Director, Equity Research

About Cresset

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s and Forbes among the nation’s top RIA firms, and as one of the industry’s best places to work, * Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.

Key Responsibilities

The Equity Research Director will serve as a senior member of the investment research team, responsible for evaluating and overseeing long-only equity investment strategies across domestic, developed international, and emerging markets. This individual will lead ongoing manager due diligence, including coverage of existing relationships, and identify compelling new investment opportunities aligned with client needs and the firm’s capital markets views.

The ideal candidate combines deep analytical expertise with strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset. This role is integral to delivering high-quality research, insights, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and clients. The position requires the ability to lead and complete diverse projects under strict deadlines in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and to represent the firm in a highly professional manner.

Manager Due Diligence & Oversight

• Conduct ongoing qualitative and quantitative due diligence of long-only equity investment managers across market capitalizations and geographies.
• Evaluate investment philosophy, process, team structure, risk management, performance drivers, and organizational stability.
• Maintain detailed research documentation, meeting notes, and articulate rationales in support of manager recommendations.
• Monitor existing managers for style drift, organizational changes, performance anomalies, and risk exposures.

Research & Idea Generation

• Lead top-down and bottom-up research initiatives to identify emerging trends, new strategies, and under-the-radar investment opportunities.
• Produce written research reports, market commentary, and thought leadership relevant to equity markets and manager selection.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to refine the firm’s equity research agenda and strategic priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage and deepen relationships with investment managers, maintaining open and proactive communication channels.
• Partner with client-facing consultant colleagues to present manager evaluations and recommendations and support portfolio construction, client reviews, and ad-hoc analysis.
• Serve as a leader and mentor to more junior colleagues.

Process & Governance

• Ensure due diligence procedures align with firm policies and industry best practices.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in research frameworks, documentation standards, and analytical tools.
• Participate in cross-asset research meetings and collaborate with colleagues across asset class verticals.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree (academic concentration in economics, finance, or business is preferred) is required. Candidate with MBA or CFA is preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in manager research (endowment, foundation, consultant, family officer backgrounds preferred)
• Intellectual curiosity and desire for constant learning
• Strong analytical problem-solving and data analysis skills, with attention to detail
• Excellent written communication skills and understanding of capital markets and investments
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling
• Proactive self-starter with the ability to lead and work independently
• Experience in client-facing consulting engagements a plus
• Experience with investment technology (Bloomberg, eVestment, Morningstar, Bipsync etc) is helpful

What We Offer:

At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority. Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package including an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre-tax parking and transportation programs. Aligning employee and organizational interests, all employees receive equity in Cresset.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cresset’s policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Everything Starts With Culture.

Our Vision

We exist to optimize wealth and elevate life—giving clients the time, clarity, and trusted partnership to pursue what matters most.

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here .

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, and all its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. Cresset provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset also provides investment advisory services to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate, and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.