Director of Investment

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) invites applications and nominations for appointment as Director of Investment.  The University  HKU is consistently ranked amongst the world’s top universities: 26th under QS World University Rankings 2024 and 35th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. It is a leading university in Asia with 36,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students and more than 13,000 academic, teaching and research, and administrative staff. Home to ten disciplinary Faculties, HKU is committed to fostering interdisciplinary exchange across diverse subject expertise to address global issues impacting humanity in the rapidly changing world. It also endeavors to provide a comprehensive education, benchmarked against the highest international standards, designed to develop fully the intellectual and personal strengths of its students, while extending lifelong learning opportunities for the community.  HKU adopts a prudent, disciplined and long-term approach in managing its investments. For the pursuit of the University’s education mission and to fulfill its commitment to be Asia’s leading global university, the University will continue to invest in human resources, infrastructure and technology upgrades, and remain prudent and yet flexible in financial management. The Role Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and President or his delegate, the Director of Investment will lead an Investment Office with a team of investment professionals to manage the investment activities of the University’s long-term investment portfolio to achieve investment goals and optimize return and risk.  The appointee will also support and work closely with the University’s Investment Sub-Committee, which oversees the University’s investment activities.  He/She will also collaborate with the University’s treasury unit in placing the University’s short-term liquidity pool in appropriate instruments. Detailed responsibilities of the position include:  Development and implementation of investment strategies: Create, propose and execute investment plans that specify the financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizons; and continuously monitor market conditions and adjust strategies accordingly. Portfolio management: Manage the University’s long-term investment portfolio, including strategic and tactical asset allocation, manager selection, due diligence and risk management; ensure proper diversification across various asset classes; and optimize the return on the University’s short-term liquidity pool. Performance monitoring and reporting: Regularly evaluate investment performance against benchmarks and objectives; and report and explain investment performance to relevant stakeholders. Risk management: Develop and implement risk management policies and procedures to properly manage the University’s exposure to various types of risks associated with its long-term investment portfolio and short-term liquidity pool.  Stakeholder engagement: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to the University’s management, Investments Sub-committee, external investment advisors and fund managers to achieve investment goals.  Investment operations: Be responsible for the operations of investment activities and execute transactions in a timely, accurate and controlled manner.   Qualifications and Qualities  The ideal candidate for the role should possess: A bachelor's degree in finance, economics or a related field, and preferably a Master's degree and investment- and/or treasury- related professional certifications, such as Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA); At least 10-15 years’ experience at a senior managerial level; Proven track record of successful investment management, ideally in an endowment, foundation, or institutional setting;  Strong knowledge of financial markets, investment vehicles, and risk management practices, and familiarity with relevant investment software and platforms;  Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse group of professionals and work independently; Excellent communication and presentation skills What We Offer  The appointment will be made on fixed-term full-time contract for 3 years, to commence as soon as possible with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance. A highly competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be offered, together with contract-end gratuity and University contribution to a retirement benefits scheme at 15% of basic salary. Other benefits include annual leave and medical benefits. Housing benefits will be provided as applicable.  Nominations, Expression of Interest and Applications Nominations, expressions of interest and applications should be directed to Korn Ferry (HK) Limited via email at [email protected] in confidence, preferably on or before 29 February 2024. Review of nominations and applications will continue until the post is filled.   The University is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to equality, ethics, inclusivity, diversity and transparency