Investment Analyst - The Townsend Group

SUMMARY:  The Townsend Group is the largest institutional real estate consultant in the United States, with a client base that spans nearly a dozen countries.  Last year, its clients collectively committed approximately $10 billion to private real estate funds and other similar vehicles throughout the globe.

Townsend is currently seeking an Investment Analyst to be located in its Cleveland, Ohio office.  The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in financial analysis along with excellent oral and written communication skills.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Townsend’s Investment Analysts participate in all aspects of its business, and interact regularly with leading fund managers.   Client service responsibilities include:  

• Assisting with strategy development & portfolio construction.
• Monitoring client portfolios.
• Participating in research projects and other initiatives 

Investment Analysts also have the opportunity to become involved in Townsend’s fund review group, which leads Townsend’s selection of the best investment opportunities from among the hundreds of private funds that Townsend considers each year.  Fund review responsibilities include: 

• Meeting with real estate fund managers to evaluate the market opportunities that they have identified, the strategies that they intend to use to exploit those opportunities and the teams that they have assembled to execute those strategies.
• Evaluating manager performance.
• Working with managers to negotiate deal terms.
• Preparing investment recommendations and presenting them to Townsend’s Investment Committee for comment and approval.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field required.
• 1-3 years of financial experience required.
• A strong working knowledge of all MS Office products, particularly Excel.
• Self-starter, capable of working in a fast paced environment.
• Team player with an outgoing personality.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Excellent portfolio modeling skills.
• A high level of intellectual curiosity.