About Independence

General Summary

The Business Development Officer will play a pivotal roll in bringing in new business and strengthening relationships with clients.

Major Responsibilities

• Source and develop new business prospects and manage their conversion into clients, thereby driving revenues and increasing assets. As part of this effort, make effective presentations to prospects, communicating the full capabilities of Independence.
• Collaborate with peers to transition relationships effectively to Independence and to ensure that new clients receive the proper attention and exposure to the relevant services.
• Leverage the expertise and capabilities of all team members and coordinate their introduction to new clients as appropriate.
• Continually update knowledge of Independence’s services so as to be an effective representative of the firm in the face of potential new clients and those who can refer new clients.
• Foster environment of teamwork and exceptional service orientation through supporting company service initiatives.

Experience

• Substantial experience in the wealth management industry and knowledge of different product areas. Comprehensive knowledge of investments, tax and estate planning, and/or banking services. Thorough understanding of the wealth planning process.
• Proven record of success at sourcing and selling to an existing book of similar type clients. It is essential that this candidate has succeeded on his/her own without being “fed” business from his or her existing institution.
• Broad and solid understanding of investment principles and financial markets, including: asset allocation techniques, investment solutions, financial planning concepts, Monte Carlo simulation, tax and estate planning, private banking, philanthropy and foundations, and trust and fiduciary services.
• Strong familiarity and network with the market and its potential from a private wealth perspective.
• Exceptional communication skills, team building skills, and the ability to build rapport with internal and external customers. Ability to effectively articulate and explain wealth management strategies and services to clients and prospects.
• Team player, positive “can do” attitude and continued promotion of corporate culture.
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree/designation (JD, CPA, MBA) preferred.

Critical for Success

• Proven ability to develop new client relationships in the high net worth space. The key measure of success in this role will be the development of a high net worth client base that generates consistent and growing revenues for Independence, within a competitive market. The Director will achieve this by:
  • Effectively identifying and mapping the opportunity for capturing additional high net worth client business in the market
  • Investing time in client-facing activities to understand new clients’ needs
  • Properly positioning the breadth of offerings available through Independence
• Deep knowledge of the various services and solutions relevant to high net worth clients. The set of solutions demanded by high net worth clients is constantly expanding in both breadth and sophistication. To be successful in cultivating this client base, the Director will need to command respect by:
  • Demonstrating sound knowledge of a wide range of solutions (investments, fiduciary, liquidity management, philanthropic services, wealth planning, etc.)
  • Exercising strong analytical capabilities and demonstrating knowledge of the financial markets through an expression of a market view
• Collaboration, communications skills, and team orientation. Independence is an institution with extensive capabilities and a strong team dedicated to delivering a wide variety of services. The success of the overall institution depends on individuals’ ability to leverage those broad capabilities and partner with colleagues in capturing new business. The successful Director will do this by:
  • Collaborating with colleagues across the firm, and bringing the right team to bear on each new business development effort
  • Coordinating effectively with senior management to constantly nourish potential clients that are appropriate for Independence

Other Personal Characteristics

• High degree of integrity and professionalism.
• Self-motivated; high energy; driven to perform.
• Articulate, sophisticated and worldly; interpersonally connects well with Independence’s client audience.
• Flexible, yet decisive, without being heavy-handed.
• Effective interpersonal and influencing skills; outstanding communicator.
• Sense of humor.