Chief Investment Officer

Contact

Russell Reynolds Associates has been exclusively retained by TNC to complete the search for the CIO. Those with interest in the position are encouraged to submit a resume to the following consultants: [email protected].

What We Can Achieve Together

The Office of Investments (OOI) oversees and manages TNC’s globally diversified, multi-asset class portfolio, integrating risk-adjusted returns with mission alignment, while maintaining operational excellence and integrity. TNC is seeking a Chief Investment Officer to join and lead the TNC Office of Investments and a high performing team of professionals.

The Nature Conservancy has total assets of $9B of which the Office of Investments is responsible for managing approximately $4B, comprised of endowment and other long-term investments. These funds support TNC’s global operations and most pressing conservation projects. The Office of Investments’ mission is to support the funding of TNC’s global conservation priorities by increasing the organization’s purchasing power through prudent and sustainable investment management. TNC’s endowment and long-term investment assets play a pivotal role by providing a stable financial foundation to fund global conservation priorities. With approximately 15% of its operating budget funded from endowment income, TNC is deeply committed to prudent and strategic asset management that is vital to the organization’s long-term success.

The Role

Based in Arlington, VA and reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, Neel Broker, the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) will lead the strategic management of TNC’s multi-billion-dollar endowment and long-term investment assets. The CIO is responsible for the formulation, recommendation, and implementation of an overarching investment policy, asset allocation strategy, and risk framework, ensuring alignment with TNC’s mission, long-term financial objectives and operating budget funding and needs. The CIO will lead, mentor, and further develop a high-performing, 15-member team, providing opportunities for growth and expanded responsibilities for all current and future team members. They will cultivate relationships with external managers, and ensure disciplined, evidence-based decision-making that advances TNC’s conservation mission and performance of the portfolio. This professional will partner closely with a strong and empowering 11-person Investment Committee, collaborative Executive Leadership Team, and Global Board of Directors, as well as other senior leaders and functions across the organization. This professional will be energized by the global reach and impact of TNC’s mission and efforts and be able to operate well across the organization, to further connect and collaborate on TNC initiatives and opportunities, especially as the organization works towards accomplishing 2030 goals and beyond.

Additional Key Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To

• Lead the management and strategic growth of TNC’s investment portfolio, ensuring superior risk-adjusted returns to support conservation priorities and long-term growth of the endowment.
• Formulate and recommend investment policy, asset allocation strategy, and spending guidelines to the Investment Committee; oversee their implementation and ongoing management.
• Conduct rigorous due diligence, selection, and oversight of external investment managers across asset classes, including public equities, fixed income, hedge funds, private equity, and real assets.
• Oversee risk management, performance measurement, compliance, and investment operations in partnership with the COO of the OOI.
• Maintain robust internal controls and conduct regular risk assessments; proactively mitigate emerging risks and leverage new opportunities, including technology and AI-driven investment tools.
• Collaborate closely with the CFO and Finance team to develop short-term and long-term spending plans and operating budget needs for the endowment.
• Engage regularly with the Investment Committee, providing timely, transparent reporting and strategic insights into investment performance and market dynamics.
• Serve as a senior ambassador of TNC’s investment strategy and mission, fostering relationships with investment partners, donors, financial intermediaries, and other stakeholders.
• Partner with TNC’s Development team to align investment strategy with fundraising efforts and donor engagement, encouraging mission-aligned capital raising.
• Foster a culture of intellectual honesty, collaboration, continuous improvement, and mission alignment within the investment team.
• Direct the maintenance of TNC’s financial records related to investment activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with applicable standards.
• Conduct ad-hoc analyses as requested by the COO, Investment Committee, or other stakeholders.
• Stay informed on global investment trends, regulatory developments, and innovations to enhance the portfolio’s resilience and impact.
  
  

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have 15+ years of institutional investment management experience, with at least 10 years in leadership roles managing complex, multi-asset class portfolios. Experience at an endowment, foundation, hospital system, investment consultant, OCIO, and/or sophisticated investment management organization is preferred, as is a leader who drives best-in-class thinking and investment processes with an innovative, team-oriented, collaborative approach. This professional will have a demonstrated track record of achieving superior risk-adjusted returns, including experience with asset allocation, manager selection, risk management, and co-investments. This professional will have strong alignment with and be motivated by furthering the mission of TNC, achieving the organization’s 2030 goals, and supporting and growing the investment team to achieve results and success to help drive the global impact of TNC.

In terms of specific competencies and additional professional and behavioral attributes, we would highlight the following:

Setting Strategy and Executing for Results

• Deep expertise across public and private markets, including direct investing and co-investments.
• Forward-thinking approach and an appreciation for emerging technologies and AI-enabled decision-making tools to enhance investment strategies and portfolio resilience.
• Foster innovative, imaginative, and ground-breaking ideas to address complex global conservation challenges. Support creativity within the team and among partners.
• Uphold honesty, dependability, accountability, and sound judgment. Maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct in all investment decisions.
• The ability to set clear and challenging goals while committing to improved performance; tenacious and accountable in driving results.
  
  

Leading Teams

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to mentor and inspire high-performing, mission-aligned investment teams. A great listener, as well as strong communicator, able to clearly articulate goals, growth opportunities, receive and provide feedback, etc. A professional who is also able to connect the investment team and endowment efforts to and with broader TNC initiatives.
• High EQ and IQ. Ability to foster a culture of learning, idea sharing, strong performance and apprenticeship within the investment team. Additionally, the ability to work across the global footprint and functions within TNC to further the mission, development efforts, and success of the organization.
• Unquestioned ethics, integrity, and commitment to transparency in all aspects of leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational values and long-term goals.
• Embrace continuous learning and actively seek new understanding, knowledge, and skills. Promote knowledge sharing and collective growth across the organization and with partners.
• Ensure fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all individuals. Promote an authentic environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
  
  

Relationship Management and Influence

• Exceptional relationship-building abilities, with experience engaging and presenting to Investment Committees, Boards of Directors, executive leadership, and external partners on regular and ad hoc bases.
• Outstanding communication skills, capable of translating complex investment strategies, performance data, and market insights to stakeholders with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Excellent diplomatic, facilitation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrate empathy and an ability to understand and appreciate different perspectives. Act with kindness and respect in all interactions, fostering collaboration across cultures and geographies.
  
  

Technical Mastery

• Understanding of derivatives and overlay strategies, including their role in risk management, enhancing portfolio returns, and optimizing asset allocation.
• Technical grounding in modern portfolio theory and a deep appreciation of balancing risk and reward dynamics to drive portfolio performance.
• Familiarity with portfolio management systems and investment tools (e.g., Bloomberg, Capital IQ, Backstop, TS Venn).
• Advanced degree (MBA, CFA, or equivalent) preferred.
  
  

TNC’s CIO will embody OOI’s core values, which guide all OOI’s decisions and behaviors:

• Our Team is Our Edge – Foster collaboration and growth within the investment team.
• Clarity over Conviction – Prioritize evidence-based decision-making.
• Transparency is the Foundation – Ensure open communication and accountability.
• Committed to the Hard Work of Equity & Inclusion – Advance diversity and inclusion across all investment activities.
  
  

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.