Associate, Private Equity

Firm Overview

Ariel Alternatives is a growth-oriented private equity firm focused on acquiring high-quality businesses within strong, growing markets - built on a four-decade-old foundation as the private equity arm of Ariel Investments. The fund is highly differentiated within the private equity landscape, with the majority of LPs consisting of Fortune 500 companies who are invested in the success of the portfolio. These partners bring deep industry knowledge that helps build conviction during diligence and often become major customers after deals close.

The fund is currently investing out of its inaugural $1.45 billion fund, which has significant remaining dry powder available to invest. The firm targets majority control investments in high-quality B2B services businesses with EBITDA of up to $50 million across sectors benefiting from strong secular tailwinds (e.g., energy / utilities, industrials, business services, technology services). The team is lean, with significant opportunity for new associates to scale quickly in a highly entrepreneurial environment, take ownership and make an impact.

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We are seeking a highly motivated Pre-MBA Associate to support all aspects of the private equity investment process. Responsibilities include supporting the team with executing new platform deals and add-on acquisitions, structuring and implementing value creation strategies and developing new investment thesis areas.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills, a desire to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and have 2+ years of investment banking or private equity experience. We are a growing team that offers significant opportunity for career progression, with each new hire playing a pivotal role in shaping our culture. The firm maintains an inclusive and collaborative environment with a strong commitment to mentorship.

This position is based in our New York City office.

• Deal Screening: Support efforts to evaluate potential investment opportunities.

• Investment Analysis: Conduct rigorous business diligence, financial analyses, market research and strategic assessments to support informed investment decision-making.

• Transaction Execution: Collaborate with senior investment professionals to conduct thorough due diligence, encompassing financial, commercial, operational and legal assessments; help manage 3rd party diligence vendors and lenders; provide qualitative and quantitative support for investment committee memos.
• Portfolio Company Management: Help manage, monitor and report on portfolio companies, supporting add‑on acquisitions, corporate finance activities, operational initiatives and quarterly reporting.

• Marketing and Communications: Contribute to developing marketing materials and communications for limited partners, co‑investors, debt providers and other relevant stakeholders.

• Thesis Development: Assist with developing new investment thesis areas with additional impact from sourcing relevant opportunities.
• Culture: Make a positive impact by being a supportive team member and effective project manager, fostering a cooperative and inclusive work environment.

Experience: High performer with 2+ years in investment banking or private equity

Education: Bachelor’s degree demonstrating superior academic performance; all majors considered

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Strong grounding in modeling, accounting, finance, capital markets and quantitative analysis
• Proficiency in analyzing, interpreting and distilling complex data sets and models to help drive investment decisions
• Solid understanding of debt and equity capital structures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Power Point

Attributes:

• Highly motivated with a strong passion for investing
• Team-oriented yet capable of independent work
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple deadlines
• Organized, detail-oriented and adept at multitasking

The base salary range for this role is $135,000 - $135,000 + Bonus

Ariel employees, including the…