Director, Consultant Relations (Institutional)

About Sands Capital:

We are an active, long-term investor in leading innovative businesses globally. Our approach combines analytical rigor and creative thinking to identify high-quality growth businesses that are creating the future. Through an integrated investment platform spanning venture capital, growth equity, and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 40 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a motivated Director, Consultant Relations. This mid/senior-level role will work with the Head of Global Consultant Relations as well as the Executive Managing Director, Business Development and Client Relations to execute the strategic relationship management of all key investment consulting firms. This position will be the second dedicated consultant relations professional at the firm and will be principally responsible for managing the firm’s outreach to mid/large U.S. consulting firms.

The primary responsibility will be to effectively represent all portfolio strategies in support of the firm’s global business development and client retention efforts. The role will include developing primary relationships with institutional investment consulting firms where the firm is currently underrepresented and enhancing relationships with larger firms via regional offices / field consultants. The incumbent in the role will also be responsible for supporting the firm’s relationships with large global firms.

Travel requirements, while manageable, will be significant and likely to average ~40% or two days/week.

Work Expectations:

The work location for this role is, preferably, Sands Capital's office location in San Francisco, CA. The firm is also open to incumbents based in other parts of CA, or on the East Coast (Arlington, VA; New York, NY; or Boston, MA).

Periodic travel to Sands Capital's office HQ in Arlington, VA will be required (monthly and/or quarterly, depending on location).

Position Responsibilities:

• Ensuring consistency in the messaging across the institutional investment consulting community;
• Supporting and initiating relationships with institutional investment consulting firms;
• Supporting and expanding the firm’s existing relationships with some of the most influential and sophisticated consulting firms in the world;
• Developing coverage and relationship management business plan for key institutional investment consulting firms to drive strategy research ratings, win new business, and retain clients;
• Maintaining an active working knowledge of all current public and private investment strategies, firm activities, and investment capabilities;
• Working with the firm’s Client Services Team to ensure representative firm data is updated, accurate, and available wherever necessary to support consultant and client activities;
• Participating in new marketing content development and enhance RFP responses;
• Keeping Executive Managing Director, Business Development and Client Relations and the broader Client Relations Team apprised of relationship status, strategy ratings, news and market trends;
• Delivering 5-star client service by making partner consultants look smart, anticipating their needs, developing solutions, and enhancing the outcomes;
• Performing other position responsibilities, as needed; and
• Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university; MBA and/or CFA preferred;
• Superior written and oral communication skills required, including formal presentation skills;
• 10+ years of relevant experience in the investment industry, with the ideal candidate having 3+ years of experience at a consulting firm or leading strategic consulting relationships;
• Global perspective and understanding of institutional investment consulting industry and its various verticals/channels;
• Ability to balance long-term strategic thinking with near-term execution skills and excellent attention to detail;
• Demonstrated experience and success in a team-based environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop productive working relationships externally and across the firm will be essential;
• Goal-oriented, highly motivated professional with the ability to manage priorities, react to opportunities, and deliver results;
• Operates with a high level of professionalism, integrity, and empathy; and
• Able to work collaboratively with Client Relations Directors and effectively as part of a team; embodies a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.

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: 

• Having impeccable integrity
• Exhibiting superior client service skills (both internally and externally)
• Exhibiting strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrating a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, professional environment
• Operating with a high degree of initiative, self-discipline, and motivation
• Being 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
• Assuming the best of others
• Being 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 a resume 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. 

Apply here: https://www.sandscapital.com/careers-and-staff-benefits/

Salary and Benefits:

The compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $200,000- $250,000 (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, personal finance support, onsite massage therapy at HQ, and more.