Isenberg Alumnus Champions Allocator Jobs: Alex Ambroz ’05

Alex Ambroz ’05, an Isenberg School of Management graduate, has taken a less traditional route in the world of finance—one focused on work-life balance. Reflecting on his journey from humble beginnings in the Massachusetts foster care system to the steps he took to get to where he is today, he remembers his first day on the UMass Amherst campus—and how the experience would lead him to lift others up as he climbed. Ambroz founded Allocator Jobs, a career-support platform he has recently shared with Isenberg students interested in following a similar path.

Ambroz has over 20 years of professional experience, including investment and leadership positions with J.P. Morgan, the Cleveland Clinic Investment Office, and Morgan Creek Capital Management. He lives with his family in Dublin, Ireland, where he works as CEO of the Allocator Training Institute.

A Hidden Gem
Though initially drawn to finance, Ambroz recognized early that the typical high-intensity roles weren't for him. Wanting to build a life for himself and his career, and not keen on traditional finance paths such as investment banking or consulting, Ambroz sought a career that offered more work-life balance, leading him to explore “allocator jobs”—positions focused on managing institutional investments for healthcare organizations, university endowments, and foundations.

Discovering this sector turned out to be a pivotal moment in his career. His experience at the Cleveland Clinic helped him realize the wealth of opportunities in the allocator space.

“In 2017, we started an internship program at the Cleveland Clinic,” Ambroz recalled. “But no one wanted to talk to us at career fairs because they thought we were only hiring doctors and nurses. It took a few years, but now people understand we’re in finance—managing billions.”

Allocator jobs—which exist in niche sectors like pension funds, healthcare, and education—provide flexibility and rewarding career opportunities.

“Once students find out there are entry-level roles in this space that can pay $100,000 a year, they’re hooked,” Ambroz said, noting that it’s a field offering competitive pay without the demanding hours associated with investment banking.

Giving Back to Isenberg Students
To spread the word about these career opportunities, Ambroz established the Allocator Jobs platform in 2023. It offers a job board that pulls in listings from this niche sector as well as educational support to help all college and university students. For most users, Allocator Jobs can be accessed with a fee, but Ambroz has offered it to students at his own alma mater at no cost—opening doors to otherwise hard-to-find opportunities.

“For Isenberg students, the Allocator Jobs platform will always be free,” he said. “I was trying to climb the ladder and help pull people up behind me at the same time. I want to give Isenberg students access to this industry like others helped me.”

Educational Contributions and Career Mentorship
Beyond the platform, Ambroz remains involved with Isenberg, offering guidance through informational sessions and mentorship. His talks have inspired many, including students like Casey Morey ’25, who shifted career paths by obtaining an internship with J.P. Morgan after utilizing the platform.

“I was introduced to Allocator while attending an Alumni Insight call hosted by the Office of Career Success last fall, during which Alex Ambroz provided an in-depth discussion on the institutional investing industry and its various roles,” said Morey, highlighting the impact Allocator Jobs and Ambroz have had on his career shift. “As I seek to expand on my previous work experience in private education and my MBA Summer Associate Internship with J.P. Morgan, Allocator serves as a valuable resource—offering insights and opportunities for those pursuing a career in the institutional allocator industry.”

A Career Champion
Trista Hevey, Isenberg’s executive director of graduate employer relations and outreach, described Ambroz as someone who stands out as a champion for Isenberg students, through his innovative platform and his commitment to mentoring and fostering student success.

“Alex is the perfect example of what the Career Center hopes for an alum,” she said. “Someone who will come back and just knock on the Career Center door and say, ‘I want to support the next generation’s journey.’ He gives back in a way that I call our ‘Career Cheer Champions,’ by bringing the next generation into the allocator job landscape.”

Discover hundreds of job opportunities by watching Ambroz’s tutorial on Allocator Jobs, and access a vast network of postings—free for Isenberg students on IConnect.

Elizabeth D. Bednarczyk is senior marketing and communications coordinator in the UMass Amherst Isenberg School of Management’s Marketing and Communications office. Submit story ideas to ebednarczyk@isenberg.umass.edu.