BOSTON — Deval Patrick has a new job. The former Democratic governor will be joining the Boston firm Bain Capital to develop a line of so-called “social impact” investing to support causes from climate change to hunger.

Bain Capital was founded by Patrick’s predecessor in the governor’s office, Republican Mitt Romney.

Patrick, who made little secret of his desire to return to the private sector, told The Boston Globe that the opportunity is “a chance to have real meaning and mission in my work.”