Director, Endowment Administration

Hanover, NH
7 Lebanon Street
Suite 302

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Endowment Administration plays a leadership role in the oversight of compliance activities related to Dartmouth's endowment funds. The Director oversees the Endowment Administration Office and is responsible for the evaluation of all endowment agreements; this includes the interpretation, enforcement, and communication of donor intent. The aim is to ensure that 1) new agreements conform to Dartmouth's endowment policies and documentation standards, and 2) existing funds are managed in compliance with Dartmouth's legal, financial, and administrative obligations. In collaboration with various Dartmouth Officers, the Director of Endowment Administration is responsible for developing, recommending, implementing, and communicating endowment policies and documentation standards. The Director of Endowment Administration also consults with individuals responsible for the solicitation and documentation of non-endowment gift funds to share best practices and develop consistent policies.

* Strong interpersonal, negotiation, customer service and collaboration skills with the ability to interact with senior leadership, faculty and staff at all levels of the organization.

* Excellent writing, communication skills, attention to detail and demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment.

* Ability to recognize policy conflict issues and effectively communicate such conflicts to appropriate parties

* Well organized with ability to prioritize and work independently and as a member of a team.

* Familiarity with accounting and budgeting concepts; especially relating to non-profit organizations.

* Strong management and supervisory experience.

* Exercises a high degree of discretion and confidentiality.

* Competency with Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook and ability to adapt to new software programs.

* Thorough understanding of endowment principles and relevant legal issues (e.g. gifts, trusts, estates, and state and federal laws)
* Prior experience with legal research and interpretation
* Experience in a higher education or non-profit setting
* JD or paralegal certificate

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Applications are collected by Dartmouth and the selection process for this position is being managed through the search firm Robert Half.

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Endowment Fund Administration
* Oversees activities related to the creation of new funds; the modification of existing funds; new endowment pledges; the comprehensive review of existing funds; and the prioritization of other special review projects.

* Evaluates supporting documentation and, with consultation to the Office of General Counsel ( OGC) as needed, determines donor intent and Dartmouth's the legal, financial, and administrative obligations.

* Addresses any problems or concerns associated with restricted terms, and initiates or recommends corrective action when appropriate.

* Prepares a comprehensive narrative summary of fund terms for use by Dartmouth's financial and development areas. Classifies the fund and ensures supporting documentation is maintained in a digital repository and relevant fund files.

* Researches files in various Dartmouth areas to locate relevant documents such as donor letters, wills, and trusts.

* Compiles accounting history of funds and reconciles balances to the Endowment Fund System

* Communicates with fiscal officers and other relevant personnel to obtain information about the current utilization of endowments.

* Assists Fiscal Officers with identification of endowments funds with restrictions that are impracticable of fulfillment. Works with Advancement to amend agreements with living donors or with OGC and outside counsel to prepare notices, applications for modification and cy pres petitions for judicial and non-judicial release of endowment restrictions.

* Identifies funds where income and/or principal are available for broader utilization to provide Dartmoiuth with greater flexibility in use of resources, in accordance with applicable law.

* Responsible for ensuring all funds are classified and reported according to current accounting standards (Financial Accounting Standards Board: FASB) and legal restrictions (NH Uniform Prudent Management of Institutions Funds Act:NH UPMIFA)

Inter-Department Activities
* Identifies and provides analysis on legal and compliance issues relating to Dartmouth endowments. Recommends resolutions with respect to these issues. Works with OGC in order to resolve complex legal problems or perform legal research. Considers the impact of Federal and state laws and accounting/banking standards on the current and future use of endowments.

* Provides guidance to Development, Stewardship and Fiscal Officers across campus in areas related to endowment utilization, accounting, budgeting and reporting.

* Works directly with the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Vice President for University Advancement, and other Advancement and Development Officers on language for endowment solicitation and gift instruments including guidance on specific language to address complicated and unusual circumstances.

* Evaluates documents to determine if they sufficiently address the elements required to establish an endowment and the extent of the endowment's flexibility for investment and utilization purposes. Identifies other areas that raise policy issues or specific concerns. Oversees follow-up with appropriate personnel or forums to ensure compliance with policy or to recommend an exception to policy.

* Collaborate with Institutional Accounting team regarding creation of or modifications to endowment funds to ensure appropriate classification and accounting.
* Consults with and advises individuals responsible for the solicitation and documentation of non-endowment gift funds to share best practices and develop consistent policies across the Advancement division.

Management Duties
* Oversees the daily activities of the endowment staff and research functions for the Office of Endowment Administration.

* Manages, hires, delegates and provides support and training to the endowment staff as needed.

* Encourages and fosters a positive team-oriented working environment through effective communication

* Establish annual departmental and individual staff goals and complete and communicate performance evaluations.

* Provides staff with professional development opportunities.

* Assess the success and effectiveness of current practices and services and lead office in effort to continuously improve performance.

Data and Policy Management
* Works with Information Technology and Consulting ( ITC) staff on endowment administration needs and suggest improvements for endowment fund and electronic records management system (OnBase).

* Responsible for data and records management as well as constantly evaluating new storage techniques

* Evaluates existing endowment policies to ensure they achieve institutional goals. Recommends changes or additions when warranted and manages the process of updating Dartmouth's Endowment Policy Manual.