Strategic Planning Director jobs in Ames, IA

ROLE PROFILE:

The Director of Planning role will be responsible for defining and executing planning strategies related to the financial planning services we provide for our clients. In collaboration with our Leadership team, Advisors, and other team members, this individual will own and have a deep understanding of Financial Planning services as well as lead the Investment and Planning Associate team members responsible for the following: building and updating comprehensive financial plans, preparing for client presentations, executing on new client onboarding, and opportunity management. The Director of Planning role will be required to proactively seek to maximize value for clients, including but not limited to reviewing market trends, regulatory environment, and the latest technology available in order to provide innovation and thought leadership to the planning committee, Advisors, and MJWM leadership. The Director of Planning and Associates do not have direct client relationship management responsibilities but instead, works closely with the Advisors to understand client inputs to the plan and the recommendations of the Advisor in order to design, construct, & implement the plans.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the design, construction, and implementation of plan presentations for clients and prospects ensuring efficient, accurate, and timely execution.
• Lead the firm’s Planning Committee including the creation of financial planning advice standards, planning philosophy, cutting-edge planning strategy, and financial plan construction/communication techniques.
• Develop customized planning strategies and construct plans aligned with client objectives and consistent with the firm’s planning strategy.
• Liaise with the Sophisticated Planning Strategies team regarding complex planning strategies.
• Collaborate with other client advisors (attorneys, accountants) to build the most accurate plan and efficient experience for the client.
• Proactive client plan analysis; identifying inefficiencies and opportunities, including recommendations and execution of solutions.
• Lead the Investment and Planning Associate team members responsible for the following: building and updating comprehensive financial plans, preparing for client presentations, executing new client onboarding, and opportunity management. Maintain a high client service level by working closely with the advisor and client service advisor team to meet client needs.
• Meet with clients on an as-needed basis and present recommendations as appropriate.
• Own the MJWM Planning handbook and related processes and procedures.
• Mentor the Planning team in executing the MJWM Planning handbook and related processes and procedures including conducting training sessions for each team level.
• Maintain current industry and regulatory knowledge impacting financial planning operations, and update processes as needed to ensure compliance.
• Implement Financial Planning best practices and process improvement.
• Collaborate with our Corporate Home Office partners to advocate for necessary financial planning software changes as needed.
• Be active, present, and proactive in engagement on Corporate Home Office Committees as the opportunity arises.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree with major in financial planning, finance, economics, accounting or related field required
• Experience: 7-10 years in the Financial Planning Industry
• You have acquired at least 2 of the following professional designations with 1 being primary: Primary designations: CFP, CPWA o Secondary designations CFA, CAIA, CPA, JD, MBA, CIMA • FINRA SIE, Series 7 and series 63 (preferred or obtainable within 3 months on the job)
• Life & Health Insurance License (preferred or obtainable within 3 months on the job) Completion of Northwestern Mutual Signature advisory training
• Financial Planning process knowledge and software experience required
• Microsoft Office proficiency

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• High business acumen; understanding of key drivers of ROI/ROE and enterprise value
• Strong ability to cultivate and maintain relationships
• Self-confidence/self-esteem combined with emotional intelligence
• Humility - Acknowledgement of strengths and limitations while maintaining an open mind and a desire to continuously learn from others
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Approachable, respectful, inclusive communication
• Ability to convey financial knowledge to clients, advocates, and team members. Strategic thinker and a team player
• Works collegially and productively with clients, peers, and other team members Trustworthiness and Integrity-This is a cornerstone of MJWM
• Leadership qualities; ability to delegate and hold oneself and others accountable Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback • Effectively manages, mentors and coaches others
• Ability to work independently and on a team • Ability to maintain confidentiality Ability to embrace change and work in a fast-paced environment
• Thorough preparation and organization
• Willingness to do “extra” for the benefit of clients and the business • Exhibits the cultural values of MJWM

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person