Private Markets & Alternatives Research Director

Job Description SummaryJob DescriptionUnder 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 ResponsibilitiesLead transaction execution and capital formationOriginate, evaluate, and structure private market opportunities, including direct equity, credit, and special situations investmentsLead end-to-end execution of transactions, including diligence, structuring, negotiation, and closingDesign and implement capital raise strategies, including positioning, investor targeting, and allocation frameworksInvestment underwriting and structuringBuild and oversee advanced financial models evaluating complex capital structures and return scenariosLead valuation analysis across methodologies (DCF, comps, precedent transactions, scenario modeling)Structure terms across equity and debt instruments, including governance, economics, and downside protectionsCommittee leadership and decision supportOwn preparation and presentation of investment recommendations to internal committees comprised of senior executivesClearly articulate key risks, return drivers, and structuring considerationsDrive consensus and influence final investment decisionsSponsor and client engagementServe as a senior point of contact with sponsors, issuers, and placement agentsLead negotiations on transaction terms, referral structures, and investor rightsPartner closely with Financial Advisors and internal distribution teams to position opportunities effectivelyPlatform leadership and execution managementOversee multiple concurrent transactions with significant complexity and visibilityDrive internal coordination across diligence, legal, compliance, and distribution functionsEstablish best practices for deal evaluation, structuring, and executionTeam leadership and developmentMentor and develop junior team members, including Associates and AnalystsProvide guidance on underwriting, modeling, and transaction executionContribute to recruiting and team-building effortsKnowledge ofAdvanced private markets investing, including direct equity, private credit, and structured transactionsCapital raising processes, investor dynamics, and allocation frameworksLegal and structural considerations across private investmentsSkill inLeading complex negotiations with so...