Job Details

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 on 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.

Qualifications - External

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 Manager and/or Complex Business Service Officer.