Position: Chief of Staff

Location: New Haven, CT (Hybrid)

Our client manages an endowment and related assets that aim to support an operating budget for current scholars and preserve purchasing power for future generations. Their breakthrough ideas and initiatives in endowment investing have influenced universities and foundations around the world.

Totaling $41.4 billion as of June 30, 2024, their endowment pursues an investment strategy constructed to produce superior long-term performance through the careful consideration of risk and return across a diversified portfolio of asset classes, including public equities, leveraged buyouts, venture capital, and real assets, and through astute selection of external investment managers within those asset classes.

Position Overview:

The Chief of Staff will provide high-level strategic support of a substantial and confidential nature and will be a thought partner to the CIO, managing priorities and enabling the CIO to maximize his effectiveness across the $41 billion endowment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CIO by tracking and managing key priorities, recommending actions, and ensuring important issues receive appropriate attention.
• Support Investment Committee engagement, including preparation for meetings, follow-up actions, and relationship management.
• Work closely with the management team to ensure alignment of university priorities with the CIO's availability and access, and to prepare for VP Council and University Cabinet meetings, as well as other standing meetings.
• Represent the Office of the CIO to the trustees, officers, deans and directors as well as external visitors and colleagues.
• Partner with the management team on special projects and initiatives as needed.
• Proactively identify opportunities to increase the CIO's effectiveness and impact across the $41 billion endowment.
• Coordinate with the Head of Business Affairs on strategic messaging and external engagement opportunities.
• Draft communications on behalf of the CIO, including emails and other critical correspondence.
• In partnership with the administrative team, oversee the CIO’s calendar management, meeting preparation, travel coordination, and other logistical support.

Qualifications:

• Required Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree and five years experience supporting executive leaders
• Experience working in a large complex organization or academic institution of higher learning
• Preferred Education and Experience:
• Experience in financial services, investment management, or family office environment
• Experience in higher education or non-profit sector
• Experience managing complex projects and priorities across multiple stakeholders
• Desired Skills & Abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proven ability to exercise discretion and maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with deans, faculty, administrators, staff and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the Office of the CIO and the University both internally and externally. Ability to exercise diplomacy and an astute understanding of political and organizational structure.
• Proven ability managing high-level complex calendars, projects, and priorities. Demonstrated ability with successfully meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be available evenings and weekends at the CIO's discretion.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to anticipate needs, identify issues, and proactively recommend solutions.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment with presence in the New Haven office three days per week required.

What they Offer:

• This position offers a competitive compensation package. The client offers a dynamic, collaborative environment with opportunity for professional growth and development.