Investment Director

Location: Oakland, CA or Remote (California, New York, or Washington, D.C., preferred)

Reports to: CEO

Area: PowerUp Fund

Position Type: 100% FTE

Organization Overview

Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) is a transnational network of grantmakers committed to strengthening Latino communities across the Americas. HIP connects and convenes funders, nonprofits, researchers, and other leaders to identify emerging needs among Latinos as well as best practices for responsive and effective funding of social change. HIP pioneers new philanthropic models by leading collaborative initiatives and has provided grants and training to help build the capacity of more than 800 organizations and leaders.

Position Summary

The Investment Director of HIP’s PowerUp Fund (PUF) will lead the design, set-up, operation and fundraising for a new equity fund investing in Latinx founders across the U.S. 

Informed by HIP’s 38 years of impact in Latinx communities, a recent round of COVID-relief cash assistance provided to small businesses across the country, and a theory of change centered around closing the racial wealth gap through investing in Latinx enterprises and entrepreneurs, the Investment Director will develop a new practice area within the region’s leading Latinx-serving philanthropic organization. 

The new role will straddle two phases of work, a current round (2021) wherein HIP is activating a Donor Advised Fund and soliciting philanthropic donations to make impact investments into Latinx businesses, and a coming round (2022) where a stand-alone PowerUp Fund is making equity investments to Latinx Founders.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate deal flow for 20-30 investments in the current year from the PowerUp Fund Donor Advised Fund;
• Define, test, and refine a clear investment thesis; advocate and execute against that thesis;
• Be a representative and champion for PUF, deepening our network and strengthening our position in the ecosystem;
• Activate our General Partner, foundation, and nonprofit networks to promote the Fund to founders, impact investors, and donors;
• Design a new, fully independent Latinx small business equity fund, navigating all legal and regulatory matters;
• Inform and seek counsel of HIP Executive and Board Leadership (including PUF Investment Committee and Impact Cabinet) on key structural decisions related to launching the Fund;
• Hire and manage staff, consultants, and vendors to support launch of the Fund, and budget for same;
• Define, test, and refine a clear investment thesis and business case thesis for the Fund;
• Provide leadership for all aspects of investment activity, from origination to exit, with the goal of investing significant levels of capital annually into high-quality opportunities;
• Review and screen entrepreneurs’ pitch decks, conduct interviews with entrepreneurs, assisting Partners and investment staff with due diligence;
• Structure and negotiate terms for potential investments;
• Interact with entrepreneurs, advisors, limited partners, other investors, the media, lawyers and others in the ecosystem;
• Act as an ambassador for the Fund and its portfolio companies and represent their respective interests at relevant conferences, industry events, and in the press; and
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with VCs, entrepreneurs, advisors, and the PUF community, in addition to the broader community

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience directly supporting early-stage startup founders and small business owners;
• Three or more years of previous experience, preferably financial/investment experience (e.g., venture capital, private equity, banking, consulting) and/or operational experience;
• A passion for investing and an ability to learn quickly and proactively;
• Ability to articulate and debate opinions on potential investments; and
• Ability to mentor, manage, and develop talent.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience, with possibility for growth based on performance results. Hispanics in Philanthropy offers a range of benefits for full-time employees such as medical, dental, vision, 401K matching, commuter check benefits, discounts on services, as well as sick, vacation, and paid holiday time.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Daily use of computer and phone for regular communications with staff and team members. This position may be a remote position or based out of the Oakland office. Some travel will be required.

How to Apply

Submit an application (https://forms.gle/Uit4fXUkvNscjHNJ8) to be considered for this position. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with preference to applications received by March 5th. Required materials include a cover letter and a resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Three references, at least two from a former supervisor, will be requested of those continuing through the interview process. 

Hispanics in Philanthropy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.