Investment Banking Managing Director - Scientific Affairs
William Blair
Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.
Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.
The Managing Director of Scientific Affairs is responsible for helping the Biotech Investment Banking team identify and pursue new business opportunities for the firm, including the cross‑selling of the firm’s products and services. In this role, the Managing Director leverages an innovative approach, deep scientific expertise, established client relationships, and strong market reputation to win new business and support the achievement of the team’s revenue goals. The Managing Director of Scientific Affairs helps oversee the execution of investment banking processes, delivering high‑quality, referenceable transactions. The role requires maintaining world‑class client relationships by providing strategic advice and exceptional client service. Managing Director of Scientific Affairs builds a strong presence in the external marketplace and with internal stakeholders. Additionally, the role includes active participation in recruitment and talent development efforts, as well as providing leadership and mentorship to investment banking staff.
Responsibilities include but may not be limited to:
- Target new business opportunities by developing and executing a go to market strategy, while balancing maximizing transaction completion rates, generating revenue, upholding the William Blair reputation and maintaining productivity. Stay abreast of current trends and the latest sectors/products and ensure targeting is aligned accordingly.
- Leverage innovative approach, scientific expertise, client relationships/service and reputation to win new business and support the achievement of revenue goals.
- Deliver proposals and presentations to clients and prospects, leveraging investment banking staff throughout the process to support development strategies and contribute to the building of bench strength.
- Manage the execution of investment banking processes including the financial/valuation analyses to value debt and equity, creation of financial models to value clients and industries, due diligence and research of potential and live transactions, the development of proposals/ presentations, etc. Ensure processes are completed in a timely and high-quality manner and are aligned with established investment banking strategies, processes and standards.
- Maintain world class client partnerships, providing high quality advice and insights and exceeding expectations pertaining to client service and transaction execution. Coach investment banking staff on the execution of client service best practices.
- Actively participate in recruitment and development processes.
- Provide leadership and mentoring to the investment banking staff, providing guidance, continuous development and coaching to ensure achievement of group and individual goals.
- Serve as a leader within the community. Represent William Blair on civic, non-profit or public boards; is recognized for contributions outside the firm.
- Additional responsibilities as requested.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Master of Science or PhD strongly preferred
- Prior investment banking or equity research experience required, 10+ years strongly preferred
- SIE Exam, Series 79, and Series 63 must be acquired within 150 days of employment
- Strong strategic process management, and analytical skills
- Strong ability to identify and pitch new business
- Trust-building and leadership abilities with multiple levels within the organization
- Management skills overseeing people and processes
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- High integrity and strong work ethic
- Strong interpersonal, decision-making and analytical abilities
- Ability to work in an entrepreneurial culture
- Detail oriented with deep analytical abilities
- Effectively leverages technology
- Superior mathematical, writing, verbal and computer skills
- Strong desire to win
- Solution-oriented with ability to leverage prior experiences
- Sound judgement and high integrity
- Calm and focused demeanor under pressure
- Deep, sophisticated understanding of accounting and finance
- Commitment to satisfying internal and external customers
- Travel required: 50% or more
A reasonable estimate of the current base salary range at time of posting is below. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant's skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations and, if applicable, the location of the position.
This role is eligible for either a discretionary annual bonus (based on company, business unit and individual performance) and/or commission-based incentives.
Our featured benefit offerings include medical, dental and vision coverage, employer paid short & long-term disability and life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid time off, Maven family & fertility benefit, parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement), as well as other voluntary benefits.
About Our Firm
William Blair strives to attract qualified candidates who specialize in investment banking, investment management, private wealth management, and other strategic resource groups. We are committed to empowering our colleagues to deliver client success and engage in our communities. Our firm has delivered trusted advice for nine decades, continuing to deepen our expertise and relationships across asset classes and markets throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet clients’ evolving needs amid dynamic market conditions and varying industries. What sets us apart is that we are an independent partnership, with colleagues who have unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We empower our people to bring their best thinking so we can deliver the tailored, thoughtful work and problem-solving abilities that our clients expect. We invite you to learn more about us by visiting williamblair.com.
William Blair is an equal opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee's ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v
Be aware of hiring scams: William Blair has clear processes and guidelines with regards to recruiting. We do not request personal financial information in connection with an employment application nor does William Blair extend any employment offers without first conducting an interview through one of its registered offices. William Blair does not use instant messaging services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage as part of the recruiting or interviewing process.
Note to External Recruiters / Search Firms: William Blair does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Any unsolicited resumes received will not be considered as a valid submission.
Download William Blair's privacy policies for job applicants:
- California Consumer Privacy Act Privacy Notice (CCPA)
- General Data Protection Regulation Privacy Notice (GDPR)
Contact us should you have any questions or concerns.