POSITION TITLE: Senior Associate – Commonfund Institute
ABOUT COMMONFUND INSTITUTE
Commonfund Institute houses the education and research activities of Commonfund and serves the broader community of nonprofit long-term investors with investment governance research, thought leadership and professional development programs. Operating alongside—but separate from—the investment business, the Institute is dedicated to advancing investment-related knowledge and promoting best practices in financial management and organizational mission stewardship. It provides a wide variety of resources, including conferences, seminars, and roundtables on topics such as endowments and governance and proprietary and third-party research. These initiatives are designed to benefit both our clients and the nonprofit sector at large. Working in the Institute requires curiosity and a willingness to learn, as team members engage with education and research initiatives and explore how they create practical value for clients and the nonprofit sector at-large.
ABOUT COMMONFUND
Commonfund is an investment management firm serving the institutional market with a particular focus on the nonprofit and public sectors including endowments, foundations, health care organizations and other mid-sized institutions. Commonfund was founded in 1971 with a two-part mission: to create investment solutions for nonprofits that previously did not have the scale and access to the best managers, and to create educational programs that would bring current best investment practices to institutional investors of all sizes and segments. Commonfund has changed and grown dramatically over the years, expanding both its investment solution offerings and the client segments served. Today, Commonfund manages over $31 billion for more than 1,600 institutions with a focus on three primary activities: outsourced solutions; alternative investment strategies (hedge funds and private capital); and research and advice on a variety of investment and governance topics through the Commonfund Institute.
Commonfund’s website, https://www.commonfund.org/about-us, provides a more detailed overview, including its role and mission statement. Interested candidates should apply online at: https://www.commonfund.org/about/careers/
POSITION DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Commonfund Institute seeks to hire a Senior Associate to provide operational, administrative, research, and communications support aligned with the firm’s educational mission, and to assist the Executive Director and Managing Director of the Institute on projects, program management, and new initiatives.
If you are proactive, eager to learn, and passionate about supporting key projects that advance research initiatives and strategic goals, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills while making a meaningful impact.
The Senior Associate is central to the Institute’s success and the organization’s continued growth. The ideal candidate brings strong communication and project management skills, an interest in nonprofit management, governance, strategic decision making, and/or investment-related topics, and a curiosity-driven mindset. They are eager to learn, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment. The position requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, as well as cross-functional teams spanning marketing, sales, service, investments, and operations to support firmwide initiatives. Strong communications and writing skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and deliverables are critical to the success of this role. We are seeking someone who is motivated to grow their skill set, contribute meaningfully to team goals, and embrace responsibilities that may extend beyond their core role.
Designed for professionals with 3–5 years of relevant experience, the ideal candidate takes ownership of tasks and projects, actively identifies opportunities to add value, and anticipates needs by developing a strong understanding of organizational policies, procedures, and annual cycles. Success in this position requires initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges while continually striving to grow and establish themselves as a trusted and valued member of the team.
Location & Schedule: This position is primarily based in Norwalk, CT, with a hybrid schedule: in-office Tuesday through Thursday, remote work on Mondays and Fridays.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strong project management, operational, research, and communications (written, verbal) skills to support the Institute team.
- Support research and data-driven projects that advance the Institute’s mission, benefit clients and the nonprofit sector, and include managing benchmarking initiatives, extensive CRM/database list building and oversight, as well as project scheduling.
- Assist with planning and executing conferences and virtual/in-person convenings and events, including managing event registration sites, target list creation and event communications and follow-up.
- Collaborate with team members to provide analytical support for ongoing projects as needed.
- Assist with development of educational materials and convenings in collaboration with our Marketing and Investment groups.
- Develop an in-depth knowledge of Commonfund Institute’s research projects/initiatives and the firm’s strategic priorities.
- Manage Institute email inboxes related to website inquiries, events and study communications.
- Assist with ad-hoc project requests and provide administrative support to the Managing Director as needed.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
- Seeking candidates with 3-5 years work experience
- Four-year college degree required. A background in business, economics, public policy, communications, finance/investment management or a general knowledge of the asset management and/or nonprofit landscape is preferred.
- Strong verbal, written communication, project and time management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience using spreadsheets and databases to perform analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative, complete assignments independently and on time, and manage multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
- Ability to thrive in a hybrid environment, with the capacity to work productively in the office and remotely.
- Ability to work as part of a team to accomplish broader goals and objectives.
- A strong proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Experience working with Salesforce, CVENT and HubSpot is preferred.
