Head of Investor Relations

About Ariel Alternatives

Ariel Alternatives, LLC is a private asset management firm affiliated with Ariel Investments, LLC. Ariel Alternatives is an enterprise newly conceived for the times and built on a four-decade-old foundation. The firm's first fund closed with $1.45 billion in committed capital from limited partners and co-investors, and seeks to scale sustainable, market-leading businesses in high growth sectors serving Fortune 500 enterprises. Key sectors of focus include a broad subset of B2B services such as IT Services, Energy & Utility Services, Business Services, and Media and Marketing Services. Ariel Alternatives pursues a “demand-driven” investment strategy, targeting businesses that are “employers of choice” with market leading positions that can deliver meaningful innovation and value to customers. We look to bring senior level customer introductions to our portfolio companies to help accelerate their growth, creating a virtuous circle.

Ariel Investments, LLC was founded in 1983 and is a value-oriented asset management firm headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York City and San Francisco. As of March 31, 2025, Ariel had $12.9 billion in total assets under management, including those of its affiliate, Ariel Alternatives. The firm serves individual and institutional investors through no-load mutual funds, collective investment trusts, private funds, and separate account strategies.

Every individual on the team - at all levels - plays a role that is critical to our firm’s success. We seek subject matter experts who are unapologetically themselves. We encourage our teammates to reach their full potential and give them the runway, support, and resources to succeed. Ariel Alternatives is an equal opportunity employer. Our employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Ariel is committed to recruiting and retaining talented applicants, and to providing all employees with a workplace free from discrimination and/or harassment.

For more information, please visit https://www.arielalternatives.com/.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced Head of Investor Relations to lead all investor communications, reporting, and fundraising efforts across current and future funds. This executive will report directly to the CEO and Head of Investments and will play a key role in shaping product strategy, managing LP relationships, and driving co-investment opportunities.

This is a high-impact role requiring deep private equity experience, exceptional relationship management skills, and a strategic mindset. The ideal candidate will be based in the New York City area and comfortable with frequent travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead investor relations and reporting across multiple funds.
• Drive future fundraising efforts and manage relationships with institutional investors.
• Partner with the Investment and Go-To-Market teams to identify co-investment opportunities and support portfolio company growth.
• Serve as a liaison between Ariel and its LPs, placement agents, and other key stakeholders.
• Contribute to product strategy and firm-wide communications.
• Ensure best-in-class CRM and data management practices.

Qualifications:

• 7–10 years of investor relations experience in private equity.
• Proven track record of fundraising success across asset classes.
• Deep relationships with institutional investors and placement agents.
• Strong understanding of private equity fund structures and investment processes.
• High emotional intelligence and executive presence.
• Experience leading CRM efforts.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
• Series 7, 63, or SIE licenses a plus but not required.

Core Competencies

• Strategic communication. Able to clearly and succinctly communicate with others both internally and externally.
• Stakeholder engagement. Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders (investors, vendors, management teams, Fortune 500 relationships).
• Time and priority management. Manages his/her time effectively and appropriately prioritizes urgent matters. Conscientious of not wasting others’ time, helps eliminate roadblocks, and inspires team focus.
• Influencing without direct authority. Motivates and leads teams beyond direct reports. Appropriately imparts wisdom and shares perspectives with internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfort with ambiguity and change. Effectively copes with change and can shift gears comfortably even in the absence of details. Comfortably manages risk and uncertainty.
• Action-oriented and results-driven. Is action-oriented and energetic, especially in challenging times.

Why Ariel Alternatives?
We believe every team member plays a critical role in our success. We value authenticity, expertise, and ambition—and we provide the support and runway to help you thrive. Ariel Alternatives is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Compliance:

Ariel employees, including the incumbent(s) in this position, are required to:  (1) read and strictly adhere to all compliance policies and procedures of the various Ariel entities, as applicable; and (2) work together with their colleagues, including the CCO, to resolve compliance issues.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Diversity:

Ariel celebrates diversity and practices inclusion as a way to get work done – it’s in our DNA. As an equal opportunity employer, employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status (including pregnancy), disability, perceived disability, veteran status, status of military discharge, or any other basis under federal, state, or local law. Ariel prohibits discrimination against an applicant or employee because of their actual or perceived protected characteristic(s), and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse group of talented applicants, and to providing employees with a workplace free from discrimination and/or harassment.

Equal employment opportunity takes place in all employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, and termination. The firm seeks to uphold an inclusive culture where diversity is recognized and valued. As such, Ariel provides employees a robust benefits package that includes:

• Coverage for same-sex partner (domestic or spouse)
• Coverage for children (natural born, step, adopted or foster)
• Fully paid medical insurance that covers fertility treatments, gender affirmation
• Employer contributions to a Health Savings Account
• Maternity leave at 100% pay (12 weeks)
• Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks depending on tenure)

Lastly, all employees have access to Ariel-sponsored educational, training, and recreational activities.