Senior Associate – Estates and Special Investments

 

REPORTS TO:       Senior Vice President – Estates and Special Investments

DEPARTMENT:     Trusts and Gifts

STATUS:  Exempt

DATE:            January 2016

SUMMARY:

The office of Estates and Special Investments acts on behalf of the University with respect to (i) testamentary gifts; (ii) gifts of illiquid assets (“Special Investments”); and (iii) outside-managed trusts of which Harvard is a beneficiary. The Senior Associate will be responsible for overseeing the administration of estates in which Harvard has a beneficial interest, and will assist with the monitoring of outside-managed trusts and management of Special Investments. This position requires effective management of diverse responsibilities and high levels of organization and flexibility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently manage intake process for routine testamentary gifts. Review testamentary instruments, probate filings, trust accountings and related documents to ensure Harvard’s interests are protected. Serve as primary point of contact for most estate matters with fiduciaries, Alumni and Development Services and University Planned Giving. Analyze options in complex or disputed estate matters and implement decisions in consultation with SVP of Estates and Special Investments.
• Independently collect proceeds of all retirement accounts and insurance policies of which Harvard is a beneficiary.
• Monitor all estate matters; periodically report on ongoing estate matters.
• Continually update protocols and standardize processes/forms to expedite review and management of Harvard’s interests in estates, outside-managed trusts, copyright and retirement plan assets.
• Ensure data integrity, including electronic record retention and adequate audit trails, with respect to estates, outside-managed trusts and Special Investments.
• Coordinate due diligence for intake of real estate gifts and coordinate real estate sale transactions. Opportunity to partner with SVP on evaluation and administration of other categories of Special Investments.
• Work closely with SVP to negotiate licenses for copyrights and other royalty interests owned by Harvard and develop and maintain database/files for the same.
• Assist in annual valuation of Harvard’s interests in outside-managed trusts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bar-admitted attorney with meaningful experience in the area of Trusts & Estates
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and high regard for confidentiality
• Self-motivation and ability to follow through on projects independently
• Highest level of integrity and ethical standards
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think creatively within a legal framework to find practical solutions
• Client responsiveness

 

Interested candidates should apply online via

http://www.hmc.harvard.edu/working-at-hmc/current-opportunities.html