Chief Operating Officer

Early-stage single family office serving a successful, multiple-generational Northern California family and its related businesses and holdings. The principal has a strong law, tax, and business background. Other members served by the office include the principal’s wife and their adult offspring.

The office will provide administrative and support services related to the family’s estate and governance planning for their families, business, and philanthropic interests. It will also be the vehicle for any new business ventures, revenue streams, or other new investments the family pursues. The creation of the office is intended to help the family with several goals and initiatives.

Position overview

The COO/Family Office Executive (FOE) will serve as the full-time leader of the office, overseeing the growth of the organization, setting up its infrastructure, and helping determine the allocation of assets between the family office, family members, the operating company, and other positions. The FOE will be an exceptionally adept strategic financial professional with expertise in investments. The FOE will:

• Work with the family to guide the build-out of the family office (an evolving structure), bringing best practices in strategy, procedure, and operations.
• Help the family in matters relevant to the various generations served, including estate and tax planning.
• Support all enterprise governance activities and meetings, coordinating with executive teams of the businesses, owners, trustees, and advisors.
• Mentor next-gen family members and facilitate their engagement in governance roles and activities.
• Coordinate with external advisors (bankers, estate planners, accountants, legal counsel).
• Act as trusted advisor to family members as they consider businesses and investment strategies outside their traditional sphere.

Experience, education, and executive skill requirements

• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degree or certification (MBA, JD, CPA) helpful.
• At least 15 years of leadership experience in a private client, estate-planning, or private growth company with significant assets. Experience building out a family office or similar entity strongly desired.
• Well-organized, with analytical approach and attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of best practices, systems, and procedures for setting up a long-term family office. Experienced in good governance.
• Proven business acumen and excellent business judgment.
• Excellent communicator. Outstanding speaking, writing, and listening skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex, confidential, and sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to work with constituencies that have different perspectives and outlooks.
• Strong IT and software skills.
• Proactive, self-reliant, and resourceful; adept in a small-office environment.
• Familiarity with estate-planning, trusts, and other wealth-holding structures.

Compensation commensurate with background. Excellent benefit package.