Career Center

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive in the Investment Office who manages important responsibilities of the endowment and related portfolios. The COO reports directly to the Chief Investment Officer and is responsible for all operational and investment support functions of the office. The COO oversees investment operations, all facets of the operational infrastructure, analytic support of investment decision-making, fiduciary and regulatory compliance, and organizational acumen of the office. Successful execution of the role will create leverage for the Investment Office to deliver superior investment results. Skillful project and team management, proactive leadership and communication style, and enthusiastic engagement in problem solving is critical to build and advance the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the overall investment operations, analytics and reporting, technology, and administrative teams and processes.
• Identify, hire, train, mentor, and manage career development of team members and their integration with the investment and risk management staff.
• Manage the transaction execution, support processes, and counterparty management for direct market transactions as well as public and private fund investment transactions.
• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial management, valuation, and reconciliation processes in concert with other University departments.
• Manage and continually refine all reporting processes in support of performance, accounting, tax, internal management, and other regular and ad-hoc reporting needs.
• Manage and enhance the technology and data management infrastructure to fully support the investment teams, integrating external sources with internal systems.
• Oversee regulatory and compliance functions and policies in coordination with other University departments and in support of the Board of Trustees of The University of Chicago.
• Leverage effective project management and problem solving skills to support the expansion of new and existing investment capabilities to create scalability.
• Derivatives investment capabilities and counterparty and collateral management.
• Leadership responsibility on behalf of the Investment Office for non-investment activities and projects that span other parts of the University of Chicago.
• Engage with other University departments on shared responsibilities to communicate Investment Office goals, objectives, and results.
• Manage the budget and planning process in coordination with the CIO, University Finance, and Administration.
• Support the Chief Investment Officer in other goals and initiatives with Investment Office involvement.
• Co-chair the Risk Management Committee.

Competencies:

• A demonstrated leader with the confidence and professional credibility to cultivate relationships with both internal and external constituents, and to make effective oral presentations representing the University of Chicago in a highly professional manner.
• A high level of intellectual curiosity.
• A team player who is comfortable working across diverse teams.
• Constructively challenge and skillfully diplomatic.
• An energetic, hardworking individual with a proven track record of collaboration.
• An interest in supporting the work of a university endowment.
• Excellent judgement, high integrity, and personal values aligned with University of Chicago leadership.
• Proven ability to synthesize and apply analysis to business solutions.
• Strong oral and written executive communication, organizational, and presentation skills; has the ability to influence key senior constituencies.
• Outstanding creativity, intelligence, and problem-solving ability.
• Previous experience in managing, training, and developing professionals who support decision making.

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• MBA or advanced degree in finance, economics, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in investment operations management.
• Staff management experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Superior analytical skills and a proven track record of incorporating quantitative and qualitative inputs.
• Think strategically, analyze critically, and to synthesize and effectively communicate complex strategies.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Office setting.
• Travel to Hyde Park.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

Connections working at University of Chicago (UC)