Job  Board

THE ORGANIZATION

Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation (“the Foundation”) believes strong communities are built through knowledge and empowerment. With roots in Saint Paul since 1940 and partners across the state, the Foundation, Minnesota’s largest community foundation, serves as the partner of choice for thousands of donors, nonprofits and community organizations that are working to address some of the biggest problems facing Minnesota communities. The Foundation, in partnership with its fundholders and its client foundation partners, F. R. Bigelow Foundation and Mardag Foundation, grant an average of $120MM annually to nonprofits who are working to meet the diverse community needs and making lasting impact across the East Metro and Minnesota. The Foundation employs approximately 85 staff and the assets under management total $1.9B.

Guided by the aspirational vision of an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive, the Foundation has recently announced its new strategic plan and is resolutely focused on its strategic goals to:

• Inspire generosity
• Advocate for equity
• Invest in community-led solutions

The Foundation’s values include:

• We Listen
• We Innovate and Learn
• Community is our Compass
• We Commit to Equity
• We Nurture Philanthropy

The Foundation’s collaborative, innovative and equity-driven culture empowers staff to grow professionally, and the culture continues to evolve by attracting and retaining new talent with valuable experiences and insight. For more information about the Foundation please visit: www.spmcf.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Investments plays a critical role in the stewardship and long-term growth of the Foundation’s multi-asset investment portfolio. Working in close partnership with the Managing Director of Investments, this position contributes across all facets of investment oversight, including manager sourcing, due diligence, portfolio monitoring, research, implementation and governance.

The Associate Director of Investments is a skilled investment professional with strong analytical capabilities, sound judgment and a collaborative approach. This individual will help ensure the investment portfolio supports the Foundation’s mission, spending needs, risk management framework and long-term sustainability.

Reports to:                       

Managing Director, Investments

Key Relationships:           

Chief Investment Officer

Investment Team (6)

External Asset Managers

Finance and Philanthropic Services Teams

Custodian, auditors and other investment service providers

Travel:                              

Approximately 5-10 planned meetings requiring out of state travel will be required annually to select and monitor investment managers and attend conferences.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Manager Sourcing and Due Diligence

• Source, identify and maintain a robust pipeline of high-quality prospective investment managers across asset classes, leveraging professional networks and industry relationships
• Conduct comprehensive quantitative and qualitative due diligence, with particular emphasis on private equity, private credit and venture capital managers
• Evaluate investment strategies, performance track records, team dynamics, competitive positioning, risk management practices and operational infrastructure
• Prepare and present clear, well-supported investment recommendations for internal review and Investment Committee consideration
• Coordinate reference checks, operational due diligence and review of legal and subscription documentation

Portfolio Management and Monitoring

• Lead and participate in meetings with existing investment managers; prepare internal summaries and analysis of key developments
• Monitor portfolio performance, exposures, liquidity and risk characteristics across asset classes and strategies
• Identify and communicate emerging risks and opportunities within the portfolio
• Support portfolio construction discussions, strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions, rebalancing activity and private investment pacing models
• Assist with annual responsible investing analysis and reporting

Investment Research and Market Analysis

• Conduct ongoing research on macroeconomic conditions, capital markets, asset class opportunities and emerging investment strategies
• Develop analytical tools and frameworks to support investment evaluation and portfolio risk assessment
• Stay current on industry best practices, trends in endowment management and evolving investment governance standards

Investment Implementation and Operations

• Partner closely with the Senior Investment Operations Specialist and Investment Analyst(s) to ensure accurate and timely execution of investment activity
• Oversee operational workflows related to capital calls, distributions, rebalancing transactions, documentation and reconciliation processes
• Support the preparation and maintenance of investment performance, exposure and compliance reporting

Reporting and Governance

• Prepare materials, analysis and presentations for Investment Committee and Board meetings
• Contribute to portfolio reporting, performance attribution and risk monitoring
• Support the maintenance and ongoing refinement of investment policies, procedures and documentation

Cross-Functional and External Collaboration

• Serve as a knowledgeable investment partner to internal colleagues in Finance and Philanthropic Services
• Support investment-related compliance processes, including UPMIFA requirements and annual audits
• Participate in RFP processes for investment consultants, custodians and other service providers
• Contribute to responsible investing and mission-aligned investment initiatives
• Represent the investment team in internal and external education, presentations and discussions, including with OCIO clients
• Provide leadership on process improvement, analytics and technology enhancements
• Engage with colleagues throughout the Foundation on organizational initiatives

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Summary

The Foundation is seeking an accomplished investment professional who believes in the power of philanthropy to transform communities and is compelled by the mission and purpose of the Foundation. This person will have a track record of success in institutional investment management, with particular depth in private investments and facility across a variety of asset classes. They will be an effective team member, with the ability to develop others, represent the Foundation’s investments to a variety of audiences and work collaboratively with colleagues across the Foundation.

Skills/Experiences/Qualifications

• Motivated by the mission and values of the Foundation
• Ideally 10+ years of experience in investment management within a foundation, endowment, pension or large-scale family office environment including 5+ years working with a complex investment portfolio of $500MM+, with demonstrated track record of successful investments
• Demonstrated private markets (private equity, private credit, venture capital, private real estate) manager sourcing and networks as well as experience working across multiple asset classes
• Strong understanding of and experience in portfolio construction and management, asset allocation theory and modeling, benchmark analysis and performance measurement
• Superior level of proficiency in written and verbal communications skills; experience presenting to investment committees and experienced investors strongly preferred
• Adept at building external relationships, with a well-developed network and comfort growing networks through meaningful participation in industry conferences
• Excellent critical thinking skills, with experience conducting manager due diligence and monitoring and performing research and analysis on various investment topics
• Advanced degree(s), certification(s) (e.g., CFA, MBA, CAIA, CPA ) and/or evidence of pursuit of expertise preferred

Workstyle

• Comfort working independently in a fast-paced and direct work environment with an absolute commitment to excellence
• Self-starter with effective management, organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrates authentic commitment to aligning mission with position responsibilities and genuine interest in participating in enterprise-wide activities, some of which are directly related to the investment work and some that are less directly aligned
• High level of energy and stamina, energized by the opportunity to represent the Foundation and investment team’s work internally and externally
• Demonstrated success as team player and player-coach with the ability to work alongside a team with high attention to detail and quality
• High level of emotional intelligence, with ability to build consensus, navigate different workstyles, resolve misunderstandings and facilitate productive communication to ensure stakeholders are aligned and their needs are met
• High level of professionalism and presence to support relationship building and communications with internal and external stakeholders
• A strong work ethic, clear demonstration of honesty and integrity, and the highest ethical standards are assumed