Operational Due Diligence Associate

 

Introduction to Yale Investments 

Yale Investments manages Yale University’s $41 billion endowment, which provides a stable source of annual revenue for university operations while supporting Yale in perpetuity.  Yale’s investment strategy is rooted in several first principles: a commitment to the long term; an equity-oriented approach; a diversified portfolio to manage risk; and the alignment of Yale’s interests with those of its external investment partners via deep, long-lasting relationships. Over the last several decades, Yale’s investment results have stood atop the institutional investment world, and many now emulate the “Yale model”.  The endowment’s investment results support many initiatives at Yale, including expanding access to financial aid, hiring excellent faculty members, and enabling world-class research.   

Yale Investments is led by Chief Investment Officer Matt Mendelsohn, supported by over 50 professionals across its investment, operations, and legal teams.  

 

Operational Due Diligence Associate Opportunity  

Reporting to the Head of Finance and Operations, the Operational Due Diligence Associate will support due diligence operations across the investment portfolio in addition to supporting the execution of key investment transactions.  

Responsibilities include:  

 

Operational Due Diligence: 

• Assist in the operational due diligence of Yale's prospective and existing external investment managers, including: reviewing due diligence materials such as audited financial statements, regulatory filings, fund documents, policies and procedures, valuation methodologies, and background check findings, among others. 

• Participate in calls and in-person meetings with senior investment manager personnel, service providers, and other related parties. 

• Apply knowledge and experience to a wide variety of alternative investment managers and operating environments to assess operational risks and identify potential concerns; and document and present the findings of each ODD review, highlighting strengths and including specific advice and recommendations based on industry best practices. 

• Participate in the design and approach of the ODD process as it evolves, including the use of technology tools. 

 

Finance & Investment Operations Support: 

• Support investment operations including reviewing and executing daily cash transactions and trades. 

• Assist with internal and external reporting needs, including Investment Committee Report preparation and review. 

• Work across teams and departments within the university as needed 

 

Qualifications 

• A bachelor's degree, preferably in finance or accounting, and five years of related work experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

• Operational due diligence, portfolio operations and accounting, or risk reporting experience preferred; high level of professional maturity, integrity, judgement, and discretion required; strong organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple complex tasks with a focus on detail, accuracy, and timeliness. 

• Proven experience with Microsoft Office suite programs. 

• Experience using CRM, portfolio analytics, Bloomberg and other software is a plus.  

 

Location 

New Haven, CT (with remote days and some travel) 

  

We encourage all potential candidates to visit the Yale Investments website. 

 Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. 

University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.