Director, Investment Solutions and Due Diligence

Come join the dynamic team at Kestra Financial! Kestra Financial provides a leading independent advisor platform that empowers sophisticated, independent financial professionals, including traditional and hybrid RIAs, to prosper, grow, and provide superior client service. With a culture rich in reinvention and advisor advocacy, Kestra Financial has developed integrated business management technology that, combined with its personalized consulting services, offers exceptional scale and efficiency. Kestra Financial supports independent financial advisors in delivering comprehensive securities and investment advisory services to their clients.


The Director of Portfolio Construction and Due Diligence serves as a pivotal leader within Kestra’s Wealth Management team, empowering Kestra’s advisors with robust portfolio construction strategies and investment solutions. This role oversees the investment product due diligence team, ensuring rigorous evaluation of investment options made available through the Kestra platform. Additionally, this role will lead the aggregation, coordination and dissemination of research and investment insights from various asset management partners, including Kestra Investment Management, into practical, advisor-ready investment solutions. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with deep expertise in portfolio management and a passion for driving advisor success through innovative investment approaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage Kestra’s investment product due diligence team, establishing and maintaining high standards for evaluating a broad range of investment offerings, including alternative investments (e.g., private equity, private credit, private real estate, DSTs, QOZs, Structured Products, and other complex products) and manager research across various asset classes.
• Maintain deep product expertise to rigorously assess and ensure the quality and suitability of investment products on the Kestra platform, serving as a critical line of defense through representation on investment and risk committees while collaborating effectively with Compliance and Legal to instill confidence in the firm’s offerings.
◦ Develop and cultivate trusted relationships with Kestra advisors and represent the Wealth Management capabilities and solutions to advisor recruits considering joining Kestra.
• Collaborate with advisors to develop customized portfolio solutions that integrate alternative investments, complex products, and separately managed accounts into their investment process in general or specific client engagements as needed.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, market developments, and emerging investment opportunities across both public and private markets to inform investment solution roster.
• Serve as a subject matter expert, delivering training and insights to advisors and internal teams on portfolio construction, investment selection, and the evaluation of both alternative investments and investment managers.
• Foster strong relationships with asset management partners, including those offering alternative investments and traditional strategies, to enhance research coordination and product evaluation processes.
• Mentor and develop the due diligence team, fostering a culture of continuous learning, technical expertise, and excellence in analyzing complex investment vehicles and manager performance.
• Support and partner with Kestra Insurance Planning to evaluate variable insurance products and issuing carriers as needed.
SKILLS:
• Strong presentation skills, both to financial advisors and clients.
• Experience with investment & portfolio analysis solutions such as Factset, Preqin, Morningstar Direct, or other similar solutions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Undergraduate degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience in HNW wealth management and advice delivery.
• Prior experience managing a team of analysts
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION:
• FINRA Series 7 and 63/65 (or 66) - Can be obtained within 6 months of start date
• CFA Required. CAIA preferred.
OTHER DUTIES:
• Ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time in office environment well lit.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Position is located in Austin, TX office. Must be able to work in the office during scheduled hours.
• Travel Required; 15%


INTERNAL APPLICANT POLICY:
Internal applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum of 1 year of service with Kestra. Internal applicants must also have a minimum of 1 year service in current role unless approved by EVP.

BENEFITS:
Full health, vision, dental. 401(k) plans along with a host of voluntary plans such as car insurance, legal services and more (applicab