Director, Business Development

Position Summary

Vista Equity Partners is looking for a Director to lead the Foundation Fund’s Business Development team. Foundation Fund has $10 billion AUM and focuses exclusively on investing in growing enterprise software businesses with initial revenue between $30 million and $100 million+. This individual would be instrumental to the fund’s holistic sourcing approach and work closely with the investment team and senior leadership.

This experienced leader will manage the Fund’s pipeline and reporting, creating a systematic, process-driven approach that leverages data and metrics to help support the team in increasing overall pipeline, enhance pipeline engagement, enable training for junior sourcers, and improve efficiency in vetting of quality investment opportunities. The BD Director must be a strong individual contributor in building a scalable operational infrastructure, enabling the investment team’s sourcing efforts, and have the capability to build and nurture relationships with software executives and intermediaries. Foundation Fund does not employ a high velocity sourcing engine, but rather a more targeted strategic approach to identifying investment opportunities, and the BD Director would be integral to supporting and over time, helping drive this model.

This full-time role is based in Austin, New York, Chicago, or open to remote, and is for an immediate start. The role would report to a Managing Director within Foundation Fund.

Responsibilities

• Build off existing process and reporting for pipeline management to systematize and enhance visibility and data-driven actions from key pipeline metrics across the fund’s sourcing efforts
• Proactively enable Investment Team to improve sourcing targeting, cadence, and approach with top prospects while assisting with focused pipeline creation efforts:
• Targeting institutional investor portfolios and thematic-driven investment theses
• Leverage research to prepare for meetings to thoughtfully engage with senior executives to set up meetings for senior investment professionals
• Identify marketing opportunities and demand generation tactics to attract new companies and build engagement with existing targets
• Manage initial Business Development team of 1-2 associates and 1 sales operations/enablement associate
• Will also need to support, mentor, train and develop 20-30 junior investment professionals through coaching, formal training and creation of opportunities to enhance their development
• Maintain and evolve team infrastructure and design points so the sourcing strategy remains in line with growth of existing and new Foundation investment vehicles
• Develop and implement AI tools to automate any and all aspects of the sourcing and qualification processes
• Manage annual banker and industry conferences, including assessing businesses to meet with, collaborating with Investment Team on preparation and follow-up, and attending as necessary

Qualifications

• BS/BA required; related field such as sales, finance or business preferred
• 6-8 years of relevant and progressive professional experience such as PE / VC investing or business development or investment banking including commercially facing and/or direct sales experience
• People and team management experience with proven track record of identifying top talent, developing team members and thoughtfully scaling an organization
• Demonstrated track record of success and accountability with a competitive approach and a fervent desire to achieve goals
• Proven self-starter with an unwavering sense of urgency and the ability to deal with ambiguity in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment
• Motivated to use data and a programmatic approach to continuously improve processes and results; Salesforce or other CRM proficiency required
• Ideal candidates will have familiarity with the enterprise software industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with both internal and external audiences
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple assignments while paying close attention to details
• Ability to travel up to 20% to participate in events, sales calls, or attend regional or national meetings as necessary

The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $275,000-350,000.  Actual base pay could vary based on factors including but not limited to experience, subject matter expertise and the applicant's skill set.  The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package for employees.  Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.    

Company Overview

Vista is a leading global investment firm with $100 billion in AUM that invests exclusively in enterprise software, data and technology-enabled organizations across private equity, credit, public equity and permanent capital strategies. The firm brings an approach that prioritizes creating enduring market value for the benefit of its global ecosystem of investors, companies, customers and employees. Vista’s investments are anchored by a sizable long-term capital base, experience in structuring technology-oriented transactions and proven, flexible management techniques that drive sustainable growth. Vista believes the transformative power of technology is the key to an even better future – a healthier planet, a smarter economy, a diverse and inclusive community and a broader path to prosperity. Further information is available at vistaequitypartners.com. Follow Vista on LinkedIn @Vista Equity Partners or Twitter @Vista_Equity.