Alternative Investments, Product Manager

TIAA • Chicago, IL

2d • $162,000 - $205,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Product Manager, Alternatives will develop, structure, position, and implement alternative investment strategies for TIAA’s Defined Contribution (DC) clients. The role leads launches of dedicated alternative products for the DC channel, including proprietary products and third-party partnerships, and evaluates established and emerging offerings from both investment and business-performance perspectives.

The position works closely with the Retirement Product team, distribution, senior investment management, legal and compliance, marketing, operations, and finance. It serves as the primary subject matter expert on DC alternative products, supports due diligence and client servicing, and coordinates cross-functional teams and internal governance to bring products to market. The role also monitors competitive positioning, identifies product opportunities, and ensures products meet applicable regulatory requirements and TIAA risk-management and governance standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least 5 years of defined contribution or alternative investments product development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
• Related skills include commercial mindset, consultative communication, continuous improvement mindset, investment strategy acumen, market and industry dynamics, Nuveen products and services acumen, product design, product development, product management, product opportunity assessment, product performance and improvement monitoring, research synthesis, and technical writing.

Nice To Haves

• At least 7 years of defined contribution or alternative investments product development experience.
• Alternative investments product experience.
• Asset management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and launch of alternative investment products designed for the DC channel, including proprietary strategies and partnership-based solutions.
• Create strategic product plans that evaluate and refine alternative investment vehicles, including Collective Investment Trusts (CITs), considering financial, regulatory, operational, and market factors; include implementation, marketing, and sales components.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on alternative DC products, engaging with plan sponsors, consultants, and clients for due diligence, client servicing, and new business.
• Partner with the Retirement Product team and distribution on product strategy, positioning, competitive differentiation, and go-to-market execution.
• Drive launches and implementation of new alternative DC products by coordinating cross-functional teams, managing project timelines, and overseeing internal governance and approval processes.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of DC-specific investment vehicle structures, particularly CITs, and related regulatory, operational, and plan sponsor requirements.
• Evaluate competitive positioning of alternative DC products, identify gaps and opportunities, and recommend organic development or external partnerships.
• Lead product positioning and develop investment rationale and client-facing materials explaining the role of alternatives within a DC portfolio.
• Ensure products comply with applicable regulatory requirements and align with TIAA risk-management and governance standards.

Benefits

• Superior retirement program.
• Competitive health, wellness, and work-life offerings.
• A comprehensive Total Rewards package supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Incentive program participation may be included depending on the role.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior