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
Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $55,000 and $105,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.