Security Valuation Specialist

Senior Valuation Specialist

VanEck is a privately held global asset management firm founded in 1955. We develop forward-looking, intelligently designed, active and ETF strategies that strengthen long-term portfolios. The Senior Valuation Specialist is a high-impact, cross-functional role responsible for owning the end-to-end valuation process for the firm's private equity, private credit, derivative and alternative investments held in public (i.e., closed-end funds) and private (i.e., hedge funds) investment vehicles. This individual will serve as the firm's subject matter expert on ASC 820 / IFRS 13 fair value measurement, be responsible for development and maintenance of pricing models, and function as the primary point of oversight for the firm's third-party pricing evaluator(s) and vendors, and audit inquiries. This role requires both deep technical expertise and effective communication skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Includes the following; other duties may be assigned as needed:

Valuation Oversight & Execution

• Lead the fair value measurement process across private equity, private credit (direct lending, mezzanine, CLOs, distressed), derivatives and alternative investment instruments
• Apply and oversee valuation methodologies including DCF, LBO analysis, comparable company / precedent transaction analysis, yield analysis, Option Pricing Model (OPM), Probability-Weighted Expected Return Method (PWERM), and Current Value Method (CVM) as appropriate by instrument type
• Ensure valuations comply with ASC 820, IFRS, GAAP, and regulatory requirements
• Drive onboarding processes for new investments and ensure proper data collection
• Oversee and review fair value reporting provided by underlying managers, co-investment sponsors, and fund administrators; identify discrepancies and escalate appropriately

Model Development

• Build, maintain, and continuously enhance valuation models across equity and credit instruments including DCF, leveraged buyout, yield-to-maturity, NAV bridge, and allocation models
• Conduct stress testing and scenario analysis on portfolio company valuations to support investment decisions and LP reporting
• Develop and document model governance standards, including testing procedures and version control

Governance, Reporting & Audit Support

• Support the Pricing Committee by preparing materials, presenting fair value conclusions, and documenting key judgments and methodology changes
• Prepare board-level valuation materials on a quarterly and annual basis; present findings and respond to board inquiries with clarity and technical precision
• Serve as primary valuation contact during annual audits; respond to internal risk and external audit inquiries and defend valuation positions with technical rigor
• Maintain and update the firm's Valuation Policy and Procedures manual; recommend enhancements as market practices evolve
• Identify and drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce risk, and scale the valuation function as AUM grows

Third-Party Pricing Evaluator Oversight

• Serve as the firm's primary relationship manager and oversight lead for all third-party valuation firms and pricing evaluators
• Define scope of work, review engagement terms, and manage ongoing SLA performance and deliverable quality for all external valuation providers
• Critically review and challenge third-party valuation reports; ensure methodologies and assumptions are consistent with internal policies, market conditions, and ASC 820 requirements
• Coordinate information flow between investment teams, fund administrators, and third-party providers to ensure all relevant financial and operational data is incorporated into third-party valuations
• Lead and coordinate periodic due diligence meetings with third-party valuation firms and pricing vendors, including onboarding reviews, annual methodology reviews, and ad hoc challenge sessions; prepare structured agendas, drive discussion of assumptions and market inputs, and document meeting outcomes and follow-up action items
• Report third-party oversight findings, due diligence outcomes, and escalations to the Pricing Committee and senior leadership on a recurring basis
• Evaluate and assess new third-party market data offerings and pricing services in the context of increasing transparency and evolving best practices in the private credit and private equity markets

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in ASC 820 / IFRS 13 fair value standards and related application guidance
• Demonstrated experience building and owning complex valuation models across multiple methodologies
• Firsthand experience managing or overseeing third-party valuation firms or pricing evaluators
• Proficiency with Bloomberg and advanced Excel modeling skills or other modeling software
• Strong written communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership, boards, or pricing committee
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong risk and control mindset
• Familiarity with structured credit instruments, derivatives, CLOs, BDCs, and closed-end fund structures
• Prior experience developing or enhancing valuation governance frameworks and written policies
• Ability to work in office a minimum of 3 days per week.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics is preferred but other related degrees will be considered
• 7+ years of progressive experience in private markets valuation, including significant exposure to both private equity and private credit instruments
• CFA, CPA, ASA, CVA, or ABV designation (or active progress towards completion) is preferred

Compensation

If this position will be performed in whole or in part in New York City, the base salary range is $150,000 225,000. Individual salaries may vary based on different factors including but not limited to, skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and location. Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits offered in connection with this position.

VanEck is committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and to providing equal opportunity in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. VanEck does not and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, color, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, covered-veteran or military status, genetic information, and/or any other factor protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.