Associate/Vice President, Investments (Real Estate Markets)

Posting Title: Associate/Vice President, Investments (Real Estate Markets)
Location: Chicago, IL (Mostly On-Site)
Employment Type: Full-time

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 a Real Estate Investments Associate or Vice President, you will play a key role in managing and optimizing a portfolio of commercial real estate investments, primarily commercial mortgage loans. This role supports or leads portfolio management, credit analysis, and risk management efforts to drive strong risk-adjusted returns.

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about real estate investing, demonstrate strong analytical and credit judgment skills, and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

What You’ll Do (All Levels):

• Actively manage a portfolio of commercial real estate investments, including surveillance, performance monitoring, and credit assessment


• Perform financial modeling, valuation analysis, and re-underwriting


• Manage loan lifecycle events (extensions, modifications, restructurings, payoffs)


• Monitor covenant compliance, loan performance, and asset-level risk


• Conduct scenario and sensitivity analyses to identify and mitigate risks


• Collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize portfolio outcomes


• Prepare reporting, analysis, and materials for internal stakeholders and investment committee

Leveling Guide (Associate Vs. Vice President):

We are open to hiring at either level based on experience, skills, and demonstrated capabilities:

Associate, Investments (Real Estate Markets):

Salary Range: $136,024.00-$187,033.00

• 5+ years of commercial real estate underwriting, credit, or portfolio management experience


• Experience supporting loan lifecycle management and asset-level analysis


• Experience having focus on execution and analysis across the portfolio


• Supported portfolio surveillance, underwriting, and reporting


• Worked closely with senior team members to evaluate asset-level decisions


• Contributed to financial modeling, valuation, and credit analysis


• Experience mentoring junior team members and contributes to team development

Vice President, Investments (Real Estate Markets):

Salary Range: $156,427.20-$215,087.40

• 7+ years of commercial real estate credit, asset management, or lending experience


• Demonstrated experience leading portfolio decisions and managing complex investments


• Led portfolio strategy, decision-making, and execution


• Owned portfolio performance, risk positioning, and investment recommendations


• Directly managed complex assets, including underperforming or distressed investments


• Has developed borrower, sponsor, and partner relationships


• Drove investment committee materials and presents recommendations to senior leadership


• Provided leadership, mentorship, and development for Associates and Analysts


• Played a key role in shaping portfolio strategy, capital allocation, and monitor investments 


• Assisted in managing loan lifecycle events (extensions, modifications, restructurings)


• Partnered with servicers, borrowers, and internal stakeholders to support portfolio performance

What You’ll Bring:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Real Estate, or related field


• MBA, CFA, or progress toward a designation is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills


• Understanding of real estate capital structures, loan documentation, and credit risk


• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear insights and recommendations


• Strong communication and relationship management skills


• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment


• Collaborative mindset with a commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace


• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with tools such as Argus or CoStar preferred 

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily sedentary work; frequent sitting and computer use


• Ability to communicate effectively and participate in meetings


• Occasional movement within the offic

Where You’ll Work:

• Location: Chicago, Illinois


• Work Arrangements: Mostly On-Site


• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel (5%-10% of the time)

Compensation and Pay Philosophy: 
The pay range for this role is either $136,024.00-$187,033.00for an Associate or $156,427.20-$215,087.40 for an Vice President. 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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