Los Altos, CA

Associate, Investments, David and Lucille Packard Foundation

The Organization

The Packard Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and communities—and restoring and protecting our planet. Guided by the principles of our founders, we think big and serve with humility.

Our grantees are making positive change all over the world and in our own backyard. We are known for our work protecting the climate, oceans, and land and for advancing reproductive health and rights. We also work hard to ensure that all children and families have what they need to succeed. Our capacity-building projects help non-profit leaders build more powerful and impactful organizations and movements.

People join the Packard Foundation because they believe in our mission. They stay for the community of talented and thoughtful colleagues who care deeply about making a meaningful impact. Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is central to all our endeavors. We are committed to continually improving our efforts to lift up diverse voices, to advocate for justice and to foster inclusivity — both within the Foundation and in our grantmaking.

The organization lives the values it supports. Our green headquarters is net zero energy and LEED® Platinum. Our bathrooms are gender neutral. Employees get a full week of paid time each year to volunteer with a non-profit of their choice. The Foundation also has a generous donation matching program for staff.

There is much work to do in the world and our local communities. At the Packard Foundation, we are committed to doing it with the highest levels of integrity, effectiveness and caring.

To learn more about the Foundation, please visit www.packard.org.

Position Overview

About the Department:

The investments team is currently a 12-person team comprised of eight investment professionals and four operational and administrative professionals. We are a high-performing, intrinsically motivated team that values collaboration, debate, and collective responsibility for the Foundation’s $8 billion portfolio. Our goal is to generate an annual payout to fund the Foundation’s grants by partnering with the best fund managers across the globe and across asset classes on a bottom-up basis.

About the Role:

We seek a mid-level investment professional with three to seven years of investment experience to help invest and manage the Foundation’s portfolio. You will be a key member of the Investments team, collaborating on all aspects of portfolio management, including the sourcing, selection, and monitoring of investment managers for the portfolio, performing investment research, conducting portfolio and performance analysis, and presenting to the Investment Committee. You will have an opportunity to specialize in two or more asset classes, depending on your experience, interests, and the needs of the team. You will also collaborate and give input on investments in other asset classes. To be successful in this role, you will have some background in Endowment and Foundation investment management or other relevant investment experience; be able to work collaboratively in a small, flat, and cohesive team environment; possess strong Emotional Intelligence, networking, relationship-building, and quantitative skills; and have a long-term interest in Endowment and Foundation investing as a career.

As an integrated team within the Foundation, you will have opportunities to hear, participate, and learn about the Foundation’s programs.

This position reports to one of our team’s Managing Directors. Initially the role may start remotely but will require working onsite at the Foundation offices in downtown Los Altos, California once the Foundation offices reopen.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a key member of the Investments team in all aspects of the investment process, including sourcing new investment ideas and relationships; leading meetings with existing and prospective managers; developing quantitative and qualitative evaluation of investment opportunities; supporting and advocating for investment views; and preparing investment recommendations for the Investment Committee
  • Analyzing and synthesizing data relating to general investment concepts, as well as performance and exposures of individual managers, asset classes, and the overall portfolio and articulating key findings and trends
  • Developing and maintaining key relationships with fund managers and peer institutions as a representative of the Packard Foundation team
  • Teaching and mentoring other staff

Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Strong and demonstrated quantitative and analytical skills
  • Strong orientation to detail and accuracy and excellent organizational skills
  • Strong writing and communication skills
  • Intellectual curiosity and ability to think critically
  • Must be proactive and open to new challenges
  • Demonstrated ability to be a self-starter, multi-task, and work well both independently and as a member of a team
  • Comfortable and highly capable with Microsoft Excel, analyzing large amounts of data
  • Familiarity with MS Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Ability to work well under pressure and within a small team
  • Able to travel as needed (25-30%)
  • Ability to work effectively remotely until the Foundation offices reopen

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation complete, in progress, or intended
  • 3+ years of work experience in an investment-related role, ideally at an Endowment or Foundation

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation will be commensurate with related work experience and education.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation offers excellent benefits for eligible employees. Current benefits include: medical (HMO and HDHPs), dental and vision coverage; 15% employer contribution to employee retirement plan; life insurance, disability insurance, vacation and sick leave; an adoption benefit; fertility benefit; a financial wellness program; health advocacy services, paid time off to volunteer for nonprofit organizations; matching grants for employee contributions to tax exempt organizations; commute assistance; and tuition assistance.

To Apply:

To apply, go to the Packard Foundation Careers page. Please submit a cover letter indicating your interest in the Packard Foundation’s mission and programs.

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