Chief Alternatives Officer

Chief Alternatives Officer

The Chief Alternatives Officer is responsible for leading the organization's alternative investment strategy, including private equity, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure, venture capital, and other non-traditional asset classes. The CAO will drive portfolio diversification, enhance returns, and manage risks associated with alternative investments while aligning with the institution's overall investment objectives.

• Develop and execute alternative investment strategies aligned with overall portfolio objectives.
• Determine allocation across private equity, hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure, and other alternative assets.
• Identify new investment opportunities and emerging asset classes.
• Oversee performance of alternative investment portfolios.
• Monitor returns, liquidity profiles, and diversification benefits.
• Evaluate portfolio performance against benchmarks and targets.
• Lead sourcing of alternative investment opportunities, including fund selection and direct investments.
• Conduct and oversee due diligence on fund managers, assets, and investment structures.
• Negotiate investment terms and agreements.
• Assess risks related to illiquidity, valuation, leverage, and market conditions.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal investment policies.
• Establish governance frameworks for alternative investments.
• Build and maintain relationships with external fund managers, general partners (GPs), and investment firms.
• Monitor manager performance and ensure alignment with investment objectives.
• Evaluate and onboard new investment partners.
• Develop alternative investment products and solutions for clients or internal portfolios.
• Explore co-investment and direct investment opportunities.
• Stay updated on trends in alternative investments and market innovation.
• Develop reporting frameworks for alternative investments, including performance, risk, and valuation metrics.
• Provide insights and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board.
• Ensure transparency in reporting and valuation methodologies.
• Lead and mentor teams focused on alternative investments, research, and portfolio management.
• Build a high-performance culture with strong analytical and investment expertise.
• Drive continuous learning and professional development.
• Communicate alternative investment strategies and performance to stakeholders, clients, and investors.
• Support fundraising, investor relations, and client acquisition initiatives.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and investment committees.

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or related field; MBA, CFA, or equivalent preferred.
• 12–15+ years of experience in alternative investments, asset management, or investment banking.
• Proven track record in managing alternative investment portfolios.
• Strong understanding of private markets, fund structures, and investment strategies.

• Strong analytical and investment evaluation skills.
• Deep knowledge of alternative asset classes and market trends.
• Strategic thinking and portfolio diversification expertise.
• Leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong negotiation and due diligence capabilities.

• Returns from alternative investment portfolios.
• Portfolio diversification and risk-adjusted performance.
• Success of investment sourcing and deal execution.
• Performance of external fund managers.
• Compliance and governance adherence.