The Director of Financial Planning serves as a critical support resource for approximately 1,450 financial advisors, assisting them in addressing complex financial planning needs within their advisory practices. This role focuses on leveraging technical expertise to construct comprehensive financial plans, identifying strategic planning opportunities across various disciplines such as investment, tax, estate, retirement, and insurance. The position requires direct engagement with investors and financial advisors, demanding exceptional presentation skills to effectively communicate recommendations and foster collaborative relationships. In addition to financial planning, this role will include ownership over projects supporting the initiatives of the Advanced Planning department.
What You'll Do:- Provide mentorship and guidance to financial planners and junior team members.
- Lead and execute special projects designed to advance the strategic priorities of the Advanced Planning department.
- Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, tools, and service delivery models.
- Take ownership of tech stack - analyze and make recommendations regarding adoption of new planning tools.
- Drive the development of new planning frameworks, client deliverables, and intellectual capital.
- Create and deliver educational content for internal teams and clients (e.g., presentations, whitepapers, webinars).
- Collaborate with financial advisors to gather client data, assess financial goals, and develop tailored financial plans using advanced modeling techniques and software tools.
- Analyze client financial situations to identify planning opportunities and risks across multiple disciplines, including investment strategies, tax optimization, estate planning, retirement income projections, and insurance coverage.
- Prepare and deliver high-impact presentations of financial plans and recommendations to investors, financial advisors, and other stakeholders, translating complex concepts into clear, actionable insights.
- Provide ongoing support and consultation to financial advisors on planning best practices, planning technology, emerging trends, and customized solutions for their client base.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial planning regulations, market conditions, and industry developments to enhance advisory support.
- Document all planning activities, recommendations, and client interactions in accordance with firm policies and compliance requirements.
- Attend company sponsored conferences and events and actively engage with attendees.
What You Bring: - Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in financial planning, with demonstrated success in executing sophisticated planning strategies and driving cross-functional initiatives.
- CFP Required.
- Motivated to improve processes and excited for the opportunity to build up the planning offering.
- In-depth knowledge of financial planning principles, including investment analysis, tax strategies, estate planning, retirement modeling, and risk management.
- Proficiency in financial planning software (e.g., MoneyGuidePro, eMoney, RightCapital, Holistiplan, or similar tools) and advanced Excel modeling for scenario analysis and projections.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex financial data and identify optimization opportunities.
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including investors and advisors.
- Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with financial advisors and clients, demonstrating empathy, professionalism, and a client-centric approach.
- High attention to detail, organizational skills, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment supporting a large advisor network.
- Experience working with High-Net-Worth clients (above $10M in net worth) preferred.
- Interest in staying abreast of planning technology as it evolves through AI.
Internal Application Policy:Internal applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum of 1 year of service with Kestra. Internal applicants must also have a minimum of 1 year service in current role unless approved by EVP.
Benefits to support you:- Competitive pay and benefits with a large employer (over 1600 employees nationwide)
- 401(k), health insurance, and a competitive benefits package
- Work in a supportive, collaborative environment committed to professional excellence
- Help clients navigate meaningful financial decisions with confidence
- Opportunities for training, development, and long-term growth within the firm
- Tuition reimbursement for qualified expenses
