Ariel Investments is a premier, boutique, asset management firm. Our primary goal is to drive exceptional investment returns by bringing diverse perspectives together. The only way to beat a benchmark is to not look like one. As value investors, our thinking is deliberate and unconventional. We offer an independent, patient investing approach and aim to deliver excellence in any environment. We uphold our fiduciary responsibility to every shareholder, no matter how big or small.

At Ariel, we strongly believe that teamwork yields results—which is why we have Co-CEOs. John W. Rogers, Jr. and Mellody Hobson share a desire to cultivate leaders who are curious, focused and disciplined. We are nimble and efficient. Our drive is fanatical and intentional. Everyone plays their position, and each contribution is critical to our firm’s success. We seek subject matter experts who are unapologetically themselves. We encourage our employees to reach their full potential and we give them the runway to do so.

After four decades of active investing, we remain committed to our clients, our teammates and our community. We strive to be best-in-class investors and pioneer a path for those who entrust us with their financial future.

Position Summary:

Ariel Investments is seeking a Business Development Associate to join its Distribution organization and provide client-facing and relationship management support to senior Distribution leaders. The Associate will play an important role in delivering a high-quality client experience across the full relationship lifecycle, including prospective client engagement, onboarding, relationship development, ongoing servicing, and client retention.

Working closely with senior Distribution leaders, the Associate will help manage client priorities, participate in client and prospect meetings, prepare for client interactions, coordinate follow-up activities, and ensure client needs are addressed thoughtfully and efficiently. The Associate will be expected to develop a strong understanding of Ariel’s investment philosophy, strategies, products, and relevant investment opportunities and, over time, to represent the firm with increasing independence in appropriate client and prospect settings.

The role will also serve as a key liaison across Portfolio Management, Investment Teams, Operations, Legal, Compliance, Marketing, Finance, and other internal partners to coordinate client deliverables and facilitate timely resolution of requests.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, responsive, and relationship-oriented professional who understands the importance of exceptional client service in an investment management environment. The individual should be comfortable interacting directly with institutional and other sophisticated clients, managing multiple priorities, and operating with a high degree of professionalism, judgment, and attention to detail.

This role can be located in Chicago or New York City

Responsibilities:

Partner with senior Distribution and relationship leaders in supporting a portfolio of client and prospective client relationships, coordinating priorities, client activity, and strategic relationship management initiatives.
Participate actively in client and prospect meetings alongside senior Distribution leaders and, when appropriate, as a representative of the firm when senior leaders are unavailable. Develop and maintain the knowledge necessary to clearly articulate Ariel’s investment philosophy, strategies, products, and relevant investment opportunities and address client questions effectively.
Serve as a client-facing relationship resource, developing trusted relationships with clients and prospects, responding to inquiries, facilitating requests, coordinating follow-up, and ensuring clients receive timely, accurate, and thoughtful support.
Support preparation for client and prospect meetings, including developing presentation materials and briefing documents, coordinating internal inputs, identifying outstanding items, and ensuring appropriate follow-up after meetings.
Develop a strong understanding of assigned clients, including their investment objectives, organizational structure, key contacts, service expectations, preferences, relationship history, and strategic priorities.
Coordinate client onboarding and implementation activities across Distribution, Operations, Legal, Compliance, Investment teams, custodians, and other internal and external partners to support a seamless transition from mandate award through ongoing relationship management.
Manage and track client deliverables and relationship activity, including recurring and ad hoc reporting, requests for information, due diligence materials, account documentation, presentations, and other client communications.
Partner across Ariel’s investment and business functions to address client needs, communicate priorities, identify dependencies, and ensure commitments are completed accurately and within established timelines.
Maintain accurate and current client information and relationship intelligence within CRM and other internal systems, including key contacts, meeting notes, client preferences, opportunities, outstanding requests, and significant relationship developments.
Identify, anticipate, and escalate client service issues or relationship risks, partnering with senior Distribution leaders and internal stakeholders to develop solutions, facilitate timely resolution, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen Ariel’s overall client experience and Distribution capabilities.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required; concentration in Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related discipline preferred.
3+ years of relevant experience in asset management, investment management, financial services, institutional client service, relationship management, sales support, or a comparable client-facing environment.
Demonstrated ability to build credibility and professional relationships with clients, senior executives, investment professionals, and cross-functional partners.
Strong interest in and understanding of investment management, with the ability and willingness to develop deep knowledge of Ariel’s investment philosophy, strategies, products, and public and private market offerings.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and appropriately with both internal and external audiences.
Exceptional organization, project management, and follow-through skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple client requests, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, particularly when preparing client-facing materials, communications, reporting, and documentation.
Strong judgment and discretion when handling confidential client, investment, and firm information.
Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented approach, with the ability to anticipate needs, identify issues, and move work forward with appropriate independence.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook; experience with CRM platforms and investment management and client reporting systems preferred.
Appropriate FINRA registrations required or must be obtained within the firm's designated timeframe following hire, including Series 7 and Series 63 and/or Series 66, as applicable. Additional licensing or registration may be required based on product coverage and responsibilities, including private market offerings.

Compensation

The base salary range for this role is $90,000 - $125,000 + Bonus

Compliance:

Ariel employees, including the incumbent(s) in this position, are required to: (1) read and strictly adhere to all compliance policies and procedures of the various Ariel entities, as applicable; and (2) work together with their colleagues, including the CCO, to resolve compliance issues.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Diversity:

Ariel celebrates diversity and practices inclusion as a way to get work done – it’s in our DNA. As an equal opportunity employer, employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status (including pregnancy), disability, perceived disability, veteran status, status of military discharge, or any other basis under federal, state, or local law. Ariel prohibits discrimination against an applicant or employee because of their actual or perceived protected characteristic(s), and is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse group of talented applicants, and to providing employees with a workplace free from discrimination and/or harassment.

Equal employment opportunity takes place in all employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, and termination. The firm seeks to uphold an inclusive culture where diversity is recognized and valued. As such, Ariel provides employees a robust benefits package that includes:

Coverage for same-sex partner (domestic or spouse)
Coverage for children (natural born, step, adopted or foster)
Fully paid medical insurance that covers fertility treatments, gender affirmation
Employer contributions to a Health Savings Account
Maternity leave at 100% pay (12 weeks)
Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks depending on tenure)

Lastly, all employees have access to Ariel-sponsored educational, training, and recreational activities.

About the company

Ariel Investments is a financial services firm that uses value investing to manage assets for individuals, institutions, and retirement plans. It identifies high-quality, undervalued medium-sized companies and builds active value funds that invest in these stocks both in the U.S. and abroad, including emerging markets. The funds are run by portfolio managers who select stocks they believe are trading below their intrinsic value, then hold them to capture long-term value. The company earns money from management fees based on assets under management and from performance fees tied to portfolio returns. It differentiates itself by pursuing a contrarian, long-term approach that combines a diversified team and a diversified portfolio strategy, focusing on mid-sized and global opportunities rather than only large-cap stocks. The goal is to deliver steady, risk-adjusted financial results for clients by sticking to disciplined value investing and broad diversification across people and markets.

Company Size

N/A

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Chicago, Illinois

Founded

1983

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Rodney Cohen and Melody Rollins joined on September 8, 2026, strengthening private and distribution leadership.
Project Level already owns Denver Summit and LOVB, capturing women’s sports momentum.
Ariel’s July 2026 fact sheet shows $16.3 billion AUM, supporting fee stability and recruiting.

What critics are saying

John Rogers’ seven-years-to-retirement timeline concentrates succession risk into 2033.
Micky Jagirdar, Edward Leung, Jennifer DiGrazia, and Pablo Torrado left during March 2026 turnover.
A bad public-equity run can shrink AUM, crush fees, and weaken Ariel Alternatives funding.

What makes Ariel Investments unique

John Rogers, Mellody Hobson, and Henry Mallari-D’Auria still anchor Ariel’s co-led investment culture.
Ariel manages $16.3 billion firmwide, with long-running small/mid-cap value specialization.
Project Level launched in 2025, and by February 3, 2026 raised $250 million.

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Benefits

Health Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Paid Parental Leave
Paid Sick Leave

Company News

Pensions & Investments

Sep 8th, 2026

Bridgewater alum Rollins joins Ariel amid leadership changes.

Bridgewater alum Rollins joins Ariel amid leadership changes. September 08, 2026 05:03 PM EDT Melody Rollins and Rodney Cohen have been hired by Ariel Investments and joined the firm's executive committee, according to a memo from co-CEO Mellody Hobson. This content is exclusive to P&I Daily subscribers. Get unlimited online stories, daily email alerts and access to P&I Searches and Hires content.

Ariel Investments

Sep 8th, 2026

People News!

People News! September 8, 2026 MEMORANDUM | TO: | Clients and Friends | | FROM: | Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO | | DATE: | September 8, 2026 | | RE: | People News! | Ariel Investments, LLC is delighted to welcome two exceptional industry leaders to Ariel: Rodney Cohen, who will serve as Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Alternatives, and Melody Rollins, who joins as Executive Vice President and Global Head of Distribution. Having both Rodney and Melody choose Ariel - and begin on the same day - is especially exciting and gratifying. As Ariel Investments, LLC continue striving to exceed expectations and build for the future, Ariel Investments, LLC is honored to have these highly respected executives working with Ariel Investments, LLC. Rodney Cohen - Time-Tested Investor, Enterprise Builder, Celebrated Leader With Rodney heading Ariel Alternatives alongside me, the management of its private equity business will mirror my Co-CEO pairing with John Rogers at its parent company. While I continue to oversee the day-to-day businesses of all of Ariel, John remains laser focused as CIO of public equity investing at Ariel Investments, with Rodney driving private equity outcomes as CIO of Ariel Alternatives. To this point, Rodney spearheads all investment decisions for Project Black - building and overseeing the investment team; establishing and refining investment processes; and chairing its investment committee. He will also serve on the investment committee of Project Level. Rodney comes to Ariel Investments, LLC with over 30 years of experience as a senior private equity investor and firm builder. His career reflects an entrepreneurial investment approach, supported by deep sourcing capabilities, broad industry relationships and hands-on execution in middle-market buyouts as well as complex situations. He has invested across consumer, industrials, media, sports, healthcare and business services, with a focus on identifying differentiated opportunities and creating value through active ownership. Prior to joining Ariel, Rodney served as the Head of Private Equity Strategies at Black Diamond Capital Management. Before Black Diamond, he spent a decade at The Carlyle Group where he was Co-Head of Carlyle's middle market investment activities while serving on multiple investment committees and working closely with senior leaders on broader corporate activities. In 2013, he led an investment in Philadelphia Energy Solutions which was named the "Best One Carlyle Deal" in the firm. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Pegasus Capital Advisors, a private equity platform built and scaled from scratch. Having received a J.D. from Columbia University, Rodney practiced law before transitioning to investing. While investment acumen and business growth are paramount, another hallmark of exceptional leadership is "followership" - the ability to attract and retain talented people who will wear the firm's jersey with pride. On this point, our reference checks for Rodney reflected one consistent theme - no matter where he has worked, he has always been the team leader of choice. He was awarded the "Best One Carlyle Contribution" for "placing the welfare of the firm and its investors as first priority by: living the core values of the firm; unselfishly contributing to the success of Carlyle colleagues; and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and trust." This relational track record reflects key attributes Ariel Investments, LLC seek in an Ariel leader. Melody Rollins - Client Champion, Growth Leader, Culture Carrier Meanwhile, Melody will oversee firmwide client service, investor relations and business development at Ariel. (Yes, Ariel Investments, LLC has the same first name! For now, Ariel Investments, LLC is taking a page out of grade school. I am Mellody H, and she is Melody R. Someone suggested "Old Mellody" and "New Melody," but that was not my favorite. |) Melody is a mission-driven executive whose strong reputation has been cemented over a 25-year career. Since graduating from Georgetown and MIT, she has repeatedly risen to the top of some of the most successful investment firms in the country - overseeing client engagement, firmwide growth and product innovation. Most recently, as Global Head of Core Institutional Clients, she led Bridgewater Associates' largest commercial segment. Over seven years, she built a high performing team, partnered with the world's largest asset owners and helped drive a firmwide digital transformation. Her 16-year career at PIMCO is where she cut her teeth and became the industry success that she is today. Having risen to Executive Vice President, Head of US Institutional Client Management, Melody ultimately oversaw a 70-person team and co-led the firm's 400-person New York office. During this impressive tenure, she also co-developed PIMCO's first private equity and hedge fund strategies. Between her time at Bridgewater and PIMCO, Melody spent over two years as a Partner, Executive Committee member and Head of Client Service & Business Development at Brightwood Capital Advisors, a private credit manager. In addition to driving results, Melody is known for building inclusive cultures and accelerating career paths for emerging talent. She is the ultimate culture carrier - a role that is highly valued at Ariel. In 2024, these strengths and more were recognized by Pensions & Investments when Melody was celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award for influential women in institutional investing. Given their deep industry experience and significant roles, Ariel Investments, LLC is thrilled to have Rodney and Melody help lead Ariel Investments, LLC into the future. Both will serve on Ariel's Executive Committee. Additionally, since Melody's responsibilities run across its public and private equity businesses, she will also sit on its firmwide Operating Committee. Yue Bonnet - Thank You and Good Luck Ariel Investments, LLC want to express its sincerest thanks to Yue Bonnet who recently informed Ariel Investments, LLC of her intention to leave Ariel to pursue other opportunities. During her two years at Ariel Alternatives, Yue helped build out the Project Black investment team while sourcing deals and overseeing portfolio companies. In addition, she acted as an important point of contact for its LPs. Ariel Investments, LLC wish her all the best as she moves on. To fill this position, Rodney is mining relationships and interviewing seasoned investment talent to work alongside him. As always, Ariel Investments, LLC appreciate the opportunity to serve you and welcome any questions you might have.

Yahoo Finance

Jul 4th, 2026

Envista Holdings sees 9.5% revenue growth, Barclays cuts price target to $32

Barclays has reiterated an Overweight rating on Envista Holdings Corporation but lowered its price target to $32 from $34. The dental products manufacturer is among top picks of Ariel Investments. Envista reported strong first-quarter results, with 9.5% core revenue growth translating into 25% adjusted EBITDA growth and 50% earnings-per-share growth. The company delivered growth across all major businesses, driven by customer engagement and new product commercialisation. For the full year, Envista maintained its guidance, expecting sales growth of 2% to 4% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 7% to 13%. The company projects adjusted diluted earnings per share between $1.35 and $1.45. Envista manages a portfolio of over 30 dental brands, including Nobel Biocare, Ormco, DEXIS, and Kerr. The company was spun off from Danaher Corporation.

Ariel Investments

Jun 9th, 2026

The 100 most influential people in sports 2026: Mellody Hobson.

The 100 most influential people in sports 2026: Mellody Hobson. June 9, 2026 By TIME Ariel Investments Co-CEO and Project Level Founder Mellody Hobson has been named to TIME's inaugural 100 Most Influential People in Sports list honoring the most prominent figures shaping the global sports landscape. In this interview, Mellody Hobson candidly discusses her opinions on the sports investing market and on private investments held by the Project Level Fund. These opinions are current as of the date of this interview but is subject to change. The information provided in this interview does not provide information reasonably sufficient upon which to base an investment decision and should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. This material should not be considered an offer for any of the securities referenced. The information contained in the interview is not guaranteed as to its accuracy or completeness. Portfolio holdings are subject to change. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Equity investments are risky and subject to the volatility of the markets. The performance of any single portfolio holding is no indication of the performance of other portfolio holdings or its strategy. The intrinsic value of the investments that Project Level makes may be based on incorrect assumptions or estimations, may be affected by declining fundamentals or external forces, and may never be recognized by the broader market. This document may contain forward-looking statements relating to the objectives, opportunities, and the future performance of the markets generally. Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as; "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "estimated," "potential" and other similar terms. Forward-looking statements are subject to various factors, including, but not limited to general and local economic conditions, changing levels of competition within certain industries and markets, changes in interest rates, changes in legislation or regulation, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting a portfolio's operations that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Such statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. None of Project Level, Ariel Investments or any of their affiliates or principals nor any other individual or entity assumes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, subsequent events or any other circumstances. All statements made herein speak only as of the date that they were made.

NFL

Mar 31st, 2026

NFL partners with TMRW Sports and world-class investors and athletes to launch new professional flag football league

The NFL announced today that it is partnering with TMRW Sports to develop and operate a professional flag football league for women and men. The new professional league will launch with support from a broad and influential investor pool, including NFL clu

Ariel Investments

Business Development Associate

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