Sr. Associate, Alternatives Finance and Operations

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a highly organized and motivated Sr. Associate to join our tight-knit and dynamic Alternatives Finance and Operations Team. The ideal candidate is execution-oriented and process-minded—someone who manages complex workflows effectively while continuously looking for ways to improve how work is done in a fast-paced environment. Comfort with technology and interest in leveraging tools, including AI-enabled solutions to drive efficiency and quality, are important differentiators for success in this role. 

This role will have a direct impact on the productivity of the Alternatives Finance and Operations Team and the company’s bottom line, and therefore requires an individual who is exceedingly well-organized, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and maintains a high level of prudence around sensitive information.

Work Expectations:  

The work location for this role is Sands Capital’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia on a hybrid schedule of three days per week in-office (including Tuesdays and Wednesdays), or more as directed by your manager. The hybrid schedule is subject to change at any time.

Position Responsibilities:

• Managing investor-facing platforms, document repositories, and investor records, partnering with internal teams and external advisors to continuously improve platform usability, information quality, and the investor experience.
• Serving as a direct point of contact for investors on routine operational matters and reporting questions, delivering a high level of responsiveness and professionalism while escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Supporting investor and private fund onboarding by identifying and resolving issues or inconsistencies and coordinating closely with internal teams and external service providers. Applying an understanding of accounting and reporting concepts to analyze investor information, responding to routine inquiries, and identifying when questions or issues require escalation to the accounting team.
• Leveraging technology and data to drive process improvement by identifying inefficiencies, managing enhancements, and partnering with the team to implement scalable, technology-enabled solutions that improve accuracy and the investor experience.
• Performing other position responsibilities, as needed.
• Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field from an accredited university.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience, preferably in private markets, fund operations, financial services, or a related finance project management role.
• Exemplary organizational skills with demonstrated and proven ability to manage multiple workstreams and competing deadlines with precision.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication skills, with comfort interacting directly with investors.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to work with complex data sets.
• Knowledge of accounting, financial reporting, and investor operations concepts sufficient to analyze information and support investor communications.
• High level of comfort with changing technology and data-driven tools; experience with investor platforms and interest in large language models or AI-enabled tools preferred.

Required Behavioral Characteristics:  

The following are behavioral characteristics that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital: 

• Intellectual curiosity and comfort working across stakeholders and functional areas, connecting information and applying sound judgment to operational questions.
• Highly motivated and self-directed, independently driving work forward and seeing tasks through to resolution.
• Process- and improvement-oriented mindset, with a consistent focus on identifying inefficiencies and enhancing workflows and client experience.
• Having impeccable integrity.
• Exhibiting superior client service skills (both internally and externally).
• Demonstrating a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Able to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team, while also being able to work independently with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.
• Self-motivated by a job well-done.

Sands Capital’s Values:

The following are values that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital:

• Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments.
• Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients.
• Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices.
• Focus: Identify and concentrate on “what matters”.
• Long-Term Perspective: Appreciate that time allows sound decisions to demonstrate their worth. Avoid short-term thinking.
• Independent Thinking: Have the courage to develop and articulate your own convictions. Debate others openly and honestly.
• Teamwork: Collaborate to gather facts, develop perspective, build conviction, and support timely decision-making.
• Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Demonstrate a willingness to tackle any task.
• Graciousness: Reflect kindness and courtesy at all times.
• Balance: Enjoy your work while balancing professional activities with interests beyond the firm.
• Meritocracy: Know that talent and achievement will drive your success at Sands Capital.

 How to Apply:

To be considered, you must submit an application that specifically outlines your qualifications for the position. If you wish to apply for this position, please do so via Sands Capital’s Careers page under “Professional Opportunities”. You may also scroll to “FAQs” to learn more about what you can expect before applying, to include information regarding length of process and any skills assessments that may be required. See here: https://www.sandscapital.com/careers-and-staff-benefits/

Salary and Benefits:

The compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $120,000 to $125,000 (as determined by the candidate’s professional experience and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities), as well as a discretionary, performance-based bonus. Bonus targets may vary by position and are based on both individual achievement as well as broader firm performance.

Sands Capital offers a generous benefits package, including medical insurance (which includes a discount vision program), dental insurance, life and personal accident insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent) as well as paid stock market (NYSE) holidays and vacation, sick, and parental leave. We also have a variety of generous miscellaneous benefits, such as a medical concierge service, health and wellness coaches, onsite massage therapy, and more.