Director, Client Onboarding

HarbourVest Partners • Boston, MA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Client Onboarding leads the end-to-end onboarding and implementation of HarbourVest’s Separately Managed Account (SMA) clients and employee enrollments. The role coordinates client-facing and operational teams, leads complex implementations, drives governance and operational readiness, and supports a seamless transition from mandate award through ongoing servicing. The Director acts as a strategic partner to internal and external collaborators and clients, delivering a high-quality onboarding experience while mitigating risk and promoting operational excellence.

The position is suited to someone with deep experience in complex client onboarding, implementation, or operational programs within private markets or asset management. It requires strong project management, organizational, leadership, relationship-management, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, along with a client-first approach and an interest in continuous improvement and collaboration.

Requirements

• Solid understanding of Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs) and institutional and wealth investor onboarding.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional projects and coordinating multiple participant groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and mitigate operational, regulatory, and client service risks.
• Experience developing and maintaining governance frameworks, project plans, reporting, and operational controls.
• Strong ability to prioritize competing demands while meeting critical deadlines.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and influence outcomes across diverse teams and functions.
• Experience driving process improvement, operational transformation, and workflow optimization initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, CRM platforms, workflow management tools, and project management methodologies.
• Seven or more years of finance experience in a Client Onboarding capacity preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or equivalent experience.
• Seven or more years of finance experience in a Client Onboarding capacity preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding and implementation for new and existing employee and SMA clients, from opportunity intake through operational handoff to servicing teams.
• Serve as the primary project manager for complex onboarding initiatives, coordinating across Legal, Solutions, Client Service, Compliance, Tax, Treasury, Reporting, Fund Accounting, Third Party Administrators, and other collaborators.
• Establish and maintain governance forums, onboarding trackers, risk registers, readiness assessments, and status reporting for active SMA implementations.
• Translate client agreements, side letters, and customized requirements into actionable operational processes and servicing models.
• Identify, raise, and lead onboarding risks, dependencies, and issues to support successful client launches and closings.
• Drive process improvement, standardization, and technology enhancements to improve efficiency, scalability, and the client experience.
• Support leadership reporting, capacity planning, and critical initiatives related to Client Onboarding and client implementation activities.
• Perform other responsibilities as required.

Benefits

• Discretionary annual bonus based on individual and overall firm performance.
• Potential participation in long-term reward programs, typically for more senior-level roles.
• Retirement contributions.
• Health insurance.
• Income protection.
• Paid time off and leave benefits.
• Well-being programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director