The Beneficiary Research Specialist is responsible for identifying and verifying beneficiaries for accounts of deceased individuals. This role plays a crucial part in ensuring a smooth transition of assets by conducting thorough research to confirm beneficiaries’ identities and entitlements. The specialist will work closely with internal teams to ensure all regulatory and legal requirements are met, providing a best-in-class experience using procedures established to meet or exceed productivity, timeliness and quality standards set by the department. This role is ideal for individuals who are detail oriented empathetic and committed to providing a respectful and supportive experience for beneficiaries.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Conduct detailed research to identify and verify beneficiaries on deceased individuals accounts including reviewing account documentation and legal records.
Evaluate beneficiary eligibility including reviewing documents for compliance with legal standards such as ERISA where applicable.
Document research findings and maintain detailed records of all interactions and determinations in relevant systems.
Assist in the resolution of complex cases by working with legal and compliance teams as needed.
Process fund transfers from decedent accounts to beneficiary accounts in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Educational Requirements
- High School Preferred
Work Experience
- No Experience Required
FINRA Registrations
- SRC Indicator: NRF
Physical Requirements
- Physical Requirements: Sedentary Work
Career Level
2IC
Preferred Qualifications:
1 or more years of experience in the financial services industry preferably in a research operations or compliance role.
Analytical and research skills with a high level of attention to detail
Familiarity with account processing and record keeping systems
Experience working in a high-volume, deadline driven environment
Knowledge of ERISA and other relevant regulatory standards
Experience handling multiple cases simultaneously
Anticipated Posting End Date:
2026-05-28Base Pay Range: $19.81/hr - $28.85/hrActual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location. In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans).
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Company Overview
Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us.
Our Culture of Impact
At TIAA, we're on a mission to build on our 100+ year legacy of delivering for our clients while evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. We equip our associates with future-focused skills and AI tools that enable us to advance our mission. Together, we are fighting to ensure a more secure financial future for all and for generations to come. We are guided by our values: Champion Our People, Be Client Obsessed, Lead with Integrity, Own It, and Win As One. They influence every decision we make and how we work together to serve our clients every day. We thrive in a collaborative in-office environment where teams work across organizational boundaries with shared purpose, accelerating innovation and delivering meaningful results. Our workplace brings together TIAA and Nuveen's entrepreneurial spirit, where we work hard and work together to create lasting impact. Here, every associate can grow through meaningful learning experiences and development pathways—because when our people succeed, our impact on clients' lives grows stronger.
Benefits and Total Rewards
The organization is committed to making financial well-being possible for its clients, and is equally committed to the well-being of our associates. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to make a positive difference in the lives of our associates and their loved ones. Our benefits include a superior retirement program and highly competitive health, wellness and work life offerings that can help you achieve and maintain your best possible physical, emotional and financial well-being. To learn more about your benefits, please review our Benefits Summary.
Equal Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. TIAA does not discriminate against any candidate or employee on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.
Our full EEO & Non-Discrimination statement is on our careers home page, and you can read more about your rights and view government notices here.
Accessibility Support
TIAA offers support for those who need assistance with our online application process to provide an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities.
If you are a U.S. applicant and desire a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application please use one of the below options to contact our accessibility support team:
Phone: (800) 842-2755
Email: [email protected]
Drug and Smoking Policy
TIAA maintains a drug-free and smoke/free workplace.
Privacy Notices
For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in US (other than California), click here.
For Applicants of TIAA, Nuveen and Affiliates residing in California, please click here.
For Applicants of TIAA Global Capabilities, click here.
For Applicants of Nuveen residing in Europe and APAC, please click here.
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- 1 or more years of experience in research operations or compliance
- Analytical and research skills
- Attention to detail
TIAA Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about TIAA and has not been reviewed or approved by TIAA.
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Retirement Support — Employer-funded retirement plans, a pension, and matching contributions are emphasized as signature strengths that materially bolster long-term savings. Complimentary advisory resources and a retiree healthcare savings program further reinforce retirement preparedness.
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Parental & Family Support — Generous paid parental leave and caregiver leave are paired with adoption/surrogacy assistance and back-up child/elder care. Additional supports such as Milk Stork and tutoring resources signal a family-friendly design.
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Healthcare Strength — Multiple medical plan options, strong dental and vision coverage, and automatic life and disability insurance are offered. Wellness resources, mental health support, and tax-advantaged accounts enhance overall health security.
TIAA Insights
What We Do
Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, weʼve delivered it for millions of people—and weʼre not done yet. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us. And weʼre hiring. When you work at TIAA, youʼre making a difference in the lives of our clients. Weʼre always on the lookout for great people to become part of our coalition of champions and are committed to providing equal opportunity across all employment practices as we believe our employees have a right to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Join our team today in the fight to help more people to and through retirement.
Why Work With Us
TIAA provides financial security for millions and offers our employees opportunities to grow in a culture that embraces diversity, innovation, and high performance.
