Baird Capital Associate - Investment, Global Private Equity

About the Role:

Baird Capital is the direct private investment group of Robert W. Baird & Co. (“Baird”) and includes both venture capital and private equity funds.  Baird is a leading, employee-owned middle market financial services firm with over 5,200 employees and over 200 locations across the US and Europe. Baird has been on Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For list for 22 consecutive years. Our affiliation with Baird provides us with access to a global knowledge platform consisting of intellectual and human capital across the sectors in which we invest.

Our private equity team has a 35+ year track record of partnering with founder-led businesses to build market-leading platforms. Backed by a global team across North America, Europe, and Asia, and a flexible, stage-agnostic capital base, we’re able to tailor our investment approach to fit the unique needs of each business.

This position offers flexibility to work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the Chicago office and Friday remote.  Target start date is June 2026.

Find out more about who we are by visiting our website Baird Capital.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Deal Evaluation & Execution: You’ll screen new investment opportunities and assess whether deals align with our investment criteria. You’ll help build financial models and prepare materials for investment committee discussions.

• Due Diligence Support: Collaborate closely with the team throughout the diligence process, contributing analysis and insights that shape investment decisions.

• Portfolio Management: Support portfolio companies by attending board meetings, tracking KPIs, and contributing to dashboards and internal reporting. You’ll also assist with add-on M&A opportunities.

• Internal Collaboration & Development: Leverage internal Baird resources to enhance deal execution and portfolio support. You’ll also have opportunities for personal development, including potential secondments to the UK.

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Highly motivated, strong work ethic and leadership skills.

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, work independently and in teams.

• Excellent oral and written communication with the ability to present investment theses to partnership.

• An accomplished track record of at least 2+ years in investment banking or private equity.

• Strong academic background, leading G.P.A. from top-tier institution; competitive test scores.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $120-130k base salary range.

• Significant bonus and profit share opportunity.

• Compensation and bonus are commensurate with experience, performance and/or firm profitability.

• Check out our Total Rewards at Baird, which is a summary of our benefits and compensation.

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Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.