Open Position

Director - Investments

RuralWorks is an impact fund investing non-controlling private equity in middle-market businesses operating primarily in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, local and regional food systems, waste upcycling/circular economy, and other tangential sectors. The firm pursues the creation of both social and environmental impact priorities including rural community wealth creation and adoption of sector-related climate solutions. We seek investments in growth stage companies with proven products and services that can benefit from an engagement with our platform.  The firm has thus far raised $46.5 million from institutional investors with additional closings anticipated.

RuralWorks primarily targets growth stage private businesses with between $1 and $30 million in revenue and expects to invest in twelve (12) portfolio companies in this, its first fund. These businesses, deemed to be fundamentally sound with proven products and services and the potential to serve national if not international markets, typically have significant value creation opportunities through the rationalization of their capital structure, engagement with external resources and markets, and other operational improvements to the business. The firm plans to launch additional funds in the future.

Reporting Relationships: The Director – Investments will report to and work closely with the Managing Partner of RuralWorks on all aspects of the investment business, including sourcing investment opportunities, developing, and managing networking relationships, evaluating potential investments, negotiating transactions, working with portfolio companies, and deploying identified value-add and impact initiatives.  He/she will provide guidance to junior investment professionals at the firm and participate in their development.

Opportunity: This is a unique and outstanding opportunity to join an emerging impact investment management firm with an exceptional corporate and institutional investor support. The Director – Investments position offers long term growth, career development and wealth creation while working with a highly regarded team of experienced investors and impact professionals.

Responsibilities:

  • In conjunction with the Managing Partner, source, identify, evaluate, and execute transactions consistent with the investment criteria described above. 
  • Develop and maintain a strong network of personal relationships that will provide acquisition opportunities to include investment banks, middle market boutique advisory firms, commercial banks, attorneys, restructuring and consulting firms and industry specific contacts.
  • Utilize all possible personal contacts, personal experience and judgment, and other resources to evaluate financial, operational, industry, and qualitative diligence of investment opportunities.
  • Working in conjunction with the Managing Partner and other deal team members, negotiate transaction related documents and prepare and present internal investment memoranda, models and analyses related to investment opportunities.
  • Manage external and internal service providers including the fund administrator, sponsor finance department, accountants, and law firms for the fund, transactions, and internal operations, including cash management for the platform, and oversight of junior team members with shared responsibilities in this area.
  • Oversee and mentor junior deal team members conducting research and analysis on transactions and industry sectors.
  • Identify and implement value creation and impact initiatives at portfolio companies working closely with senior management of the portfolio companies.
  • Participate as an active, engaged, prepared, and dedicated board member of portfolio companies.
  • Assess industry and portfolio company opportunities and risks to assist in the timing, manner, and method of existing portfolio companies.
  • Participate in industry conferences and over time develop specific industry expertise in one or more industry sectors.

Personal Characteristics:

  • Collaborative working style with team members, investment committee, board members and advisory council and aligned with the firm’s impact priorities.
  • Sound business judgement evident in prior career experiences.
  • High level of intelligence demonstrated through professional and/or academic achievement.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (particularly strong persuasive communication skills).
  • Leadership qualities evident in past experiences and personal “presence” and style.
  • Self-motivated and strong ambition to achieve success personally and for the firm’s current and subsequent funds.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Graduate degree (with MBA and/or CFA preferred).
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant investment experience.
  • Experience developing industry contacts, managing complex relationships, and leading negotiations effectively.
  • Experience interacting and influencing C-suite executives.
  • Prior experience with complex corporate finance and accounting concepts, advanced modeling, and presentation skills.
  • Experience leading all aspects or a portion of growth stage equity investment transactions as a direct investor, including post-close value creation.
  • Ability and willingness to serve as a #2 on deals for most of the firm’s deals.

Candidates interested in this position can contact us through our primary contact form. 

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