Investment Managing Director

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.

• Providing strategic vision and insight that contributes to portfolio returns and the management of risk, with a specific focus on the equity allocation
• Developing recommendations, reports and presentations for the Chief Investment Officer and the Investment Committee of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of market opportunities and risks, economic variables, manager portfolios, and performance
• Evaluation of external investment management organizations including an assessment of staff and resources, investment philosophy and process, compensation structures, operations and control procedures
• Ongoing due diligence and monitoring of investments including the validation of asset ownership and valuation, and identification of material changes in organizations or markets that potentially affect the Foundation’s assets  
• Reviewing legal documents (in conjunction with legal counsel), financial statements, and manager reports
• Pitching in on administrative activities including the organization of electronic files and documentation, coordination and tracking of cash flows, the establishment of new accounts, management of vendor relationships, etc.
• Helping to design and implement efficient systems that exploit technology to enhance productivity and data-driven decision making
• Managing and developing other associates

• Has experience with asset allocation and manager selection in a multi-manager portfolio context or as a portfolio manager or analyst in public or private equity institutional investment stratgies.
• Has experience investing in managers across an array of asset classes including public and private equity and hedge funds.
• Possesses a tenacious work ethic, reliability, and sense of urgency as appropriate; with dedication to meeting deadlines, often with time to spare.
• Possesses exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on attention to detail and process improvement combined with solid judgment and decision-making abilities. 
• Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Possesses a keen intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the process of research and serendipitous learning.
• Reads and understands audited financial statements and legal documents (in conjunction with legal counsel).
• Easily understands, integrates, and communicates about performance measurement, complex financial models, and computational tools.
• Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
• Is able to thoughtfully engage collaboratively as a team member with a singular goal of enhancing the performance of the total portfolio, whiledemonstrating independence and self-sufficiency in exploring opportunities more focused on areas of primary responsibility.
• Can maintain confidentiality and easily handles confidential material appropriately. 

• Able to develop a solid understanding of the Foundation’s activities and overall objectives in order to act as an ambassador of the Foundation.
• Possesses a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Is committed to the Foundation’s credo, standards, and values in alignment with our racial equity, diversity, and inclusion statement, by prioritizing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in culture and strategic work.
• Has computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, and Slack with demonstrated advanced Excel skills, including statistical analysis and PivotTables. Experience with portfolio analytics software, e.g., Caissa, Dynamo, Burgiss, preferred.