Associate/Sr. Associate, Investments (Structured Products & CLOs)

Posting Title: Associate/Sr. Associate, Investments (Structured Products & CLOs)
Location: Chicago, IL (Mostly On-Site)
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $136,024.00-$187,033.00

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/Sr. Associate, Investments (Structured Products & CLOs), you will support the analysis, monitoring, and execution of structured product investments, including asset-backed securities and CLOs. You will work closely with the Investments team and Managing Director to deliver actionable insights, enhance reporting processes, and contribute to portfolio performance and growth initiatives.

We welcome candidates who are curious, analytical, and collaborative—individuals who bring diverse perspectives and are eager to grow their expertise in structured credit markets.

What You’ll Do: 

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on structured products to support investment decisions
• Analyze portfolio holdings, including collateral quality, structure, cash flow, yield, and credit risk
• Maintain and enhance automated reporting and surveillance tools for portfolio monitoring
• Collaborate with internal teams and external data providers (e.g., Bloomberg, Intex, Valitana) to build analytical tools
• Support pricing analysis across primary and secondary markets to assess relative value opportunities
• Assist in due diligence and development of structured credit investment strategies
• Contribute to portfolio risk monitoring and identify opportunities to improve risk/return profiles
• Develop models, databases, and reporting tools to support investment and AUM growth initiatives
• Partner across teams and mentor junior colleagues while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment

What You’ll Bring:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• MBA or advanced degree preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in trading, investment management, or risk management within structured products or CLOs
• Experience with financial analytics tools such as Bloomberg, Intex, BlackRock Aladdin, and/or Valitana
• Experience in a regulated environment (e.g., insurance or financial services) preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and financial modeling tools
• Ability to interpret complex data and communicate insights clearly
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Curiosity and motivation to continuously learn and adapt in a dynamic industry
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a team-oriented environment
• Experience with structured product analytics (Intex, Valitana) preferred

Physical Requirements: 

• Primarily sedentary work with extended periods of sitting and computer use
• Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 lbs)
• Ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment

Where You’ll Work:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Work Arrangements: Mostly On-Site
• Travel Requirements: Occasional Travel (5-10%)

Compensation and Pay Philosophy: 
The pay range for this role is $136,024.00-$187,033.00. 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, EquiTrust may, within its sole discretion and depending on the relevant circumstances, criteria, and considerations at the time, grant eligible employees annual discretionary incentive bonuses. Eligible employees also have 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. 

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Salary : $136,024 - $187,033