Why Join Thrivent?

We exist to help people achieve financial clarity. At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we are committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking, and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given.

As a membership-owned fraternal organization and a holistic financial services leader, Thrivent is dedicated to serving the unique needs of our clients. We focus on their goals and priorities, guiding them toward financial choices that enable them to live the life they want today—and tomorrow. Joining Thrivent means becoming part of a values-driven team that impacts lives through purposeful financial solutions.

Our Minneapolis Investments Office is at the heart of our innovative investment strategies, where top talent like you can thrive in a collaborative, high-performance environment. We offer opportunities for professional growth, meaningful work, and a culture that celebrates integrity, compassion, and excellence.

Role Description

The Senior Research Analyst II - High Yield is a pivotal second-level research position responsible for independent research covering specific industries within the high-yield credit market. Based in our Minneapolis Investments Office, this role involves analyzing and recommending the purchase and sale of public high-yield corporate bonds and related securities to drive incremental outperformance.

Senior II Analysts conduct in-depth research on organizations, securities, financial products, and the broader economic environment with minimal oversight. You will monitor existing investments, manage credit risk, provide industry recommendations, and maintain relative weighting and value assessments within the high-yield credit universe. This position consistently delivers positive impacts to our portfolios through superior analysis and decision-making.

Success demands strong teamwork, effective prioritization of workflow amid market demands, and a track record of generating consistent, superior performance. As part of our Research function, you'll contribute to analyses that shape investment strategies and client outcomes.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Perform independent, fundamental credit analysis on issuers within assigned high-yield industries, demonstrating a strong understanding of credits and the ability to expand coverage.
• Analyze company financial statements from a bondholder's perspective to assess operational strengths, weaknesses, and directional outlooks.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to evaluate creditworthiness and forecast performance.
• Prepare detailed credit reports and deliver relative value opinions that inform portfolio recommendations.
• Actively manage credit risk in assigned industries/sectors by monitoring existing holdings and optimizing portfolio weightings.
• Make actionable recommendations on issuers, industries, and trades that are regularly implemented across portfolios.
• Monitor market trends, economic indicators, and sector developments to provide timely insights.
• Collaborate with portfolio managers and team members to align research with investment strategies.
• Contribute to team meetings, presenting findings and supporting high-yield investment decisions.
• Stay abreast of regulatory changes, credit events, and macroeconomic factors affecting high-yield markets.

Required Skills

This role demands a blend of analytical prowess, market intuition, and communication excellence. Key skills include:

• Advanced credit analysis and fundamental research capabilities.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and valuation techniques.
• Deep knowledge of high-yield corporate bonds and fixed income markets.
• Strong understanding of economic and industry trends.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage risk and prioritize in fast-paced environments.
• Collaborative teamwork and interpersonal communication.
• Quantitative analysis using tools like Excel, Bloomberg, or similar platforms.

Education & Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field. MBA, CFA, or advanced credit certifications highly preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of high-yield credit research or fixed income analysis experience. Proven track record in fundamental analysis, portfolio contributions, and industry coverage. Experience with public high-yield corporate bonds essential.

Compensation Overview

Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives, reflecting the seniority and impact of this role in Minneapolis' dynamic financial market.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with generous company match and immediate vesting.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and parental leave.
• Professional development programs and tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness programs, employee assistance, and financial planning services.
• Generosity programs aligning with Thrivent's mission.
• Hybrid work flexibility in our state-of-the-art Minneapolis office.

Join Thrivent's Investments team and shape the future of high-yield investing. Apply today to bring your expertise to a purpose-driven organization.