Ohio University Foundation, Athens, Ohio, is searching for an investment consultant for the university and foundation's $673 million long-term endowment pool.
The foundation issued an RFP because its investment committee is interested in moving to a less discretionary investment consulting model. "Although discretionary-based proposals will be accepted, preference will be given to non-discretionary based proposals," said the RFP posted on the Inter-University Council of Ohio's website.
Hirtle, Callaghan & Co. currently provides outsourced chief investment officer services for the endowment pool. Whether the firm is eligible to rebid could not be immediately learned.
The endowment pool's long-term targets are 20.6% domestic large-cap equities; 19.7% international developed equities; 10% hedge funds; 9.8% domestic core fixed income; 9% private equity; 5.9% Treasury inflation-protected securities; 4.9% each commodities, emerging markets equities and real estate; 3.9% each domestic small-cap equities and opportunistic fixed income; and 2.5% special opportunities.
The chosen consultant would also advise the foundation on a long-term century bond pool with $165 million in assets.
The RFP is available on the IUC's website. Registration is required. Proposals are due at 2 p.m. EST on Feb. 20. A selection is expected by May 1.
Nico Karagosian, the foundation's president and CEO and the university's vice president, university advancement; and Tim Yake, purchasing commodity manager, could not be immediately reached to provide further information.
