Director, Research (Private Equity)

Description

This role offers the chance to become a key contributor to our private equity research team, focusing on the thorough evaluation of private equity managers across buyout, growth, and venture strategies. You'll be responsible for managing the due diligence process from start to finish, conducting detailed analysis of general partners to help inform investment decisions.

In this position, you'll spend your time analyzing manager track records, conducting introductory manager meetings, on-site visits, and preparing comprehensive research reports that support our investment committee process. You'll also help manage our research pipeline, keeping track of current and upcoming fundraising opportunities while maintaining relationships with existing managers in our portfolio.

The role involves coordinating with various stakeholders - from the general partners you're evaluating to internal teams and clients who rely on your research. You'll have the opportunity to develop expertise across different private equity strategies while contributing to the growth and improvement of our research capabilities.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to leverage and deepen their knowledge of private markets while working in a collaborative environment. You'll have direct exposure to high-quality investment managers and gain valuable experience in institutional-level due diligence processes and private equity implementation across a client base of endowments, foundations, and family offices. The position is based in either Portsmouth, NH, or Boston, offering flexibility in location.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a comprehensive pipeline of private equity manager ideas (spanning buyout, growth, and venture) that are either currently in the market or expected to enter within the next 12 months through industry relationships and market intelligence
• Create and maintain market maps for private equity segments while tracking industry trends and identifying emerging opportunities across private markets
• Lead comprehensive due diligence processes on private equity managers, including analysis of manager organizations, investment strategies, track records, and portfolio performance
• Conduct manager evaluation activities, including leading manager meetings, site visits, and reference calls to validate investment thesis and identify potential red flags
• Prepare clear and comprehensive investment reports with recommendations based on qualitative and quantitative analysis, incorporating insights from manager interactions and due diligence findings
• Monitor existing managers on an ongoing basis through attending annual meetings, general updates, and maintaining regular communication to track performance and strategic developments
• Communicate market intelligence and investment ideas to internal teams and clients, presenting investment opportunities and market trends in a clear and actionable format
• Support client private equity implementation processes, including portfolio construction analysis, manager selection processes, and fund recommendations tailored to client objectives
• Manage information flow between managers, clients, and internal teams to ensure seamless communication and decision-making processes
• Serve as subject matter expert on private markets for both internal colleagues and external clients, providing insights on market conditions, strategy performance, and investment opportunities

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CFA, or CAIA designation (or progress toward these credentials) preferred
• 10+ years of experience conducting due diligence on private equity managers, preferably from an investment consultant, investment office, or fund of funds
• Fund manager evaluation as the candidate's primary responsibility at prior firm(s)
• Specialized experience in segments of the private capital markets (i.e., venture capital, growth equity, buyouts)

Professional Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex investment issues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and able to present in front of senior professionals in the industry
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills and established network in private capital, including general partners, placement agents and limited partners
• Experience using Quickbase, Tableau, Pitchbook, Refinitiv, or other private capital data and analytics providers
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint skills

What We Offer

At Prime Buchholz, a proud B-Corp organization, we believe in aligning our success with a positive impact on the world. We also believe that great work deserves meaningful rewards. In addition to a competitive annual salary and bonus plus comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, you'll enjoy a range of perks designed to support your well-being, including:

• Flexibility & Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home up to two days a week, with a weekly anchor day in the office to foster team collaboration and connection.
• Savings: Plan for your future with our 401(k) match and profit-sharing program, designed to help you build long-term financial security.
• Community: We support your commitment to giving back with matching charitable contributions and paid volunteer time for causes that matter to you.
• Time: Take time to recharge with our flexible time-off policy and 11 paid holidays. Plus, we offer additional time off to support you through life's major milestones, including family growth.

Prime Buchholz is committed to building and preserving a culture where individuals from different personal and professional backgrounds can thrive, contribute and grow. The collective sum of our individual differences, knowledge, life experiences, and unique talents is the foundation for our accomplishments and impact.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law. We strive to create a supportive community where we are all comfortable and confident to be authentic, open and curious.