Liberty University Hiring for Director of Investments at Lynchburg – In Office Full Time

Reporting to the Chief Investment Officer (“CIO”), the Director of Investments position will work collaboratively with two other senior investment members in building out Liberty’s in-house investment capabilities for its $2+ billion endowment assets. This position is expected to play a key role in supporting Liberty’s new private capital program and be involved in all aspects of endowment management including asset allocation implementation, active manager due diligence and selection, portfolio reporting for various stakeholders, and special projects. The creation of this position represents the continued growth of an in-house investment function for Liberty University.In addition to required private equity experience, the ideal candidate is an individual who is intellectually inquisitive with strong analytical and interpersonal skills, a team player who enjoys collaboration and healthy debate, and is excited about and aligned with Liberty’s Christian mission and values. This position is expected to travel frequently to conduct onsite diligence, attend industry conferences/annual meetings and develop new relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Investments is expected to support LU’s new private capital program and to perform other tasks as assigned. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct industry and sector research to help the investment team form investment thesis
• Work closely with Sr. Director in sourcing and screening for private capital strategies (i.e., private equity, private credit, real assets etc.), including developing market/strategy mapping, tracking manager fund-raise cycle, and developing/updating forward calendar
• Support Sr. Director in managing due diligence process including preparing for manager calls and onsite visit, conducting reference calls, evaluating managers based on investment strategy, process, organization, portfolio positions, competitive landscape, legal terms, and track record etc.
• Work closely with Investment Analyst in downloading and storing data room documents and performing analysis such as team change, peer benchmarking, portfolio operating matrix etc.
• Draft investment diligence report and I.C. memo to support the selection or termination of an investment manager for reasons articulated clearly in oral and written analyses.
• Work effectively with university counsel on legal issues. Coordinate LPA reviews with external counsel and draft LPA comments.
• Work closely with custodian bank and operations team in monitoring capital calls/distributions
• Support the monitoring process for existing private investments including reviewing quarterly letters, manager correspondence and attending annual meetings, proactively managing the external relationships
• Support other asset classes as needed
• Develop and refresh industry networks and peer relationships by attending industry conferences and networking events representing LU
• Provide subject matter expertise to the CIO and investment team in administering the long-term investment policy, strategic objectives, portfolio guidelines, and manager selection required for successful portfolio performance.
• Contribute to ad-hoc projects related to improving investment process, portfolio monitoring and operations. Assist in selecting and onboarding portfolio management software systems and document management systems
• Assist in the formal process of portfolio transition and prepare board-level progress or exception reports when required.
• Interface effectively with Trustees and key university staff members, communicating such interactions with the CIO and/or CFO.
• Work effectively with financial auditors, legislative and regulatory agencies, and others to fulfill information requests.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Investment Staff assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

• CFA and/ or MBA or equivalent graduate degree expected
• At least 7 years of relevant experience with strong background in private equity, from a family office, endowment & foundations, or similar organization allocating capital to external investment managers.
• Ability to leverage critical thinking, independent judgement and experience to constructively contribute to investment decisions across the portfolio
• Clear investment philosophy, intellectually inquisitive and honest, with the ability to interview people and triage different sources of information effectively to form educated conviction
• Ability to incorporate rigorous qualitative and quantitative analyses in the evaluation of investment strategies, investment processes, and investment performance
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present perspectives and recommendations, both verbally and in writing, in a clear and logical manner
• Self-motivated and directed, possessing an ability to motivate others
• The highest level of integrity, honesty, and sense of fiduciary duty
• Ability to articulate and defend the unique Christian educational mission and vision of Liberty University and its subsidiaries to a wide variety of individuals and groups.
• Individual must not be in default on any federal student or parent loan
• Individual must not be convicted of, or pled nolo contendere or guilty to, a crime involving the acquisition, use, or expenditure of federal, state, or local government funds, -or- be administratively or judicially determined to have committed fraud or any other material violation of law involving federal, state, or local government funds (CFR 668.14(b)(18)(i))

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOBCommunication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to communicate in a professional and Christ-like manner, resolving issues with an attitude of courtesy and respect.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Display self-motivation and multi-tasking skills.
• Possess excellent listening and discerning skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Frequently required to sit for extended periods of time to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building
• Occasionally required to handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds

WORKING CONDITIONSWork Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.