Employment Opportunities
Director of Investments
Background
The Berkeley Endowment Management Company (BEMCO) was created in 2009 to oversee the UC Berkeley Foundation’s endowment assets which totaled $736MM at 6/30/09. Those assets span all asset classes, in both the public and private markets. The management company is an independent entity, led by its first CIO, John-Austin Saviano, and governed by an independent board of directors. Janet McKinley, former Chairman of The Income Fund of America and a former Director of Capital Research and Management Co, will chair the management company’s board. Other volunteer board members include William Ausfahl, a UCBF trustee; Warren Hellman, Chairman of Hellman & Friedman; Laurance Hoagland, Vice President and CIO of the Hewlett Foundation; and Ned Spieker, Managing Partner of Spieker Realty Investments.
The Opportunity
Working for the Berkeley Endowment Management Company is a chance to use your investment skills for the benefit of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, and further its commitment to access to and excellence in higher education. You’ll do so as a part of small collegial team that will take this organization from its start-up phase to an institutional-class investment organization.
We are looking for an outstanding investment professional to work with the CIO and other senior staff in managing a sophisticated institutional portfolio, spanning all asset classes, in both the public and private markets. This will be a small team that needs to cover considerable ground.
Successful candidates will have a passion for investing, and an ability to work across traditional and alternative investments. This is a start-up, so candidates should be prepared for the challenges of creating something from scratch and willing to take on a broad range of tasks, as needed.
Qualifications
- Five plus years experience in managing a portfolio of external investment managers in a multi-asset class environment such as an endowment, foundation, family office or investment consulting firm.
- Prior experience in a direct investment role highly desirable.
- Experience sourcing high quality investment managers, and taking them through a rigorous due diligence process.
- A demonstrated ability to evaluate and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into crisp and thoughtful investment recommendations, delivered both in person and in writing.
- Specialization in one or more of the following areas: global equities, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity, derivatives, natural resources or real estate.
- Deep professional network in the LP and investment management communities.
- Exceptional academic qualifications including a MBA and/or CFA.
Responsibilities
- Source, evaluate and manage a portfolio of external investment managers.
- Provide active day to day oversight of investments, and develop appropriate reporting and benchmarking tools.
- Stay abreast of trends in institutional investment markets, including relationships with fund managers, thought leaders and other LPs.
- Play an active role in the BEMCO’s overall investment decision making process.
- Contribute to the ongoing refinement of asset allocation framework and implementation.
- Develop and formalize due diligence, monitoring and benchmarking processes.
- Mentor and train Associates.
- Represent the University, the Foundation and BEMCO at conferences, meetings and the investment community at large.
Other requirements
- Willingness to travel frequently, both domestically and overseas.
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter and resume to
The Berkeley Endowment Management Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer a dynamic, intellectually stimulating and diverse working environment, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits. Employment is contingent upon completion of a background check.
