Sr. Direct Private Investment Associate

Sr. Direct Private Investment Associate

Country: United States of America

It Starts Here:

Santander is a global leader and innovator in the financial services industry and is evolving from a high-impact brand into a technology-driven organization. Our people are at the heart of this journey and together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what's possible. This is more than a strategic shift. It's a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

If you are interested in exploring the possibilities We Want to Talk to You!

The Direct Private Investment Specialist will be responsible for sourcing, analyzing, and executing investments in private companies and non-listed securities, with a focus on pre-IPO, growth-stage, and secondary market opportunities. The role involves close interaction with private market platforms, issuers, intermediaries, and Ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth investors, providing investment advice and transaction support across the full investment lifecycle. This role will establish and lead a new business line providing curated access to growth and late-stage private company equity and secondary market opportunities, with a strong focus on disciplined due diligence, transaction structuring, governance, and regulatory compliance within a U.S.-based private banking platform.

The role requires deep expertise in secondary private markets, transaction execution, issuer and shareholder dynamics, and pre-IPO risk management, combined with strong commercial skills.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Platform Build-Out

• Design and implement the end-to-end framework for the direct investment opportunities (primary and secondary) , including sourcing and evaluating differente strategies, product structures, execution workflows, governance, and reporting.
• Define the target universe of Direct investments opportunities (e.g., late-stage growth companies, unicorns, dual-track IPO candidates) and eligible transaction types (direct secondaries, structured vehicles, SPVs, feeder structures, funds, bespoke mandates).
• Establish investment guidelines, eligibility criteria, concentration limits, liquidity assumptions, and exit frameworks.
• Develop scalable operating processes covering onboarding, execution, custody, valuation, and lifecycle management of direct investments,

Deal Sourcing & Market Engagement

• Source proprietary and platform-based Pre-IPO opportunities through relationships with:

• Secondary market platforms

• Venture capital and growth equity firms

• Investment banks and private placement agents

• Evaluate primary vs. secondary opportunities and negotiate transaction terms, pricing, and allocations.

• Navigate issuer consent requirements, shareholder agreements, transfer restrictions, and information rights.

Due Diligence & Investment Analysis

• Lead comprehensive Direct investments due diligence processes, including:
• Company fundamentals, business model, and competitive positioning
• Financial performance, unit economics, and growth sustainability
• Cap table analysis, dilution scenarios, and preferred vs. common equity dynamics
• Legal and structural review of shareholder agreements, ROFR provisions, lock-ups, and transfer restrictions
• IPO readiness assessment, exit scenarios, and downside risk analysis
• Oversee valuation methodologies for illiquid private assets and challenge pricing assumptions in secondary transactions.
• Coordinate with Legal, Compliance, Risk, and external advisors to ensure investment robustness and defensibility.

Structuring & Execution

• Structure transactions using appropriate legal and tax-efficient vehicles (SPVs, funds, notes, or bespoke mandates) aligned with client profiles and jurisdictional considerations.
• Manage execution workflows from term sheet through settlement, including coordination with custodians, administrators, and external counsel.
• Ensure clear documentation of risks, liquidity constraints, valuation uncertainty, and exit timing.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish a robust governance framework consistent with U.S. regulatory requirements and internal private banking standards.
• Partner closely with Risk and Compliance teams to define approval processes and escalation protocols.

Client & Advisor Engagement

• Act as the Bank's internal specialist on direct investments and private secondary investing.

• Support Private Bankers and Investment Advisors through:

• Training and education on Direct investments

• Development of client-facing materials, investment memos, and risk disclosures

• Participation in client meetings, investment committees, and bespoke mandate discussions

• Translate complex Direct investments structures and risks into clear, client-appropriate narratives for UHNW audiences.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Monitor performance, valuation updates, corporate actions, and liquidity events across the relevant portfolio.
• Provide regular reporting to senior management, including pipeline, allocations, performance, and risk metrics.
• Track market trends, transaction pricing, and liquidity conditions in secondary private markets.

Required Experience

• Minimum 5-10 years of professional experience in:

• Direct Investments and secondary markets

• Private equity / growth equity

• Venture capital

• Capital markets or alternative investments

• Direct, hands-on experience with secondary Direct investments, including negotiation, execution, and settlement.

• Prior experience at or in close collaboration with private market platforms, or similar private market intermediaries is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in:

• Right of First Refusal (ROFR) mechanics

• Share transfer restrictions and issuer consent processes

• Pre-IPO lock-ups and post-IPO liquidity dynamics

• Strong familiarity with U.S. equity markets and private market infrastructure, including:

• Market data and analytics platforms (Bloomberg, Refinitiv, PitchBook, CapIQ, or equivalents)

• Custody, fund administration, and SPV structures

• Equity capital markets (ECM) processes and IPO pathways

• Experience launching, scaling, or institutionalizing new investment products or business lines within a regulated environment is highly desirable.

• Prior exposure to UHNW or private banking clients is a strong plus.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Deep technical understanding of Direct investments, secondary liquidity, and private market structures.
• Strong commercial judgment with a disciplined, risk-aware investment mindset.
• Advanced financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills for illiquid assets.
• Ability to independently build and lead a new business line from strategy through execution.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with external counterparties and internal stakeholders.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, particularly with sophisticated UHNW clients and senior management.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and comfort operating in a regulated private banking environment.

Language Requirements

• Fluent Spanish (mandatory)
• Full professional proficiency in English

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA, CFA, or equivalent professional certification strongly preferred.

What Else You Need To Know:

The base pay range for this position is posted below and represents the annualized salary range. For hourly positions (non-exempt), the annual range is based on a 40-hour work week. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure and certifications and location.

Base Pay Range:

Minimum:

$112,500.00 USD

Maximum:

$180,000.00 USD

We Value Your Impact:

Your contribution matters and it's recognized. You can expect a fair and competitive rewards package that reflects the impact you create and the value you deliver. We know rewards go beyond numbers. Offering more than just a paycheck our benefits are designed to support you, your family and your well-being, now and into the future. Santander Benefits - 2026 Santander OnGoing/NH eGuide (foleon.com)

Risk Culture:

We embrace a strong risk culture and all of our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

EEO Statement:

At Santander, we value and respect differences in our workforce. We actively encourage everyone to apply. Santander is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions:

Frequent minimal physical effort such as sitting, standing and walking is required for this role. Depending on location, occasional moving and lifting light equipment and/or furniture may be required.

Employer Rights:

This job description does not list all of the job duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. You may be evaluated in part based upon your performance of the tasks listed in this job description. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either you or the employer may terminate your employment at any time for any reason.

What To Do Next:

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process for all candidates. If you require any assistance or accommodation due to a disability or any other reason, please contact us at TAOps@santander.us to discuss your needs.