AVP, Head of Global Capital Formation Legal

Manulife • Boston, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Manulife Investment Management’s Private Markets business is seeking a highly experienced AVP, Head of Global Capital Formation Legal to lead its Global Capital Formation legal team , supporting a diverse range of private markets strategies including private equity, private credit, real estate, infrastructure, timberland and agriculture. This role serves as the lead legal advisor on global fund formation, capital raising, investor negotiations, product structuring, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate has 10+ years of private fund formation experience , deep technical knowledge of U.S. securities laws, extensive experience negotiating with institutional investors, and proven leadership capability within a global asset management environment.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with strong academic background.
• 10+ years of experience with a focus on private fund formation at an asset manager or leading law firm.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and team as well as cross-functional initiatives, with effective communication with senior stakeholders.
• Strong business judgment, strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.

Responsibilities

• Fund Formation & Product Structuring Lead and manage the Global Capital Formation legal function supporting all aspects of private fund formation across private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, timberland and agriculture.
• Oversee the structuring, launch, and administration of global funds with co‑investment vehicles, parallel structures, and feeder vehicles as well as funds of one and separately managed accounts.
• Draft, negotiate, and supervise preparation of core private fund documents, including: Limited partnership agreements, Private placement memoranda, Subscription agreements, Investment management agreements and Side letters
• Engage directly with senior leadership and investment teams to resolve complex structuring, operational, and investor-related matters.
• Provide strategic legal guidance on development of new global private markets products and customized investor solutions and partner closely with investor relations and distribution teams on fundraising for global private markets strategies.
• Regulatory, Governance & Compliance Oversight Advise on regulatory matters involving the Investment Advisers Act, Securities Act, and Investment Company Act, including development and maintenance of fund-related policies and procedures.
• Review and approve investor communications and marketing materials to ensure compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Oversee preparation and updating of Form ADV and other regulatory filings for private markets entities.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership & Collaboration Collaborate with investment, finance, compliance, tax, operations, and investor relations teams on capital formation strategy, product development, fund closings, and ongoing fund governance.
• Manage external counsel engagements to ensure efficiency, cost‑effectiveness, and consistency across global fund launches.
• Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Global Capital Formation function and a strategic partner to business leadership.
• Leadership & Team Management Build, develop, and lead a high-performing team supporting global private fund formation activities.
• Drive continuous improvement across legal processes, documentation standards, and fundraising workflows.
• Contribute to strategic planning for the long-term growth of the Private Markets platform.

Benefits

• Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.
• Manulife/John Hancock offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans.
• We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources.
• Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree