Philanthropy Manager

The Firm

XTX Markets is a leading algorithmic trading firm which uses state-of-the-art machine learning technology to produce price forecasts for over 50,000 financial instruments across equities, fixed income, currencies, commodities and crypto. We trade over $250bn a day across 35 countries and has over 250 staff based in London, Singapore, New York, Paris, Bristol, Mumbai, Yerevan and Kajaani.

We leverage the talent of the people who work here, modern computational techniques and state-of-the-art research infrastructure to analyse large data sets across markets quickly and efficiently, to maximize the effectiveness of our proprietary trading algorithms. We are actively seeking new methods and ideas.

We have an unrivalled level of computational resources in the trading industry, with a growing research cluster currently containing over 25,000 GPUs with 650 petabytes of usable storage. Teams across the firm include world-class researchers with backgrounds in pure maths, programming, physics, computer science and machine learning.

At XTX Markets, technology is our business and we are a diverse organization which attracts outstanding talent from across all industry backgrounds. We are focused on teamwork and our people collaborate on all aspects of the business, working openly and with respect for each other, our clients and the market. Our culture is non-hierarchical and everyone is valued. We strive for excellence in everything we do.

XTX Markets is also one of the largest philanthropic donors in the UK. Since 2020, we have donated over £350m to charities globally and are now regularly giving >£100mn per year. Our philanthropy is mainly focused on maths and science, including education, research and talent development. We also support initiatives across a wider range of areas, including the environment and global education.

 

The Role

Our Philanthropy Team has a lean setup and we strive to be highly efficient, including by working at a fast pace and using technology effectively. There are currently three people in the team (Head of Philanthropy, Philanthropy Manager, Philanthropy Operations). We have high expectations for speed and quality of work, which are coupled with a high-autonomy, low-bureaucracy culture in the team and the wider firm.

We are now seeking a second Philanthropy Manager, who will focus on our education and research giving.

You will lead on various aspects of our work in these areas, including typical forms of philanthropy, such as grant-making and funds, and more innovative forms, such as R&D and venture building. You will manage a portfolio of £100mn+, more than most foundations. As well as managing funding, you will be expected to contribute to the team’s operations, for example through supporting automation and AI-integration.

You can find details of our education and research giving online, but some highlights include launching the Maths Excellence Fund, the Observatory for Mathematical Education, the BIG Programme, the Martingale Foundation, early-career research funding for pure maths and the AI for Math Fund. We also fund various metascience and pure research organisations, including Convergent Research (e.g. EvE Bio, Lean FRO). Our work in this space is focused on academic excellence in maths and science, meritocratic competition and operational effectiveness.

 

Responsibilities

Research and Due Diligence

• Undertaking research to define our areas of giving and associated funding modalities (e.g. grants, funds, ventures). This will include desk-based research, quant analysis, stakeholder discussions, problem solving sessions etc.
• Carrying out due diligence on potential grantees. This will typically include an assessment of their impact model, programme design, evaluation data, financials and leadership.

Grantee Partnerships

• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with grantees, from due diligence and onboarding, through to on-going management. This will include providing challenge and support to a wide range of grantees globally, including universities, schools and charities.
• Assessing the quality of output from grantees and their evidence of impact. This will include quant and qual analysis, and working to understand grantees’ context, strengths and weaknesses.

Other

• Team operational development, potentially including AI, automation, data, technology etc.
• External engagement, including attending events, building networks and influencing others.
• Ad hoc duties, either in response to external factors (e.g. humanitarian crises) or urgent needs.

 

Attributes, Characteristics and Skills

You will be driven, efficient and very comfortable in a high-performance, high-autonomy environment. Being able to work at high speed is essential. You will need to actively seek and give feedback on performance. You will be highly analytic and reflective, but also practically focused and quick, focusing on excellence.

You will have a very strong background in maths or science. At minimum, this will be an excellent degree from a top university, and ideally will include a PhD and/or other research experience. Having experience of teaching, either in schools or universities, would also be an advantage. Additionally, you will have some good experience outside of academia, ideally in fast-paced environments (e.g. start-ups, VC).

We are particularly looking for candidates with the following characteristics and skills:

• Drive to excel in a high-performance environment (Most important)
• Professional integrity (e.g. candour, discretion, transparency)
• Confident, hardworking and resilient (e.g. working independently and at pace)
• Highly organised and pragmatic (i.e. attention to detail, likes to get the job done)
• Analytic skills (e.g. assessing opportunities, solving problems)
• Communication skills (especially writing)
• Relationship skills (e.g. partnership building, influencing)
• Technical skills (e.g. data science, research methods)

 

Benefits

This is a permanent, full-time position. The salary is highly competitive, includes bonus and pension.

• 25 days paid holiday per year + statutory holiday and paid sick days.
• Generous pension contributions: 1.5x match up to 15%
• Onsite gym, sauna, and fitness classes at no charge.
• Extensive medical benefits including an on-site doctor and therapist at no charge.
• Breakfast and lunch provided daily.
• Various supports for caregivers, including emergency dependent care.
• Beautiful Kings Cross office: https://vimeo.com/257888726
• We work four days per week in our London office, one from home, unless stated otherwise.