The School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS) provides retirement, disability, and health care benefits to non-teaching employees of Ohio’s public schools, including bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, and administrative staff. With approximately $17 billion in total assets, SERS serves over 200,000 active and retired members.
Investment Strategy
Ohio SERS invests across a diversified portfolio that includes domestic and international equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, and other alternatives. The Retirement Board sets the strategic asset allocation policy, which is informed by periodic asset-liability studies. The investment team implements the strategy using a combination of internal management and external partnerships.
The alternatives program spans private equity and real estate. Private equity investments include buyout and growth equity funds across multiple vintage years and geographies. Real estate allocations provide diversification and income through core and value-add strategies. The fund has steadily grown its alternatives exposure over the past decade.
Ohio SERS manages its investment program with a long-term orientation, recognizing that private market investments require patience and commitment to achieve their return potential.
How to Approach
GPs interested in working with Ohio SERS should contact the investment team in Columbus. The fund evaluates managers through a structured due diligence process and works with external consultants. Key evaluation criteria include track record consistency, team stability, alignment of interests, and transparent fee structures. Initial outreach should be concise and focused on strategy differentiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ohio SERS's alternatives allocation?
Ohio SERS allocates approximately 15% of its $17 billion portfolio to alternatives including private equity and real estate. The fund has been building its alternatives exposure to diversify returns beyond traditional public markets.
How does Ohio SERS select managers?
Ohio SERS has an internal investment team that evaluates managers with assistance from external consultants. Selection criteria include performance track record, team depth, investment process, operational quality, and fee reasonableness. The Board approves all new manager relationships.
How can fund managers engage with Ohio SERS?
GPs should contact the Ohio SERS investment team in Columbus. The fund accepts direct outreach and also works through consultant channels. Managers should provide a concise overview of their strategy, track record, and differentiation. Ohio SERS attends industry conferences and is open to introductory meetings.
