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JOB DETAILS

Associate

CompanyChai Trust Company LLC
LocationChicago
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 18, 2026
About The Company
Chai Trust is the private trust company for the Zell family. Chai has two primary divisions: Equity Group Investments (EGI) and the Zell Family Office (ZFO). EGI focuses on direct investing in privately held companies across a variety of industries. ZFO is a family-focused office that supports the needs of the Zell Family, offering a range of services focused on enhancing their overall well-being, from their health to their finances.
About the Role

Description

Equity Group Investments ("EGI") is looking to hire an Associate to join our private equity investment team. While EGI primarily focuses on control buyouts, candidates should be interested in pursuing a career in investing across a broad range of opportunities, including private and public ownership, as well as equity and debt securities, across various industries. 


Associates will have significant responsibilities across all stages of investing, including origination, operational engagement, and exit. The role involves supporting the investment team in all aspects of deal execution and deal structuring, including due diligence, building financial models, preparing investment memos, and working closely with the investment committee and executive leadership teams. They will collaborate with team members, portfolio company leadership (e.g., CEOs and CFOs), and external advisors. Successful candidates will be able to manage their time effectively between existing portfolio investments and executing on new investment opportunities.


The scope of the Associate’s role is expected to expand over time as they demonstrate an ability to take on more responsibility.


Key Responsibilities

  • Lead/support all aspects of new deal execution including due diligence, financing modeling, deal structuring, negotiation, investment committee approval and execution.
  • Manage third-party due diligence providers.
  • Build robust, flexible financial models to support deal underwriting and deal structuring efforts
  • Lead/support day-to-day interaction with portfolio companies, including liaison with executive leadership and participation in Board of Director activities. 
  • Engage with portfolio companies on operational and strategic initiatives.
  • Participate in all aspects of the investment team’s new and existing businesses strategic processes and initiatives.

Requirements

Key Attributes

  • Accountability/Problem-Solver: independent self-starter; takes ownership of outcomes and anticipates what needs to be done; solution-driven; consistently delivers high-quality, innovative solutions to challenges
  • Adaptability: demonstrates mental agility and composure under pressure; able to pivot seamlessly between projects while maintaining order and without losing momentum; accepting of change
  • Curiosity: intellectually curious; keen ability to connect the dots; brings simplicity to a complex situation; asks questions and demonstrates skepticism
  • Culture/Ambition: driven and hard working; works effectively on a team; ambitious and willing to take risks; proactively seek feedback and opportunities for growth
  • EQ/Influence: provides opinions and ideas on investments; strong communicator across levels; capable of interfacing and building relationships with senior management teams
  • Quantitative & Presentation Skills: applies strong analytical abilities and presents findings clearly and confidently to senior audiences, including external investors, board members, investment committee

Experience & Education

  • 3+ years of work experience in private equity, hedge fund, investment banking, or other similar roles with an emphasis on M&A and/or leveraged finance/credit.
  • Strong financial modeling skills.
  • Experience with industry analysis and company due diligence.
  • Experience with transaction and credit legal documentation preferred.
  • Experience working with lawyers, C-level executives, and other intermediaries is preferred.
  • Excellent writing skills with the ability to synthesize large amounts of data into actionable form.
Key Skills
Financial ModelingDue DiligenceDeal StructuringPrivate EquityInvestment AnalysisM&ALeveraged FinanceCredit AnalysisTransaction DocumentationStrategic PlanningOperational EngagementCommunicationAnalytical SkillsProject ManagementBoard Interaction
Categories
Finance & AccountingManagement & LeadershipConsulting
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Associate will lead and support all aspects of new deal execution, including due diligence, financial modeling, and deal structuring. They will also manage day-to-day interactions with portfolio companies and engage in operational and strategic initiatives.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
18
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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