Director of Business Operations

We are seeking an individual to help manage several key business functions – focused on fund administration, LLC management, compliance, human resources, technology and premises – within a boutique investment adviser focused on overseas markets.

The position is designed as a full-time role (exempt status).

Location

The firm's office is located in Larkspur, California. The Director of Fund Administration and Business Operations is required to be located in California. The position involves both in-office and remote work each week (i.e., a "hybrid" schedule). Business travel may be necessary, estimated at 1-2 weeks per year.

Reporting

This position will report to Seafarers Vice President.

Responsibilities

The Director of Fund Administration and Business Operations will help manage six key functions within the company, as described below. Responsibilities for this role may evolve and expand over time along with the individual's demonstrated professional development. Long-term success for this role is defined by significant contributions to the LLC's primary goals: 1) grow to, and steadily maintain, a sustainable scale, and 2) build and maintain a robust, self-sustaining organization.

Specific responsibilities will include:

• Manage communications with investment advisory clients, including Board reporting and the 15(c) request.
• Oversee fund regulatory updates and related projects.
• Coordinate the distribution and share class structure of the funds, including platform fee agreements.
• Provide vendor oversight and relationship management, including selection, fee analysis, and contractual review.
• Oversee the fund administrator's work on fund distributions, tax filings, and tax compliance and relief-at-source documentation in overseas markets.
• Contribute to client RFIs and due diligence requests.
• Oversee the renewal and ongoing contractual compliance of fund borrowing facilities.
• Provide oversight of fund finances, including accruals, expenses, and financial statements.
• Serve as a member of the Proxy Committee, the Transaction Monitoring Committee, and the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS Committee).
• Manage other fund administration workflows for current and future Seafarer products.
• LLC Management
  • Organize and lead team meetings and service member communications.
  • Serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
  • Oversee the negotiation, analysis, and renewal of contracts with service providers.
  • Manage product planning and product launches for the firm's clients.
  • Contribute to other LLC workflows and initiatives to support the operations and growth of the business.
• Compliance
  • Serve as a member of the Compliance Committee and the Valuation Committee.
  • Contribute to the review of new compliance policies and procedures.
  • Review adviser compliance filings, such as Form ADV.
• Human Resources
  • Manage recruitment, employee onboarding, performance reviews, compensation program, personnel training and development, and HR policies, in coordination with the firm's HR consultant.
• Technology and Premises
  • Manage the firm's technology and information security systems, specifications, and upgrades, in coordination with the firm's technology consultant. Oversee the technology consultant’s management and maintenance of the firm's technology infrastructure.
  • Serve as a member of the Artificial Intelligence Committee.
  • Oversee the firm's premises lease and premises planning. Manage office resources and office relocation.
  • Serve as a member of the Business Continuity Planning Committee.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

This position requires:

• MBA, Master's degree, CFA, CIMA and/or CFP preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of work experience in the investment management industry or ancillary industries (e.g., finance technology, regulations and compliance, financial marketing and distribution).
• Strong understanding of the investment management industry. Knowledge of mutual fund structures, financial markets, asset allocation, financial advisory practices, and segments of the wealth management industry.
• Strong preference for those who can demonstrate experience and acumen in the following functional areas: compliance, finance, and technology.
• Experience leading and managing small to medium-sized teams.
• Experience negotiating agreements and utilizing legal resources.
• Strong relationship management and organizational skills.
• Timeliness, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Highest levels of integrity and professionalism, combined with a drive to build a company of lasting value.
• Entrepreneurial drive and a strong work ethic. Must work well within a small company and a dynamic environment.
• Professional experience with and/or analysis of international markets preferred. Overseas travel experience also preferred.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation includes base salary and a semi-annual discretionary cash bonus. The annual pay range for this position is $220,000 – $325,000. The range is determined largely by individual performance and associated discretionary bonus.
• 401(k) Plan with a matching contribution from Seafarer.
• Equity incentive program. Seafarer is a 100% employee owned firm. Employees become eligible (but are not guaranteed) to participate in the Firm’s equity incentive program beginning one year after their start date.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Employees have access to six medical plan options from United Healthcare (PPO) and Kaiser (HMO), dental coverage from Delta Dental, and vision coverage from Vision Service Plan (VSP). Seafarer pays a significant portion of the monthly premium costs for employees and dependents. If an employee waives healthcare coverage, Seafarer shares premium savings with the employee.
• Short-term disability insurance coverage provided to employees at no cost.
• Paid holidays: the Firm follows the NYSE holiday schedule.
• Paid time off (PTO): 20 days of PTO per year (includes sick leave).
• Paid parental leave.
• Remote work allowance.
• Educational expense reimbursement program.
• Public transit commute reimbursement.