The Director of Investments provides firm-wide investment oversight, creating alignment and accountability in investment philosophy and trading techniques, while accounting for the needs to each individual client. This person works closely with all partners, lead advisors, and the investment operations team, to efficiently manage client accounts.

The Director of Investments is responsible for the Investment Operations Committee (Service Advisors) execution of investment account rebalancing, trading, and tracking. This role should provide ongoing education, materials, and model portfolio investment talking points to team members. Consistent implementation and creation of systems to create an enduring firm is of top priority.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and implement firm wide Model Portfolios, with rate of return beating Northwestern Mutual’s Signature Portfolio by a defined benchmark. (Competitive benchmarks to measure performance by).

• Chair Investment Committee and drive Objectives and Key Results (OKR’s) forward, holding committee members accountable to their commitments, and presenting to the Executive Committee progress once per quarter.

• Establish a high-net-worth portfolio to include the use of SMA / UMA and Alternative Investments available through Northwestern Mutual’s platform.

• Create high net worth proposals and presentations for prospective clients, joining client meetings to help close the business, including discussing tax consequences and investment costs.

• Joining existing high net worth client meetings to present economic and market updates, discuss portfolio nuances, with the primary goal of developing deep relationships with clients and establishing yourself as a specialist.

• Joining 401(k) Plan Review meetings to present economic and market updates.

• Advise 401(k) Plan trustees on available investment options and aide in making selections. Includes monitoring fund watch or replace list.

• Explaining investment products and performance to clients.

• Lead firm education on the economy, market, and current portfolio. This includes publishing quarterly Economic Update Deck with corresponding talking points.

• Produce a periodic economic perspective letter to be distributed to firm clients.

• Utilizing the Investment Operations Team, holding them accountable to the following:

o Implementation of new portfolio strategies

o Model Portfolio Alignment (on qualified and non-qualified accounts)

o Rebalance cadence and implementation

o Tax-Loss Harvesting – Monitoring opportunities and providing the team with replacement solutions

o RMD Management

o Monitoring Alerts such as high-cash, NSF, check signature mismatch, etc.

o Ensuring compliance requirements are implemented and followed.

• Leading implementation of new processes that will benefit the clients and team members, including staying up to date on technology enhancements.

• All other projects as assigned by management.

INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY

1. Solve your risk-based needs.

2. Provide expert guidance to create a personalized investment strategy consistent with your risk tolerance, time horizon and goals.

3. Utilize diversification through asset allocation to reduce unsystematic risk while maximizing risk-adjusted returns.

4. Implement periodic rebalancing to remove emotion from decision making.

5. Manage the impact of taxes and inflation through tax efficient investments and avoidance strategies.

6. Help you resist the temptation to change your strategy during up or down-markets.

7. Encourage you to start early, invest regularly, and use dollar cost averaging.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently holds Series 7 license

• Currently holds Series 63 or 65 license

• Currently holds Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

• Currently holds (or obtain within 30 days) state Life & Health Insurance license

• A strong background in high touch service

• Previous experience with financial planning and giving recommendations

• Extensive experience with retail investments

• Extensive knowledge of various account types including trusts, various IRA types, 401(k), defined benefit, etc.

• Experience holding others accountable to take action and lead a committee or team

• Knowledge of U.S. tax system and tax treatment of various investments and account types

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills and ability to multitask, set priorities and meet deadlines

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work with a high degree of accuracy

• Ability to proactively identify what needs to be accomplished and take action as appropriate

• Ability to embrace change and work in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Total compensation range of $150,000 - $230,000 is based on location, experience, licensing, and professional designations

• Quarterly variable bonus for performance towards goals

• Health insurance benefits (including vision and dental)

• 4% 401(k) employer match

• Long-term disability policy

• Paid tuition towards required industry licensing, including continuing education and applicable professional designations

• Competitive PTO based on industry tenure

• 11 Paid Holidays

WHO WE ARE

Pillar Financial Group is a specialty planning firm dedicated to delivering a lifetime of sound financial strategy and investment management. One of only 40 original Northwestern Mutual Private Client Groups, Pillar Financial Group pairs Northwestern Mutual’s best-in-class financial products with their own multi-generational team of specialized experts to offer clients comprehensive planning and management services to enrich every stage of their personal and professional lives. At Pillar Financial Group, we focus on the best interests of our clients to improve their lives and the communities we serve. Our core values of integrity, excellence, service, growth, and collaboration drive the work that we do and the relationships we build with our clients each and every day. Pillar Financial Group has experience in all areas of financial planning, including trust, fee based, advisory, business, retirement, tax strategies, and insurance.

To learn more about Pillar Financial Group visit our website: