Posting Title: Associate, Investments (Private Markets)
Location: Chicago, IL (Mostly On-Site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $124,000.00-$170,500.00

About Us:
EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of competitive, client-friendly annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations (IMOs). Since 2003, we have provided exceptional customer service to our clients by operating with integrity and passion. Our efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce who execute their responsibilities through teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. EquiTrust sells products nationwide and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines, Iowa.

How You’ll Contribute:
As an Associate, Investments (Private Markets), you will be responsible for evaluating, structuring, and executing complex financing transactions across various securitized asset classes. The primary focus of this position is to assist portfolio managers in evaluating and executing a variety of esoteric and private ABS investments. The role will support the evaluation, structuring, and execution of complex financing transactions across a variety of securitized asset classes. This role requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of structured products, and the ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment. The individual will be primarily responsible for analyzing the credit worthiness of various private and structured credit issuers, generating investment ideas, and making appropriate buy, sell, and hold recommendations.

What You’ll Do:

• Conduct detailed financial modeling, cash flow analyses, and scenario planning for private ABS investments.
• Perform due diligence on private and esoteric ABS opportunities, private credit, and structured products.
• Collaborate with external partners, including rating agencies, legal counsel, and investment bankers, to structure and negotiate investment deals.
• Prepare and present investment memos and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage ongoing portfolio monitoring, perform follow-up analyses, and maintain investment tools and databases.
• Support operational coordination with Treasury and Middle/Back Office teams for new and existing investments.
• Proactively develop and articulate recommendations to the Vice President of Investments and the broader investment team.

What You’ll Bring:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master's Degree preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years of principal investing or investment banking experience.
• Familiarity with private credit, leveraged credit, or esoteric structured products (buy- or sell-side).
• Experience in a regulated environment, preferably within life insurance, is highly valued.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint) and Bloomberg.
• Strong financial modeling, portfolio strategy, and risk analysis skills.
• Knowledge of tools like Aladdin, Intex, VBA, SQL, or Python is a plus.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving industry and work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high level of motivation and a passion for learning.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, talk, and hear for extended periods; occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs.

Where You’ll Work:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Work Arrangements: Mostly On-Site
• Travel Requirements: Infrequent domestic travel (less than 5% of the time).

Compensation and Pay Philosophy: 
The pay range for this role is $124,000.00-$170,500.00. This reflects the expected compensation for the position at the time of posting. The final offer will be based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, and may be higher or lower than the posted range. The pay range is subject to change in the future in accordance with applicable laws. EquiTrust is committed to fair and competitive compensation that considers individual and organizational needs.  

Total Rewards:
In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary incentive bonus and access to a competitive benefits package including: 

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage:
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid time off: Vacation, Sick, Holiday, and more
• Paid Parental Leave for both Mothers and Fathers
• Hybrid/Remote Work Options
• Early Friday Closure

EquiTrust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the U.S. Federal E-Verify program. Applicants have rights under federal and state employment laws. To learn more, visit EquiTrust Careers.