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 ).
Position Summary:
Sands Capital is seeking a motivated Director, Consultant Relations. This mid-senior level role will work with the Executive Managing Director, Business Development and Client Relations and the existing Director, Consultant 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:
This role is expected to work from our Arlington, Virginia office (HQ) on a hybrid schedule of 2-3 days per week in-office (specifically, Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or as directed by your manager, depending on the role and team needs. Please know that the hybrid schedule is subject to change, as directed by our Executive Management Team, at any time.
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;
- 7+ 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: Identified below 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 (to include both internal and external clients);
- 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; and
- Being motivated by a job well-done.
Sands Capital's Values: Identified below are Values the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital:
- Integrity and 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
Sands Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and staff members. For our staff members, equal opportunity includes access to the benefits and privileges that the firm provides to staff members generally. We appreciate the value diversity brings to Sands Capital and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff members.
We evaluate and select qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination of this kind is also strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
View the "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law" poster here and its supplement here.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals needing accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.