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Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations
full-timeChicago$175k - $205k

Summary

Location

Chicago

Salary

$175k - $205k

Type

full-time

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About this role

About Energize Capital 


Energize Capital is a leading, multi-stage investor focused on capitalizing the transition to a digitized and decarbonized economy. Energize invests in software and services businesses, targeting asset-light, digitally-enabled solutions that drive innovation and scale across the climate, energy and industrial verticals. Deploying capital through both its venture capital (Ventures) and private equity (Endurance) strategies, Energize has funded nearly 40 companies and deployed more than $970 million to date.


The Energize team has deep heritage as investors, operators and innovators in the energy transition. The team leverages this domain expertise to guide its research-based investment approach and to drive growth and scale across its portfolio after initial investment. Energize is looking for driven, self-motivated professionals who can bring diversity of thought, intellectual rigor, humility, and a collaborative mindset to our growing entrepreneurial team.


 


About the Role


The Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations will lead the finance-focused pillar of Energize’s EDGE value creation team, which partners with the investment team and our portfolio of climate software companies to support value creation and risk mitigation initiatives. This role is responsible for architecting and executing Energize’s portfolio finance operating model, building high-quality financial discipline across the portfolio, and ensuring consistent, accurate, and actionable insights.


This individual will oversee financial data and reporting workflows, support complex diligence, mentor portfolio finance leaders, and identify opportunities to strengthen financial and operational performance across both venture and private equity investments. They will also develop and manage the Portfolio Finance & Operations team, including the Senior Portfolio Finance Manager and Portfolio Data Analyst.


Reporting to the Head of Portfolio Services & Impact, this is a highly strategic and hands-on leadership position ideal for a seasoned finance operator with deep SaaS experience and a strong track record in VC/PE portfolio value creation.


 


Responsibilities


Hands-on portfolio support



  • Maintain strong, trust-based relationships with CFOs, CEOs and other senior finance leaders across the portfolio.

  • Mentor and advise portfolio finance teams, helping them strengthen processes, systems, and strategic finance capabilities.

  • Conduct financial and operational plan reviews and provide targeted recommendations to improve performance.

  • Occasionally step into interim or advisory operating roles within portfolio companies during moments of transition, growth, or need.

  • Review financial models, data rooms, and reporting packages prepared by portfolio companies in advance of fundraising or M&A.

  • Help advise and prepare companies to optimize exit value and prepare for M&A events.


Network and Best Practice Development



  • Lead the CFO Working Group, fostering a community of learning, best-practice sharing, and functional excellence.

  • Create and deliver playbooks, training programs, and repeatable frameworks for finance and operations maturity.

  • Oversee and manage relationships with external consulting partners and advisors, ensuring alignment with firm and portfolio priorities.


Portfolio Health, Reporting & Insights



  • Oversee ongoing quarterly portfolio performance reporting to ensure accuracy, consistency, and insights that inform LP reporting and drive firm-wide decision-making around asset management.

  • Support the portfolio health and asset management process in close partnership with the Head of EDGE and investment team, ensuring timely visibility into company performance and emerging risks.

  • Review and provide feedback on annual plans, budgets, and forecasts across the portfolio.


Team Leadership & Internal Collaboration



  • Partner with the investment team on complex due diligence—particularly around revenue modeling, operational maturity, and financial structure of SaaS and software companies.

  • Develop, coach, and manage the Portfolio Finance & Operations team—including the Senior Portfolio Finance Manager and Portfolio Data Analyst.

  • Collaborate closely with the Head of EDGE to align finance-focused initiatives with broader value creation goals.

  • Partner with the investment team to enhance monitoring processes, identify early warning signals, and surface opportunities for support.

  • Work cross-functionally with data, operations, and technology resources to strengthen reporting systems and analytical capabilities

  • Prioritize EDGE finance-related initiatives and allocate team resources effectively.


Skills & Preferred Qualifications



  • 15+ years of experience in finance, operations, strategy, or value creation roles.

  • Deep expertise in software/SaaS business models, including ARR, retention, segmentation, and unit economics.

  • Experience in early-stage SaaS finance operations, including building FP&A processes, revenue modeling, and implementing financial systems.

  • Prior experience in a VC or PE portfolio operations role preferred.

  • Experience working with later-stage companies and overseeing consulting relationships.

  • Robust network of finance, operations, and SaaS leaders.


Competencies



  • Executive presence and influence: Able to command authority while maintaining strong, positive relationships.

  • Consultative and collaborative: Effectively aligns stakeholders and drives adoption of best practices.

  • Strategic thinker + operational executor: Equally comfortable setting direction and rolling up sleeves.

  • Highly credible communicator: Clear, confident, and effective with internal teams, portfolio executives, founders, and LPs.

  • Relationship-first approach: Builds trust and rapport quickly across levels and functions.


Location


When not traveling, our team works in office Monday through Thursday, with the option to be remote on Fridays. Our employees must reside within a commutable distance from our Chicago HQ (which is located in the Loop).


Benefits


Energize Capital is proud to offer employees a wide range of benefits to support personal well-being, growth, and professional development. Benefits include but are not limited to:



  • Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and HSA from day one of employment

  • 401k matching

  • Generous paid time off in addition to 10 company holidays and a flexible winter holiday schedule

  • Market-leading parental leave policy and family planning benefits

  • Health club reimbursement

  • Continuing education stipend

  • Lunch provided on in-office days

  • Daily Coffee stipend for in-office days


Energize Capital embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.  


The base salary range for this role is between: $175,000 - $205,000.
This role is bonus eligible commensurate with experience and performance. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Other facts

Tech stack
Finance,Operations,Strategy,Value Creation,SaaS,Financial Modeling,FP&A Processes,Revenue Modeling,Consulting Relationships,Team Leadership,Collaboration,Communication,Networking,Mentoring,Risk Mitigation,Performance Improvement

About Energize Capital

Energize Capital invests in climate solutions with ambition. We seek to scale sustainable innovation through partnering with the builders and operators shaping our future.

Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, Energize is backed by LPs who represent world-class institutional, strategic, impact and family office investors. We leverage our team's deep industry and operational expertise to guide our research-based investment approach and support our portfolio companies in scaling and realizing their full potential, from early commercialization to the public markets.

Team size: 11-50 employees
LinkedIn: Visit
Industry: Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals

What you'll do

  • The Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations will lead the finance-focused pillar of Energize’s EDGE value creation team, supporting value creation and risk mitigation initiatives across the portfolio. This role involves overseeing financial data and reporting workflows, mentoring finance leaders, and identifying opportunities to enhance financial and operational performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Energize Capital pay for a Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations?

Energize Capital offers a competitive compensation package for the Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations role. The salary range is USD 175k - 205k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.

What does a Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations do at Energize Capital?

As a Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations at Energize Capital, you will: the Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations will lead the finance-focused pillar of Energize’s EDGE value creation team, supporting value creation and risk mitigation initiatives across the portfolio. This role involves overseeing financial data and reporting workflows, mentoring finance leaders, and identifying opportunities to enhance financial and operational performance..

Why join Energize Capital as a Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations?

Energize Capital is a leading Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals company. The Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations role offers competitive compensation.

Is the Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations position at Energize Capital remote?

The Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations position at Energize Capital is based in Chicago, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.

How do I apply for the Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations position at Energize Capital?

You can apply for the Director of Portfolio Finance & Operations position at Energize Capital directly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process. You can also learn more about Energize Capital on their website.