Head of Endowments & Foundations – Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO)
Morgan Stanley · New York, NY · 2 mo ago
ManagementFull-time
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage, and continue to build a team of ~15 investment officers and professionals focused on the endowments and foundations client segment
- Establish strategic priorities, drive execution, and support the continued growth of the business
- Foster a high-performance culture centered on investment excellence, collaboration, and client service
- Oversee talent development, recruitment, and succession planning as the platform expands
- In capacity as head of client segment, serve as a risk manager for the client segment book and carry out all related functions
- Partner with centralized investment teams to incorporate firm-wide research, capital markets insights, and best practices
- Ensure robust risk management across portfolios, aligned with client objectives and long-term capital preservation
- Serve as a senior representative of Morgan Stanley in client engagements, including finals presentations, investment committee meetings, and board interactions
- Support business development efforts by contributing to new mandate origination and competitive positioning
- Maintain the ability to step into key client relationships as needed, particularly in complex or high-visibility situations
- Strengthen the firm’s reputation and presence within the endowment and foundation community
- Drive the continued evolution and scalability of the endowments and foundations vertical within OCIO
- Collaborate across investment, distribution, and operational teams to enhance platform capabilities and client experience
- Monitor industry trends and competitive dynamics to inform strategy and positioning
Qualifications
- 15+ years of institutional investment experience, including significant experience advising endowments and foundations
- Broad expertise across asset classes, including public and private markets, with strong proficiency in asset allocation, portfolio construction, and manager selection
- Strong knowledge of global capital markets and portfolio management disciplines, including risk management and performance attribution
- Experience across a range of investment vehicles and platforms, including managed accounts, mutual funds, ETFs, separate accounts, and alternative investments
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing investment teams and overseeing complex client portfolios
- Proven ability to engage effectively with investment committees, boards, and senior stakeholders
- Track record of supporting business development efforts and participating in competitive client situations
- Ability to operate effectively as a senior leader within a large, matrixed organization
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong attention to detail and professional accountability
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to learn to incorporate AI to increase productivity
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or professional designations (e.g., CFA, CAIA) preferred
- FINRA Series 7 and 66 (or 63 and 65) required, or willingness to obtain within 180 days of hire (additional licensing may be required)