Cove Private Equity Deal Origination Specialist

The D. E. Shaw group seeks a motivated professional to join its Cove private equity team as a deal origination specialist. Cove is focused on acquiring and growing small- and medium-sized businesses across the U.S., and this role centers on identifying and sourcing new investment opportunities. The position offers the chance to collaborate with a dynamic team and build meaningful relationships with business owners nationwide.

What you’ll do day-to-day Source and originate new investment opportunities by connecting directly with small- and mid-sized business owners across various industries. Own, develop, and execute creative sourcing and marketing strategies that leverage cutting-edge tools and high-quality data to identify and prioritize the most promising opportunities. Build and maintain a network of contacts, including business owners, expert networks, and relevant intermediaries, to identify potential deals.

Develop rapport and credibility with prospective sellers, fostering trust and open communication throughout the sourcing process. Leverage industry knowledge and relationship management skills to uncover opportunities that align with the firm’s investment criteria. Collaborate with internal team members to share market insights and support the pipeline of potential acquisitions. Drive a variety of proprietary cold outreach efforts to source deals directly, including email campaigns, LinkedIn networking, and cold calling.

What we’re looking for A bachelor’s degree or higher, along with three to eight years of relevant experience in deal origination, direct sourcing, client services, or business development within private equity or expert networks. Demonstrated ability to build relationships and connect authentically with small- and mid-sized business owners, particularly across middle America. Experience with private equity platforms, expert networks (such as AlphaSights), or similar environments focused on sourcing rather than sales or corporate development.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster credibility and trust. A collaborative mindset, with a personable, approachable manner and the ability to connect with a wide range of business owners. The expected annual base salary for this position is $130,000 to $170,000. Our compensation and benefits package includes variable compensation in the form of a year-end bonus, guaranteed in the first year of hire, and benefits including medical and prescription drug coverage, 401(k) contribution matching, wellness reimbursement, family building benefits, and a charitable gift match program.