Director, Client Onboarding

HarbourVest Partners • Boston, MA

8d • $135,000 - $145,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Client Onboarding leads end-to-end onboarding and implementation for HarbourVest’s Separately Managed Account (SMA) clients and employee enrollments. The role coordinates client-facing and operational teams, manages complex implementations, drives governance and operational readiness, and ensures a smooth transition from mandate award through ongoing servicing. It serves 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 ideal candidate brings deep experience in complex client onboarding, implementation, or operational programs within private markets or asset management; strong project management and organizational skills; a client-first mindset; leadership and relationship-management capabilities; and analytical problem-solving skills. The role suits someone who thrives in a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

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.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands effectively 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.
• 7+ years of finance experience in a Client Onboarding capacity preferred.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Lead onboarding and implementation of new and existing employee and SMA clients from opportunity intake through operational handoff to servicing teams.
• Act as primary project manager for complex onboarding initiatives, coordinating 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 enhancement initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and 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