POSITION SUMMARY:
The Group Director is a critical member of the Financial Advisor / Private Wealth Advisor team. This role helps shape the vision of client service and business management for the Financial Advisor / Private Wealth Advisor team by defining clear roles and responsibilities for each team member and by overseeing daily business operations. This dynamic leader plays a key role in delivering exceptional service to clients, while supporting Financial Advisors / Private Wealth Advisors in the development and execution of their business plans, identifying new business opportunities, and overseeing client meetings and events. The Group Director supports the Financial Advisor / Private Wealth Advisor team holistically, contributing to a strong culture by motivating team members to embrace new ideas and ensure a high level of service.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Business Management & Strategy
- Leads three or more full-time support team members who manage the service and business activities of a team.
- Allocates work across team members, managing priorities and schedules, while serving as an escalation point for team-related issues and concerns.
- Works in conjunction with the Business Service Manager (BSM) to oversee such team responsibilities as interviewing candidates for hire, training team members and offering input on staff performance.
- Oversees the development and implementation of strategies to execute Financial Advisor / Private Wealth Advisor business plans, which may include performance tracking and managing the support staff's monthly compensation.
- Leads support team to establish and cultivate relationships with new and existing clients and proactively guides the resolution of issues and concerns.
- Focuses strategically on client business development.
- Utilizes financial planning tools to analyze complex financial information and participates in client/prospect financial planning presentations.
- Participates in quarterly/annual business performance reviews with clients to help maximize investment performance results.
- Leads business strategy and education sessions with team members to promote Morgan Stanley initiatives and/or the implementation of the firm's capabilities as part of the team's ongoing strategy to deepen and enhance client relationships.
- Works with the Complex Business Service Officer and/or the Business Service Manager to promote and execute firm initiatives, projects, and remediations with team members.
Operational & Administrative Management
- Develops procedures for solving client concerns (logistical, administrative, etc.) and follows through on resolution of client service projects and operational issues.
- Serves as the lead contact with clients for administrative problem resolution and fields general client questions on a wide spectrum of topics.
- Develops strategies to enhance business operations that support revenue-generating activities for the Complex.
- Performs preliminary review of all outgoing correspondence and reports for accuracy.
- Manages service transaction processes for clients in collaboration with team members.
- Partners with the Business Service Manager to monitor team schedules and vacation calendar.
- Plans and leads team staff meetings.
- Serves as the liaison between local management and the Complex team and the main point of contact for interns.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, and SKILLS:
Education and/or Experience
- 10+ years of work experience in a field relevant to the position required.
- Advanced degree or professional certification or industry experience required.
- Active Series 7 (GS) and Series 66 (AG/RA) or Series 63 (AG) and Series 65 (RA).
- Willingness to obtain additional licenses and/or designations as required.
Knowledge/Skills
- Enjoys working with people and solving problems.
- Evidence of strong leadership skills or previous supervisory experience.
- Strong industry and product knowledge, including understanding of applicable compliance rules and regulations.
- Ability to think and execute strategically, prioritize and resolve complex problems and escalate as necessary.
- Detail-oriented with superior organizational and time management skills, including delegation of work.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, providing comprehensive feedback and solutions to complex issues.
- Exceptional conflict resolution skills.
- Team player with the ability to collaborate with others.
- Proficient in applicable software applications.
- Ability and interest to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Reports to:
- Business Service Officer and/or Complex Business Service Officer.