The Oregon School Employees Retirement System is part of the broader Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (Oregon PERS), which manages combined assets exceeding $90 billion. School employees represent a significant portion of Oregon PERS membership, and their retirement assets are invested through the same pooled portfolio managed by the Oregon State Treasury.
Investment Strategy
Oregon school employee retirement assets benefit from the Oregon Investment Council’s sophisticated investment program. The combined PERS portfolio is diversified across public equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, private credit, and other alternatives. The OIC’s alternatives allocation of approximately 28% is among the highest of any U.S. public pension system.
Private equity investments span buyout, growth equity, venture capital, and distressed strategies across global markets. The real estate program includes direct investments and fund commitments. Infrastructure and private credit allocations provide income and diversification. The Oregon State Treasury has been investing in private markets since the 1980s and has built one of the most respected alternatives programs in the institutional investor community.
How to Approach
GPs seeking to access Oregon school employee pension capital should engage with the Oregon State Treasury’s Investment Division in Tigard. The Treasury manages all alternatives for the combined Oregon PERS system. The team is highly experienced and maintains deep relationships with GPs globally. Competition for Oregon capital is strong, so GPs should present a truly differentiated strategy with strong performance data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Oregon school employee pension assets invested?
Oregon school employee pension assets are invested as part of the broader Oregon PERS portfolio managed by the Oregon State Treasury under the direction of the Oregon Investment Council. The combined portfolio allocates approximately 28% to alternatives.
What is the Oregon Investment Council?
The Oregon Investment Council (OIC) sets investment policy for the Oregon State Treasury, which manages assets for Oregon PERS and other state funds. The OIC has one of the most established alternatives programs among U.S. public pension systems.
How should GPs engage with Oregon school pension assets?
GPs should contact the Oregon State Treasury's Investment Division. Since all Oregon PERS assets are managed through the same investment program, engaging with the Treasury covers school employees, state employees, and other participants in the system.
