Private Equity Associate

Private Equity Associate (Summer 2027 Start)
Lower Middle Market Private Equity Firm (Confidential)
Location: Mid-Atlantic, United States
Start Date: Summer 2027
Position: Associate
About the Firm
Our client is a rapidly growing lower middle market private equity firm managing more than $3 billion in assets. The firm recently closed an oversubscribed flagship fund approaching $900 million and is actively investing across founder-owned businesses in the Healthcare Services, Technology Services, Professional Services, and Education sectors.
The firm follows a hands-on investment approach, partnering closely with management teams to drive operational improvements, strategic growth initiatives, and M&A execution throughout the investment lifecycle.
The Opportunity
This role offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure not only to transaction execution but also to portfolio operations and value creation initiatives. Associates are viewed as integral members of lean deal teams and work directly with senior investors, executives, and portfolio company leadership teams.
The ideal candidate is seeking a long-term platform where they can develop both investing and operational skill sets while building a foundation for advancement within private equity.
Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and execute new platform investment opportunities
• Perform financial analysis, valuation, due diligence, and transaction structuring
• Build and maintain complex financial models
• Support investment committee materials and deal memoranda
• Work directly with portfolio company management teams on strategic initiatives
• Assist with the identification, evaluation, and execution of add-on acquisitions
• Participate in post-close integration efforts and value creation projects
• Monitor portfolio company performance and prepare board-level reporting materials
• Conduct industry and market research across targeted investment sectors

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in Investment Banking, Private Equity, Transaction Advisory, or a related field
• Strong financial modeling and valuation capabilities
• Demonstrated interest in private equity and lower middle market investing
• Excellent analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

What Differentiates This Opportunity

• Significant exposure to both investing and operating initiatives
• Direct interaction with founders, CEOs, and senior management teams
• Active buy-and-build strategy with meaningful add-on acquisition activity
• Lean team structure providing exceptional responsibility at the Associate level
• Strong fundraising track record and substantial dry powder available for deployment
• Clear path for long-term growth and advancement within the organization
• Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of businesses within attractive end markets

Target Candidate Profile
This opportunity is particularly well suited for:

• Investment Banking Analysts looking to transition into private equity
• Current Private Equity Associates seeking greater responsibility and portfolio exposure
• Individuals interested in becoming well-rounded investors with meaningful operational involvement