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Investment Operations Specialist

Arlington, VA

About Sands Capital:

We are an active, long-term investor in leading innovative businesses globally. Our approach combines analytical rigor and creative thinking to identify high-quality growth businesses that are creating the future. Through an integrated investment platform spanning venture capital, growth equity and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 40 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

About Sands Capital:

We are an active, long-term investor in leading innovative businesses globally. Our approach combines analytical rigor and creative thinking to identify high-quality growth businesses that are creating the future. Through an integrated investment platform spanning venture capital, growth equity and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 40 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a highly motivated Investment Operations Specialist with a strong background in technology and/or data management to support portfolio administration and trade settlements.  This role is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and efficiency of portfolio administration and trade settlements processes.  Additionally, candidates with experience in technology applications, automation, or data analytics will have the opportunity to contribute to process enhancements and system improvements.

Work Expectations:

The work location for this role is Sands Capital’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia on a hybrid schedule of 3 days per week in-office (including Tuesdays and Wednesdays), or more as directed by your manager. The hybrid schedule is subject to change at any time.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Client Account Onboarding: Assisting with setting up new client accounts, gathering necessary documentation, and ensuring proper system integration;
  • Account Maintenance: Helping to monitor and maintain account restrictions, guidelines, and trade rules to support compliance monitoring;
  • Technology & Systems Enhancement: Assisting with the implementation and optimization of investment operations technology, including trade processing tools, reporting systems, and database management;
  • Data Management & Integrity: Supporting data collection, validation, and processing while ensuring compliance with data management policies;
  • Trade Processing and Reconciliation: Assisting in matching trade allocations with brokers and releasing trade instructions to custodians for timely and accurate trade settlements;
  • Issue Resolution & Communication: Acting as a support contact for brokers, traders, and custodians to help resolve discrepancies and settlement issues;
  • Custodian Relationship Support: Working with custodians and internal teams to address inquiries and facilitate a smooth onboarding experience;
  • Regulatory Compliance & Reporting: Supporting compliance with industry regulations and internal policies by generating basic reports and assisting with risk management tasks;
  • Process Improvement & Automation: Identifying opportunities to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows using technology solutions;
  • Collaboration & Project Assistance: Working with cross-functional teams on data-related initiatives and operational projects;
  • Performing other position responsibilities, as needed to maintain smooth trade settlement and portfolio administration functions; and
  • Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

  • Undergraduate degree from an accredited university, preferably in Finance, Economics, Information Systems, or a related field;
  • 5-7 years of experience in middle-office support at an asset management firm or custodian;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft products, particularly Excel;
  • Experience or knowledge in technology applications, automation, and/or data analytics (e.g., SQL, Python, VBA, Power BI, etc.);
  • Familiarity with trade settlement platforms and investment operations applications;
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce high-quality work;
  • Basic understanding of the trade life cycle for asset classes such as equities, bonds, and ETFs;
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to process improvements;
  • Ability to work efficiently under deadlines with strong time management skills; and
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Required Behavioral Characteristics:

The following are behavioral characteristics that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital: 

  • Having impeccable integrity
  • Exhibiting superior client service skills (both internally and externally)
  • Exhibiting strong interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrating a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, professional environment
  • Operating with a high degree of initiative, self-discipline, and motivation
  • Being able to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team, while also being able to work independently with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy
  • Assuming the best of others
  • Being motivated by a job well-done

Sands Capital’s Values:

The following are values that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital:

  • Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments
  • Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients
  • Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices
  • Focus: Identify and concentrate on “what matters”
  • Long-Term Perspective: Appreciate that time allows sound decisions to demonstrate their worth. Avoid short-term thinking.
  • Independent Thinking: Have the courage to develop and articulate your own convictions. Debate others openly and honestly
  • Teamwork: Collaborate to gather facts, develop perspective, build conviction, and support timely decision-making
  • Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Demonstrate a willingness to tackle any task
  • Graciousness: Reflect kindness and courtesy at all times
  • Balance: Enjoy your work while balancing professional activities with interests beyond the firm
  • Meritocracy: Know that talent and achievement will drive your success at Sands Capital

How to Apply:

To be considered, you must submit a resume that specifically outlines your qualifications for the position. If you wish to apply for this position, please do so via Sands Capital’s Careers page under “Professional Opportunities”. You may also scroll to “FAQs” to learn more about what you can expect before applying, to include information regarding length of process and any skills assessments that may be required. 

Apply here: https://www.sandscapital.com/careers-and-staff-benefits/

Salary and Benefits:

The compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $100,000 to $115,000 (as determined by the candidate’s professional experience and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities), as well as a discretionary, performance-based bonus. Bonus targets may vary by position and are based on both individual achievement as well as broader firm performance.

Sands Capital offers a generous benefits package, including medical insurance (which includes a discount vision program), dental insurance, life and personal accident insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent) as well as paid stock market (NYSE) holidays and vacation, sick, and parental leave. We also have a variety of generous miscellaneous benefits, such as a medical concierge service, health and wellness coaches, personal finance support, onsite massage therapy, and more.

Sands Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and staff members. For our staff members, equal opportunity includes access to the benefits and privileges that the firm provides to staff members generally. We appreciate the value diversity brings to Sands Capital and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff members.

We evaluate and select qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination of this kind is also strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Read more about equal employment opportunity on the EEOC’s website, found here.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals needing accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to emiller@sandscap.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

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