Private Markets & Alternatives Research Director

Raymond James•Saint Petersburg, FL

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Knowledge of Advanced private markets investing, including direct equity, private credit, and structured transactions
Knowledge of Capital raising processes, investor dynamics, and allocation frameworks
Knowledge of Legal and structural considerations across private investments
Skill in Leading complex negotiations with sophisticated counterparties
Skill in Synthesizing investment views and communicating recommendations to senior stakeholders
Skill in Structuring transactions to optimize risk-adjusted returns
Skill in Managing multiple high-priority transactions in a fast-paced environment
Ability to Operate independently with full accountability for transaction outcomes
Ability to Influence senior stakeholders and drive investment decisions
Ability to Balance commercial objectives with risk management and compliance requirements
Ability to Build and maintain trusted relationships with sponsors, advisors, and internal leadership
Bachelor’s degree required
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

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA) or professional designation (CFA, CAIA) strongly preferred
Series licenses or equivalents may be preferred based on role scope

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