Job Description Summary: The primary role of the Director, Investment Strategy (Integration) is to successfully lead firms joining Focus through the process of onboarding onto the unified investment platform. The Director, Investment Strategy participates in the full life cycle of integration. They may engage with firms considering joining helping them learn about Focus's investment philosophy and platform but most of their time is spent with firms post-closing. They are responsible for becoming intimately familiar with a firm's current investment approach and building relationships with the legacy leadership and advisory teams. With the support of one or more analysts, they develop a plan for transitioning client investment portfolios and proprietary strategies to Focus approved options and oversee its execution. Throughout the process, they educate advisors and collaborate with them to ensure a smooth process that supports high client retention while building scale.
This position can be based out of the following locations on a hybrid basis:
Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO or Boston, MA
Job Description: Primary Responsibilities - Create and oversee the execution of integration plans that successfully bring firms joining Focus onto our unified investment platform
- Develop an understanding of legacy firms' investment portfolios and proprietary strategies
- Work with legacy firms to select options from the approved investment platform to direct legacy client portfolios towards moving forward
- Work closely with the portfolio operations team to ensure the proper integration of these targets into centralized portfolio management
- With analyst and trading support, oversee the gradual migration out of legacy positions and into recommended strategies being mindful of tax consequences
- Serve as the primary liaison to legacy firm and investment leadership teams, communicating effectively and building buy-in throughout the process
- Collaborate with the investment strategist team to educate legacy firm advisors on the investment platform giving them confidence to talk to clients and prospects
- Coordinate with integration leadership and other functional areas to manage the sequencing and schedule for firm integrations and provide regular status updates to stakeholders
Qualifications - Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Math, or related field
- 15+ years of work experience in an investment-related, communications, or technical positions
- Experience with trading and rebalancing on the investment side for the integration role.
- Broad knowledge of public and private investment strategies
- Experience working with portfolio models and portfolio rebalancing systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams through the successful completion of a multi-phase projects
- Ability to work effectively as a team player and collaborate across disciplines
- Experience with M&A investment integration
- Skilled at building trust and the respect of business leaders and advisors
- Excel in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple demands with a high attention to detail
- Experience planning projects or initiatives including resource loading and scheduling
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, a high degree of ethics and maintain confidentiality
- Ability to effectively communicate with business leaders and advisors in group and one-on-one settings
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and make effective decisions that balance multiple competing priorities
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
This position is an exempt position. The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $240,000-$260,000 base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate's experience and education.
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