Private Markets & Alternatives Research Director

Job Description Summary

Job Description

Under limited direction, serves as a senior member of the Private Markets & Alternatives platform with primary responsibility for originating, structuring, and executing complex private market transactions and capital raises across equity and credit strategies, with a focus on liaising with the Raymond James Capital Markets areas.

The role requires extensive experience leading transactions from inception through closing, including underwriting, structuring, investor positioning, and negotiation with sponsors and counterparties. The individual will operate with a high degree of autonomy, directly interfacing with senior internal leadership, external sponsors, and institutional investors while driving investment recommendations and influencing capital allocation decisions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead transaction execution and capital formation

Originate, evaluate, and structure private market opportunities, including direct equity, credit, and special situations investments

Lead end-to-end execution of transactions, including diligence, structuring, negotiation, and closing

Design and implement capital raise strategies, including positioning, investor targeting, and allocation frameworks

Investment underwriting and structuring

Build and oversee advanced financial models evaluating complex capital structures and return scenarios

Lead valuation analysis across methodologies (DCF, comps, precedent transactions, scenario modeling)

Structure terms across equity and debt instruments, including governance, economics, and downside protections

Committee leadership and decision support

Own preparation and presentation of investment recommendations to internal committees comprised of senior executives

Clearly articulate key risks, return drivers, and structuring considerations

Drive consensus and influence final investment decisions

Sponsor and client engagement

Serve as a senior point of contact with sponsors, issuers, and placement agents

Lead negotiations on transaction terms, referral structures, and investor rights

Partner closely with Financial Advisors and internal distribution teams to position opportunities effectively

Platform leadership and execution management

Oversee multiple concurrent transactions with significant complexity and visibility

Drive internal coordination across diligence, legal, compliance, and distribution functions

Establish best practices for deal evaluation, structuring, and execution

Team leadership and development

Mentor and develop junior team members, including Associates and Analysts

Provide guidance on underwriting, modeling, and transaction execution

Contribute to recruiting and team-building efforts

Knowledge of

Advanced private markets investing, including direct equity, private credit, and structured transactions

Capital raising processes, investor dynamics, and allocation frameworks

Legal and structural considerations across private investments

Skill in

Leading complex negotiations with sophisticated counterparties

Synthesizing investment views and communicating recommendations to senior stakeholders

Structuring transactions to optimize risk-adjusted returns

Managing multiple high-priority transactions in a fast-paced environment

Ability to

Operate independently with full accountability for transaction outcomes

Influence senior stakeholders and drive investment decisions

Balance commercial objectives with risk management and compliance requirements

Build and maintain trusted relationships with sponsors, advisors, and internal leadership

Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA) or professional designation (CFA, CAIA) strongly preferred

Minimum 10+ years of relevant experience in investment banking, private equity, private credit, or a related field

Demonstrated track record of leading and structuring capital raises and executing private market transactions

Significant experience interacting with sponsors, institutional investors, and senior decision-makers

Licenses / Certifications

None required; Series licenses or equivalents may be preferred based on role scope

Travel

Travel required as needed to support sponsor engagement and investor coverage

Education Bachelor’s: Business Administration, Bachelor’s: Economics, Bachelor’s: Finance

Work Experience General Experience – 10 to 15 years

Certifications Other Certification Not Listed - Other

Salary Range $130,000.00-$275,000.00

Travel Up to 50%

Workstyle Hybrid

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave. Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.

We expect our associates at all levels to: • Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same • Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes • Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind • Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter • Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm