Portfolio Specialist, JNAM

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Overview of JNAM

Jackson National Life Insurance Company (Jackson) offers products, tools, and support designed to help Americans plan for a retirement with purpose.  Jackson National Asset Management, LLC (JNAM) is the investment manager responsible for selecting and monitoring the external asset managers of the JNL Funds – a series of proprietary mutual funds on the Jackson variable annuity platform – and providing the accounting and administrative services for the Funds. In addition, JNAM directly manages several risk-based multi-strategy fund-of-fund offerings available exclusively through Jackson products.

Working in JNAM Operations

At JNAM, we pursue individuals who exhibit dedication and willingness to learn in a high performing culture.  We encourage collaboration and give our associates and leaders the freedom to speak openly and share new ideas. Our values guide our internal conduct and help define meaningful internal and external relationships.  We attract and retain talent who believe in our culture and take ownership in delivering results.

As one of Chicago’s largest money managers, working at JNAM provides the opportunity to work with complex investment offerings and well-known investment management firms.  Our investment partners are selected and monitored through a rigorous due diligence process focused on performance, repeatability, operations, oversight, and fit.

We firmly believe in the “One Jackson” approach: working closely with our parent company and other affiliates to achieve financial goals, while also recognizing our strength lies in the people we employ and communities we serve. 

We value our people: 

• Fair pay, pay-for-performance, and competitive benefits
• Talent development
• Inclusion & Engagement: Business Resource Associate Groups (BRAGs)
• Emotional well-being
• Financial wellness

We value our community:

• Charitable giving to communities
• Financial education
• Associate volunteerism and giving

Job Purpose

The Portfolio Specialist is responsible for supporting the Investment Management team at JNAM and assisting the Variable Annuity Product Management group at JNLD, as needed. The Portfolio Specialist supports the distributor's sales force with investment related assistance and delivers internal investment and funds training.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers topical market and portfolio investment education presentations.

• Leads project management with internal and external partners. Provides resources and supports other internal groups to ensure Product Management’s needs are met.

• Maintains meeting summaries and materials.

• Updates monthly and quarterly fund reporting and materials to support the fund distributor’s sales force.

• Assists with competitor analysis and distributor sales support.

• Understands sub-advisors on our platform and their investment processes.

• Generates investment portfolio illustrations requested by Distribution wholesalers.

• Understands JNAM portfolio manager selection and construction processes.

• Assists in drafting of summaries, articles, and presentations that address economic, industry, and regulatory issues.

• Provides guidance and direction to external asset managers focused on sub-advised funds marketing efforts.

• Simplifies complex concepts into easily deliverable and understandable points for internal and external audiences.

• Plans and conducts investment and economic training with fund distributor sales personnel and asset managers.

• Manages multiple projects and product launches and reacts quickly to changing priorities.

• Supports new and existing product initiatives through research, data gathering, and ongoing due diligence participation.

• Proactively establishes and manages expectations with management, internal partners, team members, departmental members, and other company personnel as necessary to deliver project results.

• Attends asset manager and industry conferences.

• Employs delegation skills to ensure all team members are making meaningful contributions and advancing their careers.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the asset management and operations aspects of Jackson and ability to work closely with the entities to establish effective policies and procedures.

• Strong knowledge of the financial services industry and its products.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Highly proficient in the entire Microsoft Office suite.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Advanced critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Ability to lead and mentor less experienced staff.

• Ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required.

• Master's Degree preferred.

• 5+ years experience in investment management and/or the financial services industry required.

• FINRA SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 registrations upon hire required.

• Pursuit of Industry Designations (CFA, CAIA, CIMA, CFP) preferred.

Jackson is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The Company subscribes to and endorses federal and state laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, legally-recognized disability, marital status, legally-protected medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other factor not related to the needs of the job. The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Company facilities and campuses are tobacco-free environments.