Director, Investments

Founded in 2015 by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal expands opportunity and equality for all people through high-impact investments, philanthropy, partnerships, and advocacy. We accelerate social progress by removing barriers that hold people back.

We strive to be creative and innovative in our work and flexible in the approach we take to solving problems. To date, we have invested in over 150 organizations, including nonprofits, private sector companies, venture funds, and advocacy groups that are on the frontlines of the issues we work on. Some areas we currently focus on: women in technology and innovation; women in public office; women and girls of color; adolescent mental health; paid family and medical leave; and caregiving.

Inspired by our founder, we reach across communities and sectors to bring together changemakers who can scale up proven ideas and catalyze new ones. We learn from their experiences, amplify their resources, then step back so they can lead.

Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible.

Role Description

Pivotal Ventures seeks to recruit a senior investment professional to manage the organization’s portfolio of fund investments. This individual will be responsible for leading all aspects of a diverse portfolio of fund investments that drive breakthrough innovations that advance social progress against Pivotal’s current core areas of focus. The right Investment Director will have the ability and interest in managing the existing portfolio while driving and shaping the next generation of Pivotal’s fund investing strategies, tactics and capacities.

Responsibilities

• Run end-to-end investment diligence processes, including quantitative and qualitative analysis and reference calls, culminating in clear and concise investment memos and Investment Committee presentations and legal/document review prior to fund closing.
• Identify new prospective managers by developing broad networks, streamlining investment theses and selection criteria, conducting due diligence, and making recommendations.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and relationship management of funds, including reviewing monthly and quarterly manager reports, annual meeting attendance, LPAC meetings, facilitating investor or founder introductions, serving as a reference and regular check-ins with fund managers.
• Collaborate deeply with internal partners, particularly the Program Strategy team and Communications team.
• Facilitate internal learning and knowledge sharing through active collaboration with staff, and other key team members.
• Effectively manage and make valuable contributions to funds through feedback, input, and leveraging internal and external resources.
• Build and refine portfolio construction strategies for investment portfolios, as Pivotal’s investment priorities evolve.
• Partner with the Managing Director of Investments to develop, refine, and implement the long-term strategic direction of the investment portfolio.
• Partner with the Managing Director of Investments to manage a small team of junior investors focusing on the fund investment portfolio.
  
  

Skills And Competencies

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or behavior required to be successful in this role.

• The ideal Investment Director will have a background working specifically with emerging fund managers, and possess the following competencies:
• A track record of investing in venture capital funds with a demonstrable record of successfully leading the full investment process.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, underpinned by outstanding quantitative analytical skills.
• Ability to craft a cohesive narrative around Pivotal’s investment approach and partners.
• Demonstrated relationship-building skills and ideally a strong network of contacts in venture capital and impact investment circles specifically and investment industry broadly, to help with relationship building, referencing and networking.
• Alignment with our societal mandate of promoting inclusion and a wide range of perspectives in the investment ecosystem.
• Consistent track record and interest in internal collaboration, creating processes for seamless communication, education, and knowledge transfer.
• An approach to work that combines humility, curiosity, collaboration, humor and commitment to Pivotal’s broader mission.
• Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment; comfortable taking on new tasks or projects with little direction and adjusting course based on feedback and new information.
• Collaborative, teammate with high integrity and a strong work ethic; committed to personal improvement and developing others on the team.
• Ability to maintain a positive, cooperative and professional demeanor under a variety of circumstances, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Enthusiasm and passion for philanthropy and personal commitment to the important role that women and girls can play in transforming the world.
  

Qualifications

• 10+ years investment experience, specifically engaging with identifying, diligence, and selecting fund managers in early-stage venture capital/private equity.
• Deep network of peers and partners across the venture, social innovation, and social impact ecosystems, particularly as it relates to potential managers, co-investors/LPs and other thought leaders.
• Experience creating portfolio monitoring and evaluation systems, including post-investment support.
• This role may require frequent and sometimes extensive domestic travel (between 25-40% of your time).
  
  

Base annual compensation range for this role is from $285,500 - $313,500. This is a full-time position based in Seattle, WA or Washington DC. Remote may be considered for exceptionally qualified US-based candidates in certain geographic locations who are willing to travel.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, fertility benefit, backup caregiving solution, 144 hours of vacation, 96 hours of sick leave, 401k, HSA, FSA, and more.

APPLICATION

To apply, send submit your application via the Pivotal Ventures Careers page.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pivotal values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and all applicants seeking employment. All employment decisions at Pivotal are based on the candidate’s or employee’s capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran, military, or marital status, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact peopleandculture@pivotalventures.org.