Position: Investment Analyst: AI and Automation Location: Raleigh, NC Hybrid About the Role A private markets investment firm focused on real assets is hiring an Investment Analyst with a strong investment banking style modeling foundation and a heavy interest in applied AI and automation. This is a production-oriented role for someone who wants to do real underwriting work and also build tools that reduce manual effort and improve decision speed and rigor. You will support transaction analysis, portfolio monitoring, and investment committee materials, while also identifying repeatable workflows that can be automated using AI, Python, and low-code tools. The environment is lean, fast-moving, and high accountability, with direct exposure to senior investment leadership. Role Highlights Hybrid schedule with consistent onsite collaboration three days per week High-output, high-learning role with direct access to senior investment professionals Significant ownership and autonomy, with expectation to execute and improve the process Unique blend of underwriting and tool-building (AI and automation) Opportunity to help modernize reporting, modeling, and data workflows Key Responsibilities - Financial Analysis and Underwriting Build and maintain underwriting models, including IRR and MOIC analysis, cash flow projections, and scenario and sensitivity analysis Support investment committee preparation by organizing data, drafting exhibits, and formatting underwriting packages Conduct market and comparable transaction research to support investment decisions Maintain portfolio performance models each reporting cycle and ensure accuracy of key metrics and asset-level data Assist with due diligence workstreams and summarize findings for senior leadership Key Responsibilities - AI, Automation, and Tool Development Identify recurring manual workflows and design automation solutions that reduce cycle time and improve reliability Build and maintain automated templates for reporting, portfolio summaries, and dashboards Use AI tools as a daily driver (not experimentation) for analysis, drafting, synthesis, and process acceleration, with sound judgment and human review Develop lightweight data pipelines and scripts (Python preferred) to clean, transform, and reconcile data for modeling and reporting Leverage low-code automation tools (Zapier, Make, Notion automations, or similar) where appropriate to connect systems and eliminate repetitive tasks Document tools and workflows, maintain version control, and ensure solutions are transferable across the team Key Responsibilities - Data and Portfolio Monitoring Pull, clean, and validate operational and financial data from internal systems each cycle Maintain performance trackers, portfolio summaries, and valuation schedules Flag anomalies early and escalate before data reaches leadership or external outputs Support asset-level monitoring by tracking key operating metrics and performance drivers Key Responsibilities - Research and Market Intelligence Monitor market conditions and transaction activity and summarize findings for the investments team Build and maintain a comparable transactions database for underwriting benchmarking Conduct targeted research on geographies, operators, and asset characteristics as requested Qualifications Undergraduate degree required; finance, economics, data science, computer science, or other quantitative backgrounds are preferred 1 to 7 years of experience; investment banking, private equity, real assets, or highly analytical roles are strongly preferred Demonstrated financial modeling proficiency: DCF, IRR and MOIC, scenario analysis, sensitivity tables, and clean model hygiene Strong applied AI capability, using tools like Claude, ChatGPT, or similar as a working tool to improve speed and quality Python or scripting ability sufficient to automate reporting workflows and build repeatable data processes Advanced Excel skills, including structured modeling, pivot tables, and strong file organization Strong communication skills and ability to translate analysis into clear takeaways High attention to detail, strong ownership mindset, and ability to work independently Comfortable with fast feedback loops, high expectations, and prioritizing what matters most Nice to Have Experience with planning and reporting tools or dashboards (Power BI or similar) Familiarity with accounting or ERP data and extracting data for analysis (NetSuite or similar) Interest in real assets, agriculture, commodities, or operationally complex investment strategies Exposure to low-code automation tools and basic API concepts Software and Tools Excel and Power BI ERP and finance systems such as NetSuite and similar tools AI tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, or equivalent Optional: Python and low-code automation tools Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact
[email protected] . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.
