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

Work Experience

Certifications

Salary Range

Travel

Workstyle

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 view more 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

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.