Investment Specialist jobs in Oakland, CA

ICA Fund, a non-profit venture capital firm, is seeking a full-time Investment Manager to contribute to its mission of closing the racial and gender wealth gaps. Primary responsibilities include managing our investment strategies, conducting industry research, and analyzing financial data to help make informed Investment decisions. The position is based in Oakland, CA with hybrid in-office Tuesdays and Thursdays and remote work.

ICA: NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL

People of color, especially women of color, start businesses at higher rates — but are constrained by structural inequities and are often overlooked by mainstream funders. Through ICA’s coaching, capital, and connections, we accelerate great businesses built and operated by underestimated Bay Area entrepreneurs.

ICA is an impact focused non-profit venture capital firm committed to addressing structural inequities faced by entrepreneurs of color and women. With a 28-year track record, our tailored accelerator programs and strategic investments support underestimated Bay Area entrepreneurs because we believe in the transformative power of small businesses. At ICA we foster an inclusive culture that promotes collaboration and mutual respect. Joining our team is an opportunity to play a crucial role in advancing our work and witnessing the impact of supporting local economies. Operating as a lean startup, we challenge traditional financing models, emphasizing racial equity and prioritizing job creation.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Chief Investment Officer, the Investment Manager will be an integral part of our investment team, contributing to sourcing, underwriting, and executing investment opportunities. Your role will encompass various responsibilities, ranging from conducting research and financial analysis to direct advisory relationships with early-stage founders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Due Diligence and Financial Analysis (50%):
  • Lead the evaluation and execution of transactions including strategic rationale analysis, due diligence, company valuation, and deal structuring and negotiation.
  • Underwrite investment transactions by evaluating company documents, business financial records, and market trends to assess risks and make informed investment decisions
  • Utilize strong analytical and quantitative skills to prepare investment memoranda, build financial models, estimate valuation, and forecast financial performance.
  • Present and communicate rationale and recommendations for investment opportunities to the investment committee ensuring clarity and alignment with ICA’s investment thesis
  • Collaborate with various members of the investment team to source, evaluate and invest in competitive early-stage startups
• Deal Sourcing (15%):
  • Play a key role in sourcing investment opportunities aligned with ICA's mission.
  • Connect with early-stage entrepreneurs, identify promising ventures, and assess their potential to drive positive social impact.
• Manage Deal Closing (15%):
  • Negotiate and finalize legal documentation for deal closing including drafting and reviewing term sheets, shareholder agreements, capitalization tables convertible notes, preferred stock agreements and other relevant contracts.
  • Ensure all legal aspects of the transaction are properly executed and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Portfolio Management (10%):
  • Oversee select portfolio companies and conduct quarterly calls to receive business updates.
  • Maintain relationships with founders, gather relevant data, and provide regular reports on portfolio performance and trends to the team.
• Network Expansion (5%):
  • Foster collaborative relationships to enhance investment opportunities and support the organization's mission.
  • Expand ICA's network of co-investors by engaging with peers at other venture capital firms,family offices, and investment organizations.
• Program Facilitation (5%):
  • Help coordinate and oversee the smooth execution of program workshops.
  • Engage with diverse stakeholders to achieve program objectives effectively.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant certifications (e.g., CFA) is a plus.
• 3-5 years in investment research, financial analysis, or portfolio management.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in financial modeling and data analysis tools.
• Extensive knowledge of investment concepts, terminology, models, and strategies, including portfolio theory, asset liability studies, asset allocation and performance measurement, and a solid understanding of capital markets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented environment and contribute effectively to team discussions.
• Strong work ethic, self-motivation, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ethical and trustworthy, with a commitment to maintaining confidentiality and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Alignment with the ICA mission to close the racial and gender wealth gaps.

OUR OFFER AND COMMITMENT

The annual base salary for this position is $100,000 - $115,000. Compensation also includes a discretionary bonus paid annually based on organization and individual performance.

ICA’s full benefits package includes: 13 paid holidays per year; 3 weeks of annual paid vacation; 10 days of annual paid sick leave; at least 3 employer-identified mental health days; employer-paid health, dental, vision, life insurance and disability benefits; 50% employer-paid dependent health; employer-paid mental health counseling; 24-hour online virtual healthcare; 401(k) plan with matching; and mobile phone / Internet reimbursement.

ICA is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, and other legally protected characteristics. 

HIRING PROCESS

People are key to our success, and we’d like to get to know you. Depending on your progress through our hiring process, you may go through the following steps: A round or two of panel interviews; review of work samples; completion of an exercise or case study; and reference-checking of previous supervisors and colleagues.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit both a resume and a very brief cover letter (combined into one PDF or Word document) by March 20, 2024 by clicking on the Apply button on this page.