Head of Due Diligence Services (Chicago or NYC preferred but open to Remote)

SUMMARY

This is an exciting time to join GCM Grosvenor – having experienced tremendous growth over the past few years, and having gone public in November of 2020, we continue to see high momentum across our business. In support of this growth, we are growing and evolving our marketing organization to lead us into the future.

The Head Due Diligence Services will be a critical member of the marketing leadership team, reporting directly to the Head of Marketing. Working jointly with the Head of Marketing and other Marketing and business leaders to lead marketing transformation, modernization and strategy, the Head of Due Diligence Services will lead day-to-day operations and critical strategic initiatives in pursuit of a superior end-to-end service model for investor diligence.

At their core, the Head of Due Diligence Services will be keenly focused on optimizing diligence efficiency and effectiveness in support of the ongoing growth of our business as we modernize and grow the marketing function at GCM Grosvenor. Specifically, the Head of Due Diligence Services will ensure successful completion of all existing client and new mandate RFP, RFI and DDQ requests, while also working to improve efficiency and effectiveness by analyzing and refining the diligence processes we use to support diligence response, leveraging industry best practices and technology to ensure efficient and effective execution, and leading the day-to-day management and development of a dedicated team of senior and junior RFP writers.

In addition, the Head of Due Diligence Services will oversee our dedicated, expert Qvidian RFP database manager in furthering our database strategy including: usage, evolution and oversight of the content database, definition and evolution of our RFP content strategy, guidelines and alignment to industry best practices, and establishment and oversight of an efficient, database driven process for PPM and DDQ development for new fund launches. Finally, as we optimize our processes, content and use of technology, this leader will analyze and report on win/loss metrics, working with marketing and business partners to deliver insight into drivers of results in pipeline progression.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner across the organization to execute on strategic initiatives aimed at modernizing and automating due diligence at GCM Grosvenor. Year one will focus on best practice process improvement, establishment of formal standards and style guides, partnering with the Database Manager to further buildout and refine our use of the Qvidian RFP database, rollout of formal content governance and workflow automation and launching an overhaul of our RFP database content to align with new standards and industry best practices.
• Manage day-to-day diligence response for GCM Grosvenor, assigning work, reviewing completed responses, aligning and coordinating across subject matter experts for needed decisioning and ensuring efficient team management in completion of winning diligence work on deadline.
• Partner with the Head of Marketing and functional department heads to define annual marketing plans outlining transformation projects, marketing strategy and tactical plans in support of business priorities.
• Develop deep relationships with investment and business development leaders to ensure high awareness relative to new mandate goals, messaging alignment, process implementation and effective, winning responses.
• Define a framework for content strategy by asset class, organizing the team for optimal efficiency in RFP response and ongoing content development and oversight.
• Establish and formalize DDQ and PPM Qvidian automation for high demand content and in support of fund launches and capital raise efforts.
• Maintain a detailed and fluid understanding of GCM Grosvenor’s alternative investment offering including technical knowledge of performance reporting across private and public capabilities and compliance rules in relation to the marketing of our alternative offerings.
• Partner with the Head of Marketing to develop marketing metrics relative to win/loss, engagement and ROI.
• Manage and develop the Due Diligence Services Team relative to best practice diligence skillsets including writing, commercial strategic response strategy, self and peer editing, use of RFP technology, strategic approach to project management, and understanding of our alternative investment capabilities and solutions, inspiring and fostering a culture of credible marketing excellence and innovation.
• Partner with other Marketing leaders to ensure strategic alignment, technology integration, and efficient cross-team engagement for optimal effectiveness.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal experience and critical competencies for the role include the following:

• 15 or more years of investment management RFP or due diligence experience, alternative investment experience and management of an RFP team/function is highly preferred.
• Deep understanding of the institutional marketplace, investor segments, and alternative sales cycles.
• High technical aptitude and knowledge of alternative investments, preferably private equity, real estate, infrastructure and hedge funds.
• Strong understanding of best practices in global investment marketing and distribution at a global firm.
• Deep understanding of compliance rules pertaining to the marketing of alternative investments.
• Although not required, a Series 24 license is preferred.
• RFP database use in the automated completion of RFP questionnaires experience, preferably with Qvidian, but other technology experience such as RFPIO or Loopio are acceptable.
• Strong understanding of best practice RFP, DDQ, PPM content strategy.
• Roll up your sleeves and make it happen personality with a passion for process and technology innovation.
• Strong collaboration skills, emotional intelligence, and a talent for developing trusted interpersonal relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills with deep experience overseeing content development, editing and communication strategy.
• Outstanding decision making and problem-solving skills. 
• Thrives in a fast paced, changing environment. 
• High degree of integrity and the ability to recognize the requirements of confidentiality. 
• BA/BS degree in Marketing, or a related field. 

In terms of cultural fit, the successful candidate is an inspiring leader who is a roll up your sleeves, self-motivated, direct communicator, who is energized by the opportunity to help organizations transform and grow. They will enjoy being part of an organization focused on excellence, operate with a high level of professional maturity and will be a naturally collaborative person who enjoys interacting with individuals at all levels.