helping create content and crafting impactful messaging for teammates in Distribution and for external clients 

• Compose investment commentary and other materials for periodic Board presentations 

• Contribute to team and firm through additional responsibilities such as participating in various committees and working groups 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:  

• A minimum of 7 years in the investment management industry with significant experience in due diligence research and manager selection, preferably involving both private and public assets  

• A demonstrable record of success in evaluating and recommending investment managers and strategies 

• Confidence in delivering frequent internal and external presentations 

• Flexibility to adapt the analytical framework to new market dynamics, new asset classes, and different investment types  

• Demonstrated track record of critical thinking and strong analytical skills 

• Collaboration with other stakeholders including Multi Asset Solutions Team, Product, Distribution, Legal and Compliance, and Operations  

• Effective prioritization among aggressive timelines 

• Genuine collaboration with colleagues and mentorship 

• Ability to operate independently as appropriate; proactive thinking and taking steps without prompting 

• Relevant advanced degree or certification, such as (but not limited to) CFA Charterholder, CAIA® or MBA, strongly preferred 

• Proficiency in coding languages, namely Python and others such as SQL, strongly preferred 

• Proficiency in Morningstar Direct and FactSet Portfolio Analysis, strongly preferred 

• Experience with eVestment a plus; desired familiarity with Barra 

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Office suite 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including confident delivery to an investment team, senior leadership or a fund board 

• Ability to synthesize various analysis and communicate a clear and concise narrative  

• Demonstrated strong work ethic 

• Strong organizational skills, including timely and comprehensive documentation for knowledge sharing purposes 

• Periodic travel required 

Salary Range:  $150,000-$200,000 plus bonus eligibility