Investment Associate

Selby Jennings; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Selby Jennings is seeking an Investment Associate for a Chicago-based family office focused on lower middle market Government Services opportunities. The role offers hands-on deal experience across the full investment lifecycle within a lean, active team.

Key duties include market research, building financial models, and supporting operating/portfolio company work; requires strong modeling, M&A experience, and exceptional work ethic.

Qualifications

• Proficient in financial modeling, valuation, and returns analysis for investment targets.
• Experience with M&A and private equity activities in lower middle market is favored.
• Strong numerical abilities, budgeting, and forecasting skills; modeling test may be administered.

Responsibilities

• Conduct broader market and industry research.
• Build financial models and perform valuation/returns analyses for targets.
• Assist the team with operating/portfolio company work.

Skills

Financial modeling

M&A experience

Valuation analysis

Returns analysis

Interpersonal skills

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's Degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Company Summary:

A Family Office in Chicago is seeking an Investment Associate to join its dynamic and growing team. The firm invests in lower middle market opportunities within the Government Services sector. This role offers a unique opportunity to work within a lean, highly active investment platform, with significant responsibility, hands‑on deal experience, and exposure to the full investment lifecycle.

The Investment Associate will be responsible for:

• Execution of broader market and industry research
• Financial modeling, valuation analysis, and returns analysis for various investment targets
• Assisting the team with operating/portfolio company work

The Investment Associate should have the following qualifications:

• At least 4 years of Investment Banking experience performing M&A or at least 2 years of Private Equity experience at a lmm or mm firm
• Bachelor's Degree
• MBA preferred but not required
• Superior financial analysis, modeling, budgeting, and forecasting skills (there will be a modeling test)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and exceptional work ethic
• Prior experience or interest in the government services, aerospace and defense, industrials, manufacturing, and business services space.