Chief Operating Officer-Alternatives presso Westwood Holdings Group, Inc.

WHO WE ARE

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) is a boutique asset management firm that offers a diverse array of actively-managed and outcome-oriented investment strategies, along with white-glove trust and wealth services, to institutional, intermediary and private wealth clients. For over 40 years, Westwood’s client-first approach has fostered strong, long-term client relationships due to our unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke investment strategies with a vehicle-optimized approach, exceptional counsel and unparalleled client service. Our flexible and agile approach to investing allows us to adapt to constantly changing markets, while continually seeking innovative strategies that meet our investors’ short and long-term needs.​

Our team at Westwood comes from varied backgrounds and life experiences, which reflects our origins as a woman-founded firm. We are committed to incorporating diverse insights and knowledge into all aspects of our services and solutions. Our culture and approach to our business reflect our core values—integrity, reliability, responsiveness, adaptability, flexibility and collaboration—and underpin our constant pursuit of excellence. For more information on Westwood, please visit westwoodgroup.com.  Based in Dallas, Westwood also maintains offices in Chicago and Houston.  

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading a significant portion of the alternative investment management business, except for activities directly related to investments. Responsibilities include operations, transfer agency and administrative functions, information technology, sales, and marketing. This position partners with senior leadership to set and execute the alternative business’s overall strategy across products and infrastructure.

A DAY IN THE LIFE 

• Strategic Leadership
  • Partner with the President and COO, President of Real Assets, and other senior leadership to shape and execute the alternative business’s strategic vision.
  • Drive operational excellence across all alternative investment verticals.
• Operational Oversight
  • Lead and manage core functions including fund operations, legal & compliance, risk management, technology, sales, and investor relations.
  • Oversee the building of platform infrastructure to support launces, capital deployment, portfolio management, internal reporting, and external reporting
    • Reporting aggregation system
    • IRM

• Team Leadership
  • Oversee the Investor Relations Team.
  • Build and mentor high-performing teams across operations, investments, finance, and support functions.

• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Serve as a key liaison with investors, auditors, regulators, and service providers.
  • Support fundraising, due diligence, and investor reporting efforts.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Minimum Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration or other related fields; MBA or relevant advanced degrees preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• CAIA preferred
• CFA preferred

Minimum Specific Experience Required

• 15+ years of experience in financial services with a strong background in alternatives
• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the USA.  No visa sponsorship is available.

WHO YOU ARE

• Superior interpersonal, organizational and client service skills with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships.
• Excellent communication skills and phone etiquette with a client focus.
• High attention to detail.
• Mature, polished and professional presence and disposition.
• Positive attitude with a friendly and upbeat demeanor.
• Highly motivated and proactive with a willingness to assist in all tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Able to work collaboratively in a small team environment.
 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

The physical demands required to perform the essential duties successfully are consistent with a professional office environment.

Travel

This position requires up to 15% travel during working hours.