Summary:
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation's largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. We work on a few big bets that strive toward transformative change in areas of profound concern, including the existential threats of climate change, the challenges of criminal justice reform, revitalizing local news in the U.S., and corruption in Nigeria.
In addition, we maintain enduring commitments in our hometown Chicago, where we invest in people, places, and partnerships to build a more inclusive Chicago and in journalism and media, where we invest in more just and inclusive news and narratives.
We also make awards to extraordinarily creative individuals through the MacArthur Fellows program and for solutions to critical problems of our time through 100&Change.
For more information, please visit our website at www.macfound.org.
The Associate to the Vice President & Chief Investment Officer (CIO) provides senior-level administrative and project management support to ensure the smooth operation of the Investment Office. The role manages the CIO’s priorities and calendar, oversees the production and quality of reporting materials for the Foundation Investment Committee (IC) and board, leads projects across multiple teams, and serves as a liaison to internal and external stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Executive Support & Priority Management
Oversee the CIO’s complex calendar, meeting preparation, and priority alignment; anticipate needs and resolve scheduling conflicts
Serve as primary point of contact for CIO communications and correspondence; gather and summarize background materials for meetings
Coordinate domestic and international travel logistics and itineraries; partner with internal meetings and events staff for on‑site support
Represent the CIO’s office with diplomacy and discretion; liaise with trustees/Investment Committee members, senior leadership, external managers/consultants, and peer institutions
Draft and edit key CIO communications, presentations, and memos; maintain consistent tone and high standards
Manage CIO travel and expense processes in accordance with policy guidelines
Governance; Investment Committee (IC) & Board
Lead end‑to‑end IC meeting production: agenda, materials book, quality control/proofreading, distribution, logistics, minutes, and action‑item tracking
Coordinate closely with Investments team members and relevant partners to ensure accuracy, clarity, and timeliness of all materials
Strategic Projects & Cross-Functional Execution
Lead and organize CIO‑sponsored initiatives (e.g., process improvements, tool rollouts, team offsite meetings)
Manage projects by tracking timelines, coordinating stakeholders, identifying decisions/risks, and reporting progress
Investment Office Support
Own weekly Investment Team meeting cadence: develop agendas, consolidate inputs, take notes, publish summaries, and track follow‑ups to closure
Oversee day‑to‑day Investment Office workflows and information flow; maintain department‑wide calendars and collaboration channels
Support department budgeting and forecasting; monitor administrative spend and produce periodic budget-to-actual updates
Initiate, track, and process contracts and supplier invoices; approve routine expenses within delegated authority
Coordinate complex meetings and events (AV/Zoom/Teams, rooms) and ensure deadlines and follow‑ups are met
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
Participate in special projects and working groups; engage in professional development
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 6 years of experience supporting senior executives and/or leading complex operations/projects
Experience with investments or relevant credentials in business, finance, or equivalent exposure a plus
Endowment/foundation, asset management, or financial services experience strongly preferred
Basic understanding of financial concepts and investment reporting; ability to interpret and work with materials such as performance reports, manager updates, and portfolio summaries
Demonstrated project management capability: scope initiatives, build plans, run cross‑functional work and deliver on deadlines
Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation abilities; comfortable preparing and reviewing materials that include financial or investment content
Meticulous organization and judgment; proactive, resourceful, and able to manage multiple priorities with minimal guidance
Advanced Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); strong virtual‑meeting proficiency and readiness to learn new tools
High discretion and professionalism; diplomacy in board‑level and external‑partner interactions
The position is hybrid and based in Chicago, Illinois.
Annual salary for this role will start at $81,200. We offer a generous total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and a comprehensive benefits package to support your life, health, and well-being.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.