Job Description Summary
For over forty years, HarbourVest has been home to a committed team of professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to deliver impactful solutions to our clients and investing partners. As our global firm grows, we continue to add individuals who seek a collaborative, open-door culture that values diversity and innovative thinking.
In our collegial environment that’s marked by low turnover and high energy, you’ll be inspired to grow and thrive. Here, you will be encouraged to build on your strengths and acquire new skills and experiences.
We are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion that promotes mutual respect among all employees. Understanding and valuing these differences optimizes the potential of both the individual and the firm.
HarbourVest is an equal opportunity employer.
The Vice President, Investor Relations will be responsible for expanding our Japan institutional client base by deepening relationships with existing investors and securing commitments from new clients. This individual will play a key role in capital raising efforts across our global investment platform, with a particular focus on customized investment solutions. The Vice President will collaborate closely with internal teams—including investor relations associates, product specialists, investment professionals, marketing, and product management.
The ideal candidate is someone who is:
Collaborative: Actively listens and engages with others to enhance client outcomes, fostering a team-oriented environment.
Proactive: Drives capital raising efforts by identifying and engaging prospective investors.
Pragmatic: Quickly assesses situations, both internal and external, and makes informed decisions based on gathered and analyzed information.
Metrics-oriented – Results-driven with a strong focus on transparent reporting of their own activities, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.
Innovative: Actively listens to client needs and crafts tailored processes to align HarbourVest's resources with those needs. Provides valuable feedback and insights to enhance or create strategies and solutions that meet evolving client requirements.
What you will do:
Investor Relations & Capital Raising
Develop a strong understanding of the assigned territory and institutional client base within the first 6–9 months
Raise capital from Japan institutional investors across commingled funds and customized accounts
Identify and pursue new business opportunities with sophisticated investors across client segments, including pensions, endowments, foundations, healthcare systems, insurers, single-family offices.
Expand and manage client relationships, including ongoing communication, relationship mapping, and strategic engagement
Partner with the Global Consultant Relations team to build and maintain productive relationships with field consultants
Client Engagement & Outreach
Schedule and attend investor meetings, conference calls, roadshows, and industry events
Maintain accurate and timely CRM (Salesforce) records of investor interactions
Collaborate with the marketing team to design and execute targeted outreach campaigns
Operational & Marketing Support
Oversee the coordination and completion of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs)
Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of customized client materials and responses
Provide feedback to marketing and product teams to enhance messaging and collateral
What you bring:
Ability to prioritize prospects and cross-sell opportunities for targeted outreach.
Ability to discern publicly available data on investor portfolios and key contacts to craft targeted outreach
Proven business development process across client segments and regions, with relationships with mid-sized institutions
Demonstrated success in developing new relationships with institutional investors and single-family offices across multiple private markets. Proven track record of cross-selling and expanding existing relationships.
Experience in organizing and leading strategy or topical roadshows and small group events, including content creation, speaker preparation, and post-event follow-ups.
Deep understanding of the private markets landscape, including private equity, private credit, and real assets/infrastructure. Strong knowledge of competitor offerings and evolving market trends.
Ability to work independently to source, diligence, and follow-up with potential investors while also being collaborative and transparent with key stakeholders at the Firm
Problem-solving attitude and willingness to roll up sleeves to assist colleagues and clients
Exceptional written and presentation skills.
Education Preferred
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) or equivalent experience
Bachelor of Science (B.S) or equivalent experience
Experience
7-10 years of institutional sales experience within the asset management industry with a preference for private markets