Director, Alternatives Strategy

BMO•Toronto, ON

1d•$89,800 - $139,800

About The Position

The North American Investment Manager Research (“NAIMR”) Team works within BMO Private Wealth to provide Nesbitt Burns Investment Advisors (“IA”) and BPIC Investment Counselors (“IC”) the advice, research, and information they need to make insightful recommendations to clients across all asset classes. The Alternatives Strategist / Specialist role focuses primarily on alternative investments recommendations, product due diligence, and platform oversight across the alternatives universe (open- and closed-end funds). This includes serving as an in-house expert and key resource for IAs and ICs, identifying and creating investment solutions, and developing educational materials to support confident and compliant adoption of alternatives across the platform. This position is part of the broader North American Alternatives team, comprised of professionals based in Canada and the U.S., collaborating to deliver a consistent, high-quality alternatives offering.

Requirements

Undergraduate or graduate degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in the investment industry; exposure to alternative assets strongly preferred.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in spreadsheet analysis and financial modeling required.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with strong analytical rigor and sound judgment.
Deep knowledge of private markets and alternatives structures (open/closed-end, liquidity terms, vehicles, fee structures).
Strong due diligence capabilities, including manager assessment, underwriting discipline, and risk evaluation.
Clear, concise writing and strong presentation skills; able to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.
Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
High attention to detail, comfort operating within governance and regulatory frameworks.
Collaborative, proactive mindset with an ability to execute independently and influence outcomes.

Nice To Haves

CFA, CAIA, or other investment-related designation preferred.
Experience with investment operations and/or middle office is a valuable asset.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end evaluation of alternative investment offerings across private equity, private credit, real assets, and structured and asset-backed opportunities.
Conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative due diligence (strategy, team, process, performance, risk, liquidity, structure, fees, operational strength) and produce clear, decision-ready recommendations.
Partner with the alternatives team to identify, select, and diligence “buy list” / recommended funds across the full alternatives universe (open- and closed-end).
Drive expansion into complex, non-traditional strategies by applying disciplined market analysis and developing institutional-grade underwriting/analytical frameworks.
Spearhead alternatives platform strategy and support product integration from origination and underwriting review through execution readiness and platform implementation.
Maintain and oversee the Approved Product List, including ongoing monitoring, periodic reviews, and escalation of risks or changes impacting suitability.
Build and manage a Recommended List to support advisor selection, portfolio implementation, and consistency of client outcomes.
Contribute to Product Review Committee meetings; coordinate with cross-functional partners (Risk, Compliance, Legal, Operations, Distribution) to ensure robust governance and clear documentation.
Stay current on the evolving regulatory framework impacting alternatives, product governance, and client suitability.
Serve as a trusted advisor resource to IAs and ICs on portfolio construction, structuring, and client suitability, including one-off recommendations and solution design across multiple alternatives strategies.
Provide portfolio reviews and book-of-business reviews, offering practical implementation guidance aligned with client objectives and constraints.
Develop and deliver advisor- and client-facing communications, including: Daily, monthly, and quarterly publications, Contributions to the research desk’s themed reports, Ad hoc research and timely market/product commentary.
Conduct branch presentations and client presentations, translating complex alternatives concepts into clear, actionable insights.
Act as a key point of contact for Risk, Compliance, and Operations on alternatives product matters.
Manage and support the business relationship/interest with Morningstar (as applicable to research workflows, coverage, or data needs).
Support other groups and lines of business as required.
Participate in relevant industry bodies and committees to remain current on trends, best practices, and market developments.
Build strategic relationships with external managers, originators, and financing providers to source differentiated private market opportunities and help scale emerging verticals.