Head of Endowments & Foundations – Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO)

Morgan Stanley•New York, NY

About The Position

Morgan Stanley is seeking an experienced investment leader to serve as Head of the Endowments & Foundations vertical within our Outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO). This individual will be a senior member of the OCIO leadership team, responsible for leading and growing a business dedicated to serving nonprofit institutions through discretionary and advisory investment solutions. The role provides strategic leadership across investment management, client engagement, and business development. While primarily an oversight role, the successful candidate will bring the credibility and expertise to engage directly with clients and represent the firm in high-stakes situations. The position includes leadership of a team of approximately 15 investment professionals, with a mandate to scale the platform over time.

Requirements

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
FINRA Series 7 and 66 (or 63 and 65) required, or willingness to obtain within 180 days of hire (additional licensing may be required)

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree and/or professional designations (e.g., CFA, CAIA) preferred

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
Ensure and support team’s collaboration with subject matter experts on alternative assets and portfolio construction in order to create scale and strong investment performance
Provide oversight of asset allocation, manager selection, and portfolio implementation to ensure consistency and quality
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