Alternative Investments, Product Manager

About the role

Will develop, structure, position, and implement alternative investment strategies intended to serve TIAA's Defined Contribution client base. Will be responsible for the launch of dedicated alternative products for the DC channel, including proprietary products and third-party partnerships. This leader will assess and maintain the competitiveness of established and emerging product offerings from both an investment and business performance perspective. The role will achieve results through idea generation and deep collaboration with the Retirement Product team, distribution, senior investment management, legal & compliance, marketing, operations, and finance personnel.

Responsibilities

• Leads the end-to-end development and launch of alternative investment products designed specifically for the DC channel, including both proprietary strategies and partnership-based solutions.
• Creates strategic product plans that evaluate and refine alternative investment vehicles, including Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) and other relevant structures, based on financial, regulatory, operational, and market considerations; plans will include implementation, marketing, and sales components.
• Serves as the primary subject matter expert on alternative products for the DC channel, engaging directly with plan sponsors, consultants, and clients for due diligence, client servicing, and new business purposes.
• Partners closely with the Retirement Product team and distribution to ensure alignment on product strategy, positioning, competitive differentiation, and go-to-market execution.
• Drives overall launch and implementation of new alternative DC products by coordinating cross-functional teams and managing project timelines; includes managing the internal governance and approval process.
• Develops and maintains deep knowledge of DC-specific investment vehicle structures, with particular expertise in CITs, and an understanding of regulatory, operational, and plan sponsor requirements associated with each.
• Oversees and evaluates the competitive positioning of alternative DC products relative to the broader market; identifies product gaps and opportunities, and develops recommendations for organic development or external partnerships to address them.
• Leads product positioning efforts, developing clear and compelling investment rationale and client-facing materials that communicate the role of alternatives within a DC portfolio context.
• Ensures all products are compliant with applicable regulatory requirements and align with TIAA's risk management and governance standards.

Requirements

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's Degree Required

Work Experience: 5+ Years Required; 7+ Years Preferred

Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work

Career Level: 8IC

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of defined contribution or alternative investments product development experience

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of defined contribution or alternative investments product development experience
• Alternative investments product experience
• Asset management experience
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across a matrixed organization

Skills

• Commercial Mindset
• Consultative Communication
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Investment Strategy Acumen
• Market/Industry Dynamics
• Nuveen Products/Services Acumen
• Product Design
• Product Development
• Product Management
• Product Opportunity Assessment
• Product Performance/Improvement Monitoring
• Research Synthesization
• Technical Writing

Pay

Base Pay Range: $162,000/yr - $205,000/yr

Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans).

Benefits

The organization is committed to making financial well-being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well-being of our associates. That's why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness and work life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional and financial well-being.