"Tax Attorney, Investments Office"

Overview

Seeking senior level tax professional (8+ years of experience) to advise and partner with the investment team managing Yale’s $40+ billion endowment. This individual will be a member of the Office of General Counsel and the Yale Investments Office and be given a broad mandate to:

• lead tax strategy across all investment activities;
• manage tax risk across the endowment portfolio, including vis-à-vis third-party investment managers (in coordination with legal and operations teams); and
• partner with the university’s central finance department, including the tax department which oversees university tax compliance and planning

More detailed examples are set forth below; however, the Investments Office will place a premium on substantive expertise, sharp intellect / analytical thinking, quality of prior professional experience, proven dedication and initiative, good judgment, and mission orientation. Relevant substantive areas include taxation of exempt organizations, partnership tax, international tax, and tax structuring in the various asset classes in which Yale invests. Tax accounting and GAAP accounting expertise are additionally valued. We expect the most successful candidates to have a J.D. degree but it is not a requirement as long as equivalent expertise has been attained.

Examples of work include:

• Incorporating tax analysis into significant investment decisions, whether specific transactions or exploring new investment strategies
• Assessing tax risk when presented with novel structures and/or new market developments
• Monitoring and interpreting legislative and regulatory developments in tax that could have an impact on the university’s investment activities; on select topics of high importance, supporting or engaging in advocacy through networks alongside the university’s government relations office
• Partnering with the legal team on tax-specific issues arising from legal documentation and negotiations in the context of fund formations, co-investments, material amendments, and other manager-led requests and opportunities
• Advising and supporting operational due diligence on third-party investment managers
• Partnering with the university’s tax department in the preparation of tax filings as they pertain to investment activities
• Delivering clear, practical, and timely advice to senior business and legal staff; identifying key areas for training and broader education within the Investments office

Partially remote / some flexibility available. Yale provides excellent benefits, including a tuition reimbursement plan for dependents attending an accredited college or university. More information about Yale’s benefits may be found here.

Essential Duties

Interprets legal regulations and University policies and procedures. Assists in the handling of administrative and legal proceedings before federal and state agencies and courts. Negotiates, reviews, drafts and interprets contracts. Negotiates and drafts the settlement of claims and/or litigation. Researches and drafts memoranda, opinions and correspondence on legal issues. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

Required Education and Experience
J.D. preferred and a minimum of 8 years’ experience in tax-related areas.

Required Skill/Ability 1:
Proven ability in legal and non-legal research.

Required Skill/Ability 2:
Proven ability in analytical thinking, and clear and organized oral and written communication.

Required Skill/Ability 3:
Proven ability to prioritize and manage responsibilities across multiple timely deliverables.

Required Skill/Ability 4:
Proven interpersonal skills and excellent judgment.

Required Skill/Ability 5:
Proven organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

Preferred Skills and Abilities
Although a broad skill set is desired, candidates with experience in investment management tax strategy is preferred. We are interested in meeting candidates with diverse tax law experience, especially in some or all of the following: tax-exempt and investment tax issues, international tax, structured finance, private funds and portfolios, mergers and acquisitions and general business transactional planning.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Interprets legal regulations and University policies and procedures.
2. Assists in the handling of administrative and legal proceedings before federal and state agencies and courts.
3. Negotiates, reviews, drafts and interprets contracts.
4. Negotiates and drafts the settlement of claims and/or litigation.
5. Researches and drafts memoranda, opinions and correspondence on legal issues.
6. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience
J.D. and a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a related area.