Senior Endowment Counsel, Rice Management Company

Rice University•Houston, TX

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Rice University endowment is approximately $7.5 billion and ranks in the top 20 endowments of private research universities (by market value) in the US. The Endowment is critical to the university’s ability to achieve its goals. The annual distribution from the endowment funds nearly half of the university’s annual operating budget, which includes providing access to students regardless of ability to pay. The Rice Management Company (RMC) is a division of Rice University with the goal of providing a stable source of funding for current university operations and preserving and growing the purchasing power of the endowment to benefit future generations of students. The RMC is responsible for all endowment matters of the university, including asset allocation, the selection and termination of investment managers, monitoring performance of the portfolio, and reporting to the Rice Management Company Board of Directors. The endowment primarily utilizes outside investment managers and invests globally across all asset classes. The Senior Endowment Counsel role is part of the team responsible for addressing legal issues arising out of the activities of the RMC and for protecting the legal interests of the endowment and the university. The role represents and advises internal clients, resolves legal issues, interacts with external parties, and facilitates investment transactions with a focus on legal oversight for the investment portfolio. This position reports directly to the RMC General Counsel and, when giving legal advice, reports to Rice University’s Vice President and General Counsel through the RMC General Counsel. RMC’s General Counsel is a Senior Associate General Counsel within the University’s Office of General Counsel, and when giving legal advice, reports to and takes direction from Rice University’s General Counsel.

Requirements

Juris Doctorate from an ABA-accredited law school, Member of the Texas Bar, or eligible for admission
Five or more (5+) years of relevant experience as an attorney; 3 years of which include private equity fund formation and/or fund investment for general or limited partners
Excellent writing, legal document drafting, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills
Commitment to fostering teamwork, building collaborative relationships, and demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills
Strong ability to provide outstanding client service and deliver quality work products timely manner while effectively managing competing deadlines
Exhibits good judgment and discretion in sensitive matters
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

Ten or more (10+) years of experience as a practicing transactional attorney, with 7 or more years involving private equity and other investments

Responsibilities

Serves as a senior-level counsel for areas of the portfolio such as private equity, alternative investments, and other complex investment asset classes, conferring with the RMC General Counsel as appropriate
Reviews and drafts agreements and other legal documents, including limited partnership agreements, subscription documents, service provider agreements, bank and brokerage agreements, purchase and sale agreements, development agreements, leases, licenses, broker agreements, confidentiality agreements, engagement letters as well as internal policies to ensure compliance with applicable law
Investigates legal questions and makes recommendations to internal clients
Conducts research on industry standards, laws, and proposed legislation
Demonstrates ability to analyze information and evaluate results to identify the optimal solution and resolve issues
Represents the RMC in contract negotiations, internal and external meetings, and policy matters as appropriate
Reviews and assists with payment of invoices from outside counsel and consultants
Identifies business process solutions and provides recommendations to streamline processes; and maintains knowledge of industry trends and activity
May supervise or mentor others
Serves on committees as assigned
Perform all other duties as assigned
Periodically coordinates with external legal, accounting, and other consultants to complete related reports, analyses, and duties pertaining to legal matters
Maintains an organized electronic document filing system
Leads or assists with special projects as needed