What are the responsibilities and job description for the Investment Operations position at Harvard Management Company?
Formed in 1974, Harvard Management Company (“HMC”) manages Harvard University's endowment and related financial assets. Our singular mission is to help ensure Harvard University has the financial resources to maintain and expand its leadership in teaching, learning, and research for future generations. The endowment is managed by a highly experienced generalist investment team whose members each take ownership of the entire portfolio, regardless of asset class. HMC's operational structure brings a wide range of expertise to our portfolio management. These functions include legal, compliance, finance and accounting, human resources and administrative services as well as information technology to develop and implement the systems necessary to support our investment activities.
SUMMARY :
The Investment Operations team is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate trade processing and position maintenance of the direct public market activity of the firm. This includes the supervision of the fund administrator’s trade / payment processing and record keeping for all investment activity executed by HMC’s trading desk. Daily trade activity must be confirmed, settled, reconciled, collateralized, and reviewed / analyzed. The team is also responsible for funding and reconciling cash flows for HMC’s external fund and private investments.
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES :
Oversee investment operations for directly held public market instruments, including equities, bonds, TIPs, REPOs, OTC swaps, futures, FX, FX options, and digital assets
Lead a small team, providing supervision, mentorship, and professional development
Supervise the fund administrator in executing the back and middle office functions of the portfolio including daily pricing, collateral management, reconciliations, confirmation, settlement, and wire approvals
Manage the process to review and liquidate public stock distributions from PE / VC fund vehicles.
Continuously evaluate and improve processes and controls for effectiveness and efficiency
Maintain relationships with the fund administrator, custodian bank, prime broker, OTC brokers and FCM
Act as a liaison to the trading and investment teams for any current or future direct public market activity
Build out functionality to operationally support any new markets, asset classes, or instruments that the team may decide to trade
QUALIFICATIONS :
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
5-10 years of experience in investment operations at an asset manager, fund administrator, or custodian bank
Broad knowledge of investment operations across asset classes including equities, fixed income, futures, OTC derivatives, digital assets, and FX
Familiarity with cash payments, SWIFT messaging and best practice cash disbursement controls
Experience with investment accounting software
High level of accuracy and attention to detail in analysis and reporting
Exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a small team
Ability to exercise sound judgment, and prioritize competing issues based on risk and materiality
Proven ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and work effectively with cross-functional teams, both internally and with the fund administrator and other service providers
Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems, processes, and data flows
Strong ability to analyze complex workflows, identify potential breakdowns or exceptions, and recommend process improvements or adjustments to ensure seamless integration and functionality across operations
Highly proficient with technology including advanced Excel skills; experience with Power BI and AI tools a plus
Highest level of integrity and character, self-motivated and takes initiative / pride in work, owns and follows-through on tasks, consistent delivery of high-quality output, a keen sense for process and system enhancements, and a commitment to overall operational excellence
Experience with systems such as Citco’s Aexeo, Bloomberg AIM, DTCC CTM, MarkitServ Trade Manager, and custodian / prime broker web platforms is a plus.
Other details :
The FLSA classification for this position is exempt
HMC is operating on a hybrid work model where employees are in the office from Tuesday to Thursday and remote on other days
HMC will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
Interested candidates should apply online via https : / / www.hmc.harvard.edu / careers /
Required Skills
Required Experience