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# Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Philadelphia, PA



Position: Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
Organization: Confidential – Prestigious University Endowment
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reporting To: Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees
Recruiting Firm: JRG Partners
Role Overview for Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Philadelphia, PA
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in the financial services and asset management sectors, is proud to partner with a distinguished private university in Philadelphia, PA, in its search for a visionary and experienced Chief Investment Officer (CIO). This is a unique opportunity to serve as the primary steward of a multi-billion dollar endowment, a perpetual source of capital that is fundamental to the university’s mission of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and student access.
The CIO will be a key member of the university’s senior leadership, entrusted with the critical responsibility of managing all aspects of the endowment’s investment portfolio. The successful candidate will be a sophisticated investor with a deep understanding of global markets, a long-term strategic mindset, and a proven ability to construct and manage a complex, multi-asset class portfolio. Reporting directly to the Investment Committee of the Board of Trustees, the CIO will work in close collaboration with the committee to develop and execute an investment strategy designed to achieve strong, risk-adjusted returns that support the university’s financial needs in perpetuity.
This role demands not only exceptional investment acumen but also outstanding leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. The CIO will lead a dedicated investment office, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, rigorous analysis, and unwavering ethical standards. This position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on a world-class institution and contribute to its enduring legacy.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Philadelphia, PA
The CIO will have a broad and comprehensive mandate, overseeing the entirety of the investment function. Key responsibilities will include:
Investment Strategy and Policy Development
In partnership with the Investment Committee, formulate, recommend, and implement long-term investment policies, strategies, and objectives. This includes establishing the strategic asset allocation, risk parameters, and liquidity profile for the endowment. Regularly review and refine the Investment Policy Statement (IPS) to ensure it aligns with the university’s evolving needs and market conditions.
Portfolio Management and Asset Allocation
Direct the day-to-day management of the endowment portfolio. Implement both strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions. Lead the process for sourcing, evaluating, selecting, and monitoring external investment managers across all public and private asset classes, including global equities, fixed income, private equity, venture capital, real assets, and absolute return strategies.
Manager Due Diligence and Selection
Establish and lead a rigorous, institutional-quality due diligence process for all potential and current investment managers. This includes deep quantitative and qualitative analysis, operational due diligence, and on-site visits to assess investment philosophy, process, team, and organizational integrity.
Risk Management
Design and implement a comprehensive risk management framework to identify, measure, and mitigate investment risks across the portfolio. This includes monitoring portfolio exposures, liquidity, leverage, and concentrations. Conduct scenario analysis and stress testing to understand potential impacts on the portfolio under various market conditions.
Team Leadership and Mentorship
Recruit, manage, and develop a high-caliber team of investment professionals. Foster a collaborative, performance-driven culture that encourages intellectual debate, continuous learning, and professional growth. Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the investment office staff.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Establish appropriate benchmarks for evaluating portfolio and manager performance. Prepare and deliver clear, concise, and insightful performance reports and presentations for the Investment Committee, Board of Trustees, and other key university stakeholders. Ensure transparency and accountability in all reporting.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Serve as the primary spokesperson for the endowment’s investment program. Effectively communicate complex investment strategies, performance, and market outlook to a diverse group of stakeholders with varying levels of investment expertise. Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with the Investment Committee members, university leadership, and external partners.
Operational Excellence
Oversee all investment operations, including relationships with custodians, administrators, and other service providers. Ensure robust operational controls, compliance with all relevant regulations, and adherence to the highest ethical and fiduciary standards.
Requirements for the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with a University Endowment – Philadelphia, PA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned investment professional with a deep commitment to fiduciary responsibility and a passion for mission-driven investing. The university seeks a leader of unimpeachable integrity and intellectual honesty.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in institutional investment management. A proven track record of successfully managing a large, complex, multi-asset class portfolio is essential. Direct experience working with an endowment, foundation, or similar long-term oriented capital pool is strongly preferred. Demonstrable success in manager selection and portfolio construction across both public and private markets is required.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier institution is required. An advanced degree, such as an MBA in Finance, is highly preferred. The CFA Charterholder designation is highly desirable and will be given significant weight.
Investment and Market Knowledge
Deep expertise in modern portfolio theory, capital markets, asset allocation, and sophisticated risk management techniques. A comprehensive understanding of all major asset classes, both traditional and alternative.
Leadership and Management Skills
Proven ability to lead, build, and mentor a team of investment professionals. Experience managing an investment office and fostering a positive and productive team culture.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. The ability to articulate complex investment concepts in a clear and compelling manner to diverse audiences. Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build consensus and work effectively with a board or investment committee.
Personal Attributes
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity. A strong fiduciary mindset. A collaborative, collegial, and low-ego working style. A long-term investment orientation with the patience and discipline to adhere to a strategic vision. High levels of intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, and sound judgment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
The university offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:

An executive compensation package featuring a competitive base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus.
A comprehensive benefits program, including high-quality medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents.
A very generous university contribution to a 403(b) retirement savings plan.
Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and an extensive schedule of university holidays.
Exceptional tuition remission benefits for the employee, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependent children at the university.
A substantial budget for professional development, including conferences, seminars, and continuing education.
Relocation assistance will be provided for the successful candidate and their family.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is conducting this exclusive search on behalf of our client. We invite interested and qualified candidates to submit a resume and a compelling cover letter that outlines their suitability for this pivotal role and their unique qualifications. All inquiries and applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
To submit your application, please use the JRG Partners portal. To discover more about our specialized recruitment services and other executive opportunities in the financial sector, we invite you to visit our Asset Management Recruiting practice page.
Our client is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.