Investment Managing Director

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

Investment Managing Director

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.

The Investment Managing Director, reporting to the Chief Investment Officer, has a leadership role on the Investment Team.  The Investment Team's goal is to grow the Foundation’s endowment, so money is available for grants and operations, now and in the future. The team develops strategies for allocating capital across a wide range of asset categories and manages a roster of external investment firms that implement specific strategies on our behalf. The Managing Director is expected to work collaboratively across asset classes and investment strategies, with a focus on the equity allocation of the portfolio, which includes both public and private equities. All investment team members are  expected to have familiarity with, and contribute to portfolio decisions across asset classes.

The Investment Managing Director has a key role in developing asset allocation strategies as well as selecting and monitoring external investment accounts and partnerships.  The Investment Managing Director will collaborate across departments, working closely with other Foundation associates including finance staff and legal counsel.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic vision and insight that contributes to portfolio returns and the management of risk, with a specific focus on the equity allocation
• Developing recommendations, reports and presentations for the Chief Investment Officer and the Investment Committee of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis of market opportunities and risks, economic variables, manager portfolios, and performance
• Evaluation of external investment management organizations including an assessment of staff and resources, investment philosophy and process, compensation structures, operations and control procedures
• Ongoing due diligence and monitoring of investments including the validation of asset ownership and valuation, and identification of material changes in organizations or markets that potentially affect the Foundation’s assets  
• Reviewing legal documents (in conjunction with legal counsel), financial statements, and manager reports
• Pitching in on administrative activities including the organization of electronic files and documentation, coordination and tracking of cash flows, the establishment of new accounts, management of vendor relationships, etc.
• Helping to design and implement efficient systems that exploit technology to enhance productivity and data-driven decision making
• Managing and developing other associates

Education: An MBA or Master’s degree in a related field or a CFA charter required.

Work Experience: Minimum of fifteen years practical experience in an investment-related field.

Travel: This position may require up to 33% business travel.

Candidates in this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-directed work, detail-oriented and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments.  Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities and constant change.

• Has experience with asset allocation and manager selection in a multi-manager portfolio context or as a portfolio manager or analyst in public or private equity institutional investment strategies.
• Has experience investing in managers across an array of asset classes including public and private equity and hedge funds.
• Possesses a tenacious work ethic, reliability, and sense of urgency as appropriate; with dedication to meeting deadlines, often with time to spare.
• Possesses exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills with a focus on attention to detail and process improvement combined with solid judgment and decision-making abilities. 
• Prioritizes and multi-tasks effectively using excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
• Possesses a keen intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the process of research and serendipitous learning.
• Reads and understands audited financial statements and legal documents (in conjunction with legal counsel).
• Easily understands, integrates, and communicates about performance measurement, complex financial models, and computational tools.
• Has excellent communication skills, including well-developed interpersonal, written, and listening skills.
• Is able to thoughtfully engage collaboratively as a team member with a singular goal of enhancing the performance of the total portfolio, whiledemonstrating independence and self-sufficiency in exploring opportunities more focused on areas of primary responsibility.
• Can maintain confidentiality and easily handles confidential material appropriately. 

• Able to develop a solid understanding of the Foundation’s activities and overall objectives in order to act as an ambassador of the Foundation.
• Possesses a passion for “doing what is right,” with unquestioned integrity, positive ethics, and values reflective of the Kauffman Foundation.
• Is committed to the Foundation’s credo, standards, and values in alignment with our racial equity, diversity, and inclusion statement, by prioritizing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in culture and strategic work.
• Has computer literacy skills, including proficiency with Microsoft tools, Box, and Slack with demonstrated advanced Excel skills, including statistical analysis and PivotTables. Experience with portfolio analytics software, e.g., Caissa, Dynamo, Burgiss, preferred.

All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available.  The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on July 21, 2026.

 

Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.