Description:
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.

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting: Frequently (approximately 70–80% of the workday)
• Required for computer work, phone communication, and administrative tasks.
• Standing and Walking: Occasionally (approximately 20-30% of the workday)
• May be required for filing, retrieving documents, or walking between departments or meeting rooms.
• May be required to walk between Monroe offices located on different floors in the building
• May be required to use a step-stool to access supplies
• Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally
• Must be able to lift and carry items such as office supplies, boxes of paper, or small equipment (typically up to 20 pounds).
• Reaching/Bending: Occasionally
• Required when organizing supplies, accessing low or high shelves, or setting up meeting rooms.
• Typing/Keyboard Use: Frequently
• Daily use of computer, keyboard, mouse and other office equipment is required.
• Vision and Hearing: Frequently
• Adequate vision for reading reports, emails, and spreadsheets.
• Adequate hearing for phone conversations and verbal communication in meetings.
• Speaking: Frequently
• Must be able to communicate clearly with staff, vendors, and external partners.
  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