The 7 Roles Every Modern Family Office Is Hiring For

The 7 Roles Every Modern Family Office Is Now Hiring For

By Cheryl Grimaldi | Founder - Anton Everest 

Family offices have evolved dramatically in the past decade. As wealth transitions to younger generations and families pursue more sophisticated investment strategies, family offices are expanding well beyond their traditional structure. What once required a small team of advisors now often resembles a private investment firm with specialized leadership across multiple disciplines. As a result, we are seeing increased demand for several key roles within family offices.

Here are seven positions that are increasingly critical to the modern family office.

1. Chief Investment Officer (CIO)

Many family offices are building internal investment teams capable of sourcing and executing direct investments, private equity deals, and venture capital opportunities. The CIO is responsible for overseeing the family’s investment strategy, asset allocation, and deal flow. Increasingly, these leaders come from private equity, hedge funds, or institutional asset managers.

2. Head of Direct Investments

Families are moving beyond passive investment strategies. Many want to participate directly in acquisitions, venture investments, and co-investments. This role focuses on sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and managing investment partnerships. Candidates often come from private equity or investment banking backgrounds.

3. Chief Operating Officer

As family offices grow more complex, operational leadership becomes critical.

The COO often oversees:

• internal operations

• reporting and governance

• vendor relationships

• coordination between investment, legal, and administrative teams

This role ensures the office runs efficiently while supporting the family’s long-term strategy.

4. Head of Philanthropy

Philanthropy has become a central priority for many next-generation families. Family offices are increasingly hiring leaders who can help structure impactful philanthropic initiatives, foundations, and charitable strategies. This role requires both strategic thinking and deep nonprofit expertise.

5. Director of Family Governance

Multi-generational wealth introduces complex governance challenges.

Many families now hire professionals who help establish structures around:

• family councils

• succession planning

• education for next-generation family members

• decision-making frameworks

These leaders help preserve family alignment across generations.

6. Technology and Data Leadership

Technology has become increasingly important in managing large, complex portfolios.

Family offices are hiring leaders responsible for:

• investment data systems

• cybersecurity

• digital reporting platforms

• technology infrastructure

Some offices are even exploring AI-driven investment analytics.

7. Lifestyle Asset Managers

Many family offices manage significant lifestyle assets including:

• real estate portfolios

• aviation

• art collections

• yachts

• luxury properties

Dedicated leaders are often hired to oversee these assets and coordinate operations across the family’s holdings.

The Evolution of Family Office Talent

The modern family office requires a unique combination of investment sophistication, operational expertise, and trusted advisory capability. Recruiting for these environments is rarely straightforward. Successful leaders must be able to navigate both complex financial decisions and the dynamics of multi-generational families. As the Great Wealth Transfer accelerates, identifying individuals capable of stewarding generational wealth will become even more important.
 

Anton Everest specializes in executive search for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth environments, identifying leaders capable of operating at the intersection of investment expertise, discretion, and long-term trust.