About the role
We are seeking an experienced VP of Capital Markets/Raising to lead the strategy, execution, and growth of our development-focused investment fund. This role places primary emphasis on capital raising, investor relations, and the successful deployment of capital into high-quality development projects. The ideal candidate will combine strong fundraising capabilities with deep knowledge of development underwriting, project lifecycle management, and fund operations.
Responsibilities
Capital Raising & Investor Relations (Primary Focus)
• Lead all aspects of capital raising for the fund, including structuring, marketing, and closing commitments from institutional investors, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and strategic partners.
• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, including preparation of private placement memoranda, pitch decks, track records, and other investor materials.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of potential limited partners; manage the full investor lifecycle from initial outreach through due diligence, subscription, and ongoing reporting.
• Represent the fund in investor meetings, roadshows, conferences, and one-on-one presentations; articulate the fund's investment thesis, competitive advantages, and risk/return profile.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, placement agents (if applicable), and internal teams on fund documentation, side letters, and closing processes.
• Monitor and report on capital commitments, called capital, distributions, and remaining dry powder; ensure compliance with fund terms and investor reporting requirements.
Fund & Portfolio Management
• Oversee the full investment process for development projects, including sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, structuring, and closing.
• Manage portfolio construction, capital allocation, and risk across development assets.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, timelines, and key performance indicators; intervene as needed to protect investor capital.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports, capital account statements, and strategic updates to the Investment Committee and Limited Partners.
Strategy & Leadership
• Contribute to the overall fund strategy, including target returns, risk parameters, sector/geographic focus, and fundraising targets.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on successive fundraisings and potential fund expansions or new vehicles.
• Mentor junior team members involved in investor relations, underwriting, and asset management.
Success Metrics
• Achievement of capital raise targets and timeline.
• Quality and diversification of the investor base.
• Accuracy and professionalism of investor materials and reporting.
• Successful deployment of raised capital into underwritten development opportunities.
• Strong ongoing relationships and re-up potential with existing LPs.
Requirements
Required qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Business, Economics, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 7-12+ years of progressive experience in private equity, real estate private equity, development finance, or fund management, with a demonstrated track record of raising institutional capital.
• Proven success raising capital for development-oriented funds or projects (minimum of one full fundraising cycle preferred).
• Strong network of institutional investors, family offices, and intermediaries relevant to development capital.
• Deep understanding of development project underwriting, construction risk, entitlement processes, and capital structures (equity, mezzanine, preferred equity, etc.).
• Excellent presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with fund accounting, capital calls, distributions, and LP reporting.
Preferred qualifications
• Experience raising capital for value-add, opportunistic, or ground-up development strategies.
• Prior roles at a real estate private equity firm, development company with a capital markets function, or institutional investor.
• Familiarity with relevant fund structures (closed-end, open-end, joint ventures) and regulatory considerations.
• CFA, CAIA, or similar professional designation.
Benefits
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive base salary + performance-based bonus tied to capital raising and fund performance, carried interest participation (where applicable), comprehensive benefits package, and professional development support.
Base Salary
$165,000 - $225,000 annually (competitive for the San Diego market based on experience, track record of capital raises, and fund size responsibility).
Bonus / Incentive Compensation
• Target annual performance bonus of 40-75% of base salary (higher for exceptional performance).
• Capital raise incentive: 0.5% - 2.0% of equity capital raised (or fixed points per close).
• Bonus is heavily weighted toward capital-raising results (e.g., commitments closed, new LP relationships secured, and achievement of fundraising targets), with additional components tied to successful capital deployment, fund performance, and investor retention/reporting quality.
• Uncapped upside for outperformance on capital raises.
• Eligibility for carried interest / promote participation in the fund(s) managed, providing long-term alignment with investor returns (subject to fund terms and company policy).
Total Cash Compensation Target
Approximately $275,000 - $400,000+ (base + target bonus), with higher total earnings possible through strong capital-raising results and carry.
Additional Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development / continuing education support.
• Potential hybrid work flexibility and other standard executive-level perks.
