The Monroe Capital Independent Sponsor Team is seeking an experienced Private Equity Associate to join our investment team. You will be joining a fast-growing team with a mandate to actively manage its existing equity portfolio of >20 companies to profitable realizations while deploying capital in new, lower-middle-market investments sourced through its extensive network of independent sponsor relationships. The position will be based in Chicago, where the firm is headquartered.

This is a two-year, pre-business school Associate position based in Monroe’s Chicago headquarters.  The Associate will serve as the junior member of a lean deal team, gaining hands-on experience across all facets of private equity investing, with significant exposure to senior investment professionals and independent sponsors.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with 1–2 years of investment banking or private equity experience, ideally with M&A or leveraged finance exposure, to be a key player on the team. As a cornerstone of the team, the Associate will play an integral role in all aspects of the investment process from origination and diligence to working with portfolio company management teams to drive the value creation process. As a small team, we rely on each member of the deal team to play an outsized role and pride ourselves on the broad exposure and opportunities for development and growth.  

Duties & Responsibilities:

Investment Execution and Diligence

• Participate in all stages of the investment process, from screening and financial modeling to diligence and closing.
• Conduct in-depth industry, market, and competitive analyses.
• Build and maintain detailed financial models, including operating projections, LBO analyses, and sensitivity scenarios.
• Draft internal investment memos and presentation materials for investment committee review.
• Assist with deal structuring, documentation, and coordination with legal and third-party advisors

Portfolio Management

• Monitor company performance and maintain regular reporting, including internal valuations, dashboards, and portfolio reviews.
• Work closely with independent sponsors and portfolio company leadership on operational initiatives and exit planning.
• Oversee the development and execution of value creation plans for portfolio companies, including financial KPI tracking, growth initiatives, and strategic projects.

Firm Iitiatives and Internal Support

• Contribute to fundraising and marketing efforts by preparing presentation materials and firm collateral.
• Assist in evaluating sponsor relationships and sourcing efforts.
• Help maintain internal processes, knowledge bases, and reporting packages for Monroe leadership.
• Support a collegial and non-hierarchical senior team.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in  investment banking or private equity, preferably with M&A experience
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively articulate investment recommendations and complex financial concepts
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong work ethic and a desire to learn and grow
• Strong accounting, finance, modeling, analytical and problem-solving skills supported by a high      proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint 
• Bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA from an academically respected university 
• Willingness to work in a flat team environment with dynamic roles 
• Intellectual curiosity and commitment to professional development  

 Compensation: It is expected that the base salary range for this position will be $90,000-$145,000. Actual salaries may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and qualifications for the role. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial and / or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits such as vacation, sick time and parental leave) dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, the employee will be in an ‘at-will position’ and the Firm reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time including for reasons related to individual performance, Firm or individual department / team performance and market factors.