Virginia Union University
Chief Investment Officer
Richmond, VA
Situation Overview:
ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Chief Investment Officer for Virginia Union University.
About Virginia Union University:
History
Established in 1865, Virginia Union University gave newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education, for establishing a community, and for gaining economic, political and social advancement. The University is the result of a merger among four historic institutions: Richmond Theological Seminary, Wayland Seminary, Hartshorn Memorial, and Storer College. Richmond Theological Seminary held its first classes at Lumpkin’s Jail, a former holding cell for runaway slaves. The Wayland Seminary was founded in 1865 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society inWashington, DC. Two years later Storer College was founded in West Virginia, and Hartshorn Memorial College opened its doors in 1883 as the first college for African American women in the country.
After operating independently for three decades, these notable seminaries joined forces to form Virginia Union University in 1899. Hartshorn Memorial and Storer Colleges would eventually join this Union in 1932 and 1964, respectively.
VUU is a distinguished private institution that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Located in the heart of Virginia’s capital city, Virginia Union University, a Baptist affiliated private institution, is best known for its world-renowned graduate school of theology. It also offers a broad range of educational opportunities in the liberal arts, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and study abroad. VUU’s commitment to student success has included an emphasis on student engagement and retention, and close interaction between faculty and students, both of which produce a synergy among scholarship, teaching, and learning.
At Virginia Union University®, they consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge ground breaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum.
They welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences.
Academic Affairs
Virginia Union University® offers 25 distinct undergraduate degrees, concentrated into 22 majors within 14 broad fields of study. Across all areas of study, Union awards 250+ undergraduate degrees each year. VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree.
Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders.
The Division of Academic Affairs at Virginia UnionUniversity is committed to exemplary teaching and boasts of its proud faculty, composed of talented professors, scholars, advisors, and researchers, who are dedicated to helping students become life-long learners.
Overall, the mission of the Division of Academic Affairs is to prepare students to successfully compete with their counterparts upon graduation for employment and admissions to graduate or professional studies, while at the same time exhibiting characteristics of the ideal Virginia Union University Graduate. The Division of Academic Affairs is dedicated to providing an overall academic environment which is sensitive, supportive, and nurturing, while simultaneously, challenging students to achieve new levels of excellence.
This is done with primary emphasis on excellent teaching, research, service, and advising; a strong curriculum; and high-quality Academic Support Services. The Division also subscribes to the University’s rich heritage and traditions which is anchored in the liberal arts and is responsive to promoting the University’s overall Mission.
Mission
Virginia Union University is nourished by its African American heritage and energized by a commitment to excellence and diversity. Its mission is to:
- Provide a nurturing intellectually challenging and spiritually enriching environment for learning;
- Empower students to develop strong moral values for success; and
- Develop scholars, leaders, and lifelong learners of a global society.
To accomplish this mission, Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences.
Vision Statement
Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world.
Core Values
The Promise of aLimitless Future.³ Virginia Union University is guided by five fundamental principles in order to deliver on the promise of a Limitless Future. Each
principle is essential to their ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff.
The principles aid their community in understanding the right path to fulfilling their institution's mission. In conjuction with the principles are the University's Noble Values.
Integrity
They value their commitment to fairness, honesty, and truth reflected in each person’s words and deeds while holding themselves accountable for their personal and words and actions.
Diversity & Inclusion
As one of the nation’s oldest HBCUs, they value diversity in thought, perspective, and embodiment, trusting that they are stronger when various voices, traditions, and experiences are present. They value inclusivity and promote a safe with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Excellence
They provide the highest quality of experiences and interactions while remaining flexible, responsive, and open-minded in developing and delivering programs, services, and facilities committed to exceeding the standards of what it means to be Best-In-Class.
Innovation
At Virginia Union University®, they consistently search for and create growth opportunities that forge ground breaking research, state of the art technology, or top-of-the-line curriculum. They welcome and encourage new ideas and processes that positively impact experiences.
Spiritual Formation
As a faith-based University, they welcome the regular practice of prayer, worship, silence, and mediation that matures one’s relationships, values, and life purpose that lead to ongoing spiritual growth and transformation.
Position:
The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the organization's investment strategies and portfolio management to maximize returns while managing risk effectively. This role involves setting the strategic direction for investments, aligning them with the organization's financial goals and risk tolerance. The CIO leads a team of investment professionals, ensuring rigorous analysis, due diligence, and compliance with regulatory requirements. They collaborate closely with other executives to integrate investment insights into broader business strategies and communicate performance and outlook to stakeholders. Ultimately, the CIO drives sustainable growth and long-term value creation through prudent and innovative investment decisions.
The CIO utilizes advanced analytical skills daily to evaluate market trends and investment opportunities, ensuring decisions are data-driven and aligned with organizational goals. Leadership and communication skills are essential for managing the investment team and effectively conveying complex financial information to stakeholders. Strategic thinking enables the CIO to anticipate market shifts and adjust investment strategies proactively. Risk management skills are critical to balance potential returns with acceptable risk levels, maintaining portfolio stability. Additionally, proficiency in regulatory compliance ensures all investment activities meet legal standards, safeguarding the organization's reputation and assets.
Position Description:
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive investment strategies aligned with the organization's objectives and risk appetite;
- Lead and manage the investment team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement;
- Conduct thorough market research, financial analysis, and risk assessments to inform investment decisions;
- Monitor portfolio performance, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure compliance with all regulatory and fiduciary standards;
- Collaborate with senior leadership to integrate investment insights into overall business planning and communicate results to the board and stakeholders.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of financial markets, investment instruments, and regulatory environments in the United States;•
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field;
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in investment management or a related financial sector role
- Proven track record of managing large investment portfolios with demonstrable success in achieving financial targets;
- Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, or a related discipline;
- Professional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CAIA (CharteredAlternative Investment Analyst);
- Experience working within institutional investment environments or large-scale asset management firms;
- Familiarity with emerging investment trends including ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria and alternative assets;
- Demonstrated ability to lead digital transformation initiatives within investment operations
Senior Management:
Hakim J. Lucas, Ph.D
13th President & CEO of Virginia Union University
Dr. Hakim J. Lucas is a nationally recognized higher education executive, scholar, and thought leader shaping a new era of leadership for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He serves as President of Virginia Union University (VUU), Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Union University Enterprises, and a tenured Professor of History.Across these roles, he advances a clear mission: ensuring HBCUs remain powerful engines of opportunity, equity, and social mobility for the 21st century.
Since 2017, Dr. Lucas has led VUU through institutional transformation. His leadership has been anchored in a clear framework—Economic and Social Mobility (ESM), integrating student success, generational wealth building, entrepreneurial enterprise, and institutional resilience. This approach has guided VUU’s resurgence not as a temporary rebound, but as a sustainable model of mission-centered excellence.
As a prolific scholar and author, Dr. Lucas also serves as editor of three major scholarly series onHBCUs with Emerald Publishing, Bloomsbury Academic, and Townsend Press—helping to shape an interdisciplinary field that examines Black institutions through the lenses of history, policy, theology, economics, leadership, and social impact.
His scholarship includes authored and edited volumes addressing crisis leadership, accreditation, governance, transcendent leadership, institutional transformation, and the moral responsibilities of leaders in times of disruption and change.
Dr. Lucas holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from More house College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tufts University, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University, a Master of Business Administration from Stetson University, and a Ph.D. in Education from Fordham University. He serves on the boards of philanthropic, educational, and corporate organizations, contributing expertise in strategy, finance, risk management, institutional effectiveness, and mission alignment. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, Urban League, Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons,United Negro College Fund,Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and Southern EducationFoundation, reflecting a lifelong commitment to strengthening institutions and expanding opportunity for historically marginalized communities.
Dr. Lucas is an ordained itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with universal ordinations withinBaptist and non-denominational Black church traditions. His faith and ministry continue to inform a leadership approach grounded in service, purpose, and accountability.
His guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: “Education is my social justice.” Through that lens, Dr. Lucas has committed his entire 25-year career in higher education to building institutions where students are not only prepared for careers but equipped to live fully in their dignity, agency, and purpose. Under his leadership, Virginia Union University is not merely sustaining its legacy—it is actively redefining what excellence looks like for HBCUs in the modern era.
Why is this a compelling position?
They value you and your employment here at Union.Their goal is to sustain a diverse workforce where all members of the community can thrive for their contributions. All the members of their team strive to provide the highest level of service to all of their constituents.
Human Resources functions to serve the best interests of Virginia Union University® and those whom they employ.At Union, the HR Director, in congruent with department staff are primarily responsible for implementing University personnel policies, recruitment, orientation, training, maintaining employee records.
Location
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, sits along the James River and blends deep American history with a steadily modernizing city culture.
Founded in 1737, it played major roles in both the American Revolution and the Civil War, even serving as the capital of the Confederacy. Today, Richmond is known for its striking balance of historic architecture, vibrant arts, expanding business environment, and scenic outdoor spaces built around the river.
The city has evolved into a regional hub for finance, law, healthcare, education, and government, with several Fortune 500 companies and major institutions head quartered in the metro area. Down town Richmond features a mix of restored historic buildings and modern development, while neighborhoods like The Fan and Church Hill are known for tree-lined streets, classic row houses, and a strong sense of community character.
Culturally, Richmond has a thriving arts and food scene. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top comprehensive art museums in the country, and the city is widely recognized for its murals, galleries, and independent music culture. Its culinary reputation has grown rapidly, with nationally recognized chefs, strong Southern influences, and a rising craft brewery presence.
Outdoor life is a defining feature of Richmond. The JamesRiver Park System runs directly through the city, offering hiking, biking, kayaking, and even urban whitewater rafting — something few U.S. cities can claim. The Canal Walk, riverfront parks, and nearby historic battlefields provide both recreation and a strong connection to the city’s past.
Richmond experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers, mild-to-cool winters, and colorful spring and fall transitions. Its location places it roughly two hours from Washington, D.C., the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Virginia coast, making it a convenient and well-connected Mid-Atlantic city.
VUU in the news:
February 09, 2026
161st Founders Day Celebration Reaffirms Virginia Union University's Mission and Future
February 06, 2026
Maryland Delegate and VUU Trustee Scott Phillips Elected Chair of Maryland Legislative Black Caucus
February 05, 2026
February 03, 2026
MTX Group and Virginia Union University Announce Strategic AI-Driven EdTech Partnership
Interview Process:
ZRG provides our global Clients with a rigorous and patented assessment platform grounded in data and analytics. Our interview process includes the following:
- Initial interviews with ZRG
- ZRG presentation of candidates to Client for calibration and discussion; Client selects candidates for consideration and initial interviews
- Candidates complete ZRG’s on-line assessment
- Finalist candidates advance to second and third round interviews with broader leadership team
- Formal referencing
- Offer extended
About ZRG Partners:
ZRG is a global talent advisory firm that is changing the way companies hire and manage talent. ZRG’s data-driven approach to executive and professional search has been changing the way clients think about how to find top talent. The company’s digital Zi platform combines talent intelligence, candidate insights, and process improvement to dramatically deliver executive searches quicker and with proven better results.
Dakota Doman Managing Director
ddoman@zrgpartners.com
Dakota Doman is a dynamic and visionary executive with more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning higher education administration, executive search, organizational strategy, and governmental affairs. He is a Managing Director in ZRG’s Education Practice, bringing a comprehensive perspective on leadership needs within academic institutions, especially Historically Black Colleges andUniversities (HBCUs).
Before ZRG, Dakota was the President and Managing Principal of TM2 Executive Search, the only search firm founded to provide executive talent solutions to HBCUs, where his work focused on inclusive leadership recruitment, strategic talent pipelines, and governance transformation, contributing to successful placements in C-suite and senior academic roles across the country
Link to complete bio for Dakota Doman.
Jerel Booker Principal
jbooker@zrgpartners.com
Jerel Booker is a seasoned executive specializing in talent strategy, organizational growth, and executive search, with over two decades of leadership experience across higher education, K–12, and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, he served as Associate Managing Principal and Chief Operating Officer at TM² ExecutiveSearch, where he conducted national executive searches and oversaw enterprise operations - aligning people, processes, and performance to drive organizational growth and client impact.
