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# Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Cambridge, MA


Role Overview for Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Cambridge, MA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a distinguished university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in its search for a visionary and strategic Chief Investment Officer (CIO). This is a premier leadership opportunity to steward a multi-billion dollar endowment, a critical financial engine that supports the university’s enduring mission of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community enrichment.
The endowment provides a perpetual source of funding for scholarships, faculty positions, innovative programs, and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring the institution’s vitality for generations to come.
The CIO will serve as the principal investment professional for the university, reporting directly to the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees. This executive will be entrusted with the comprehensive management and oversight of the endowment’s investment portfolio, guiding its long-term strategy to achieve ambitious growth objectives while prudently managing risk.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned investment leader with a profound understanding of global capital markets, a demonstrated track record of success in institutional asset management, and a deep appreciation for the unique responsibilities of managing capital for a non-profit, mission-driven organization.
This role demands a unique blend of analytical rigor, strategic foresight, exceptional leadership, and impeccable integrity. The CIO will lead a dedicated team of investment professionals, foster a culture of intellectual curiosity and collaborative debate, and serve as a key advisor to university leadership. Success in this position will be measured by the ability to preserve and grow the endowment’s purchasing power, ensuring it can continue to fund the university’s critical needs in perpetuity. This is more than an investment role; it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of higher education and research.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Cambridge, MA
The Chief Investment Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, overseeing all aspects of the endowment’s investment activities. Key responsibilities include:
Investment Strategy and Policy Development
Formulate, recommend, and execute the endowment’s long-term investment strategy, including the development of the Investment Policy Statement (IPS), strategic asset allocation, and risk tolerance parameters in collaboration with the Investment Committee. Continuously evaluate and refine the strategy in response to evolving market conditions and the university’s financial needs.
Portfolio Construction and Management
Oversee the active management of a globally diversified portfolio across a wide spectrum of asset classes, including public equities, fixed income, private equity, venture capital, real assets, hedge funds, and other alternative investments. Make tactical allocation decisions to capitalize on market opportunities and mitigate risks.
External Manager Sourcing, Due Diligence, and Selection
Lead the process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting best-in-class external investment managers across the globe. Conduct rigorous due diligence on potential partners, including deep dives into their investment philosophy, process, team, and performance. Maintain and cultivate a strong network of relationships within the global investment community.
Risk Management and Monitoring
Design and implement a comprehensive risk management framework to identify, measure, and monitor all forms of investment risk, including market, credit, liquidity, and operational risk. Ensure the portfolio is managed in accordance with the established risk parameters and policies. A deep understanding of endowment management best practices is essential.
Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team within the Investment Office. Foster a culture of excellence, intellectual honesty, rigorous analysis, and continuous learning. Promote collaboration and empower team members to contribute to their full potential.
Stakeholder Communication and Reporting
Serve as the primary liaison to the Investment Committee and the Board of Trustees. Provide clear, concise, and insightful reporting on portfolio performance, strategy, and market outlook. Effectively communicate complex investment concepts to diverse audiences, including university leadership, faculty, and alumni.
ESG and Mission-Aligned Investing
Thoughtfully integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into the investment process in a manner consistent with fiduciary duty. Explore and evaluate mission-aligned investment opportunities that generate both financial returns and positive societal impact.
Operational and Compliance Excellence
Oversee all investment operations, including custody, trading, performance attribution, and legal and compliance functions. Ensure that all activities adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct and regulatory compliance.
Requirements for the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Cambridge, MA
The successful candidate will be a highly accomplished investment professional with a passion for mission-driven work. The specific qualifications and attributes we are seeking include:
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in institutional investment management, with a significant track record in a senior leadership role (e.g., CIO, Deputy CIO, or senior portfolio manager) at an endowment, foundation, family office, or other sophisticated, long-horizon investment organization.
Educational Background
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required. An advanced degree, such as an MBA or a Master’s in Finance, is strongly preferred.
Professional Credentials
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly desirable and strongly preferred.
Asset Class Expertise
Deep knowledge and experience investing across a broad range of traditional and alternative asset classes. Proven expertise in asset allocation, portfolio construction, and risk management is critical. Experience in manager selection and direct investing is highly valued.
Leadership and Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a team of investment professionals. A collaborative leader who can build consensus and foster a positive and productive work environment.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex investment strategies and results to both sophisticated and non-expert audiences. High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills are essential.
Analytical and Quantitative Acumen
Superior analytical skills and a quantitative mindset. The ability to synthesize large amounts of information, identify key trends, and make sound, data-driven investment decisions.
Integrity and Fiduciary Mindset
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, a strong ethical compass, and a deep commitment to fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. A genuine alignment with the mission and values of the university is paramount.
Benefits & Perks Offered
The university offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees. This package includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and performance-based incentive bonus program commensurate with the seniority and impact of the role.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
A suite of top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and fitness facilities.
Generous Retirement Savings
A robust 403(b) retirement plan with a significant university contribution to help you build a secure financial future.
Paid Time Off
A generous allotment of vacation, personal, and sick days, in addition to university-observed holidays.
Educational Opportunities
Access to tuition assistance programs for employees and their families, enabling continued learning and development within the university’s world-class academic environment.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to professional growth, with support for attending industry conferences, seminars, and training programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit a confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion.
We are committedand take the next step in your career journey. to fostering a diverse and inclusive talent pool. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The university believes that a diversity of perspectives enriches its community and strengthens its ability to achieve its mission.
To submit your application or to learn more about our dedicated search process, please visit our practice area page. Learn more about our expertise in asset management recruitment