HEAD OF WEALTH CHANNELS, ALLOCATORS & DISTRIBUTORS

SUMMARY

The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) is seeking a Head of Wealth Channels, Allocators & Distributors to lead the association’s strategy, relationships, and engagement efforts for its distribution partner membership, including registered investment advisers (RIAs), broker-dealers, banks, family offices, wealth platforms, and other key distribution firms. This is a senior, outward-facing leadership role for an experienced professional who can independently own and drive this important area of IPA’s work. The successful candidate will serve as the primary lead for this membership constituency, independently building strong relationships, shaping meaningful programming and engagement opportunities, and helping expand participation, retention, and growth. This individual will work closely with IPA leadership to ensure distribution partners are well represented across the association’s committees, conferences, and broader strategic initiatives.

The association is based in Washington, D.C. but our staff works remotely. This role requires up to 20% travel.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AND ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities:

·        Lead the development and execution of IPA’s overall strategy for its distribution partner membership, including registered investment advisers (RIAs), broker-dealers, banks, family offices, wealth platforms, and other key distribution firms.

·        Serve as the association’s primary relationship lead for distribution partners, building and maintaining strong relationships with current and prospective member firms across the wealth and distribution ecosystem.

·        Develop a deep understanding of the business priorities, market challenges, and strategic interests of RIAs, broker-dealers, and other distribution partners, and translate those insights into meaningful association initiatives and engagement opportunities.

·        Lead IPA’s efforts to strengthen the value proposition for distribution partners by shaping relevant programming, resources, convenings, and opportunities for participation across the association.

·        Oversee and drive distribution partner engagement across IPA committees, councils, conferences, roundtables, and other strategic initiatives, helping ensure this constituency is meaningfully represented throughout the organization.

·        Lead the Wealth Managers, Distributors & Allocators Committee, including related subcommittees and working groups, and support the continued development of the RIA Advisory Council in coordination with IPA leadership.

·        Develop and oversee programming tailored to distribution partners, including webinars, forums, roundtables, policy briefings, and other targeted member engagements.

·        Help shape content and participation opportunities for distribution partners at IPA conferences and events, including identifying topics, speakers, and formats that will be valuable to this audience.

·        Work closely with IPA leadership and staff to identify opportunities to grow distribution partner membership, deepen engagement, and strengthen retention among existing member firms.

·        Support outreach to prospective distribution partner members, communicate the value of IPA membership, and help cultivate and onboard new firms.

·        Coordinate with IPA’s advocacy and policy team on legislative, regulatory, and industry issues affecting distribution partners, helping ensure their perspectives are reflected in the association’s broader work.

·        Support the development of thought leadership, research, and other strategic content relevant to RIAs, broker-dealers, and other distribution partners active in alternative investments.

·        Track outreach, relationships, membership opportunities, and engagement activity, and provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to IPA leadership.

·        Represent the IPA in meetings, industry forums, conferences, and other external settings involving distribution partners and related stakeholders.

·        Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience Required:

·        7-10+ years of relevant professional experience in relationship management, business development, membership strategy, client coverage, distribution, wealth management, association leadership, or a closely related field.

·        Demonstrated experience independently leading a key business function, membership segment, client channel, or strategic initiative from planning through execution.

·        Strong understanding of the financial services industry required; experience working with or alongside registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, banks, family offices, wealth platforms, asset managers, or alternative investment firms strongly preferred.

·        Demonstrated ability to build credibility and maintain senior-level relationships with executives and other stakeholders across the wealth, distribution, and asset management landscape.

·        Experience developing programming, convening committees or working groups, and translating stakeholder needs into actionable initiatives preferred.

·        Experience in a trade association, membership organization, industry-facing business development role, or similarly relationship-driven environment is a plus.

General Requirements:

·        Proven ability to lead independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage a high-profile member constituency with minimal oversight.

·        Strong strategic, interpersonal, and business judgment, with the ability to identify opportunities, build consensus, and drive execution.

·        Excellent relationship management skills and professional credibility, with the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, members, prospective members, and external stakeholders.

·        Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to represent the association effectively in both formal and informal settings.

·        Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, relationships, and deadlines simultaneously.

·        High degree of initiative, accountability, professionalism, and discretion.

·        Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

·        Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to advancing the mission of the IPA.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: President & CEO

COMPENSATION

Total compensation (base salary + bonus): $150,000 to $175,000, commensurate with experience, with potential for growth as responsibilities expand. Title will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE IPA

For more than 40 years, the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) has served as the leading voice for global asset managers, distributors and service providers in the private markets and alternative investment industry. We deliver best-in-class education for practitioners and champion policies that expand investor access to wealth-building private market strategies, including real estate, credit, infrastructure, private equity and venture capital, among other asset classes. These investments offer lower correlation to public markets, strengthen retirement outcomes and enhance portfolio diversification while operating within robust investor-protection standards. Over the past 25 years, private market and alternative investments have driven more than $1 trillion in capital formation, playing a critical role in fueling national and local economic growth. Further information about the IPA is available at www.ipa.com.