Structured Finance - Senior Associate / Junior Vice President

The Senior Associate / Junior Vice President at Arena Investors plays a crucial role in originating and structuring asset-based investments. This includes leading the entire deal lifecycle from business development and negotiations to creating comprehensive cashflow models and managing legal documentation. Collaboration with various internal teams is also essential for effective execution.

Arena Investors requires candidates to have at least 4 years of professional experience in structured finance, particularly in loan originations. While a Master’s degree is preferred, relevant professional experience along with a Bachelor’s degree is acceptable. Candidates should also have strong analytical skills and experience in underwriting and structuring transactions, especially in consumer credit.

The culture at Arena Investors is collaborative and results-oriented. As a Senior Associate / Junior Vice President, you’ll be encouraged to mentor junior team members while working with a variety of internal stakeholders. The firm promotes a supportive work environment where input and innovation are valued.

Joining Arena Investors as a Senior Associate / Junior Vice President provides a pathway for career advancement through exposure to high-level deals and leadership opportunities. You will gain valuable experience leading teams and managing complex projects, positioning you for higher roles within the firm.

Arena Investors offers a comprehensive range of benefits including a health care plan, retirement options such as 401k and IRA, life insurance, paid time off, family leave, and short- and long-term disability. Additionally, they provide training and development opportunities, as well as a hybrid work schedule with free food and wellness resources.

When answering, focus on specific projects and deals you have been involved in, showcasing your experience in loan originations and underwriting. Highlight any particular achievements that illustrate your ability to effectively manage the deal lifecycle.

Discuss your approach to business development and how you build relationships with counterparties. Provide examples of how you've successfully identified and pursued new investment opportunities in past roles.

Explain your analytical process and any tools you've used. Share a specific instance when you identified risks and opportunities in a deal and how you developed creative solutions based on your analysis.

Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills, providing a specific example of how you've worked with different departments, such as Asset Management or Legal, to achieve successful outcomes on a project.

Be honest about challenges you’ve faced, like regulatory changes or market volatility, and provide examples of how you navigated these obstacles effectively. This shows resilience and problem-solving capabilities.

Discuss your time management strategies and tools that help you keep track of deadlines and deal requirements. Give an example of a situation where you successfully managed competing priorities under pressure.

Discuss the importance of mentorship in fostering team growth and development, sharing your experiences both as a mentor and a mentee. Highlight how this can benefit productivity and employee retention.

Talk about the resources you use, such as financial news platforms, industry reports, and professional networks, to keep abreast of changes and competitive landscapes. Demonstrating a proactive approach shows your commitment to the field.

Explain your communication strategies, such as regular updates, structured meetings, and clear documentation. Provide an example of a deal that required extensive coordination and how you ensured everyone was aligned.

Share a specific example where your efforts led to successful investments or partnerships, detailing your approach to identifying and pursuing those opportunities, and the outcomes that resulted from your initiatives.