Advanced Design Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

General Position Summary

• This position is a critical component of the overall mission of Cornerstone Advisors.

• The individual is responsible for not only determining what information is needed from a prospect, but also disseminating, organizing, and analyzing the information and formulating a game plan that meets the prospect’s objectives.

• In addition to being an expert on advanced design concepts, the specialist also needs to be an expert on insurance products and their integration with the estate and business plan. Must be able to keep abreast of rapidly changing tax laws and integrate them into existing and new clients' estate and business plans.

• Must be able to effectively communicate estate plan concepts to both clients and their advisors.

Compensation:

$55,000 - $85,000 yearly

Responsibilities: Major Duties/Essential Functions

Project Coordinator/Manager:

• Create a timeline, outline steps, and assign tasks for implementation of projects.

• Help or lead case progression for advisors and clients and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.

• Create scope of work with an estimate of hours and associated fees.

Data Gathering and Analysis:

• Review, outline, and analyze existing estate and business documents; provide recommendations for improvement of the same.

• Review, summarize, and analyze existing insurance policies.

  • Prepare in-force reviews and recommendations.

  • Recommend any 1035 exchanges or replacements.

  • Review corporate financial statements and provide a concise summary.

• Prepare a personal balance sheet – disseminate which assets are included in the estate for estate tax purposes.

• Create flow chart of existing estate plan for client/spouse.

Plan Design

• Provide input into the development of the estate and/or business plan.

• Consider and analyze, propose, and integrate advanced design concepts such as IDGTs, sales to IDGTs, GRATs, Charitable planning, outright gifting, etc., into the plan.

• Maintain the internal library containing estate planning reference material and new ideas. Identify ideas and articles for the library from various sources.

• Consult with external advisors as to the recommendations for the new plan.

• Participate with other members of the team in preparing the presentation.

• Recommend amounts of insurance, ownership of insurance, and payment design (source of funds).

  • Includes illustration design, product selection, and integration of insurance into the estate plan (both existing and new insurance).

• Analyze impact on estate for gifting or exemption utilization.

Presentation

• Participate in pre-internal review meeting with team prior to client meeting to ensure preparedness

• Participate when needed to meet with clients for presentations, reviews, updates to estate and business plan.

  • Be able to clearly articulate recommendations and handle objections from the client.

• Ensure post-meeting notes are provided to the internal team, detailing all action items. Responsible for coordinating the project and ensuring timelines are met.

Plan Implementer

• Work with client and client advisors in regard to the implementation of the Plan.

• Work with the underwriting department, prepare underwriting transmittals, and ensure policies are issued according to recommendations.

• Set up ongoing annual service needs – integrate with database for ease of administration.

Secondary Functions

Carrier Relationship Builder:

• Negotiate new relationships, cultivate ongoing relationships. Step in where needed to negotiate business concessions, etc.

Staff Trainer:

• Hold ongoing classes in a “classroom” setting for the company. Hold individual training sessions as needed to apply classroom training to individual cases.

• Create in-house procedures/instructions for teaching other Cornerstone team members.

Qualifications:

Experience

• CPA or CLU/ChFC or CFP with at least 2+ years of related work experience, including meeting with clients on a regular basis.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or related field or equivalent experience required.

• Completion of life, health, and securities licensing is a plus but not required.

Proficiencies Needed

• Candidates should be fast-paced, have strong financial analytical skills, and the ability to conceptualize, organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks within set deadlines.

• In addition, the ability to work autonomously and perform well under pressure is a must.

• Proficiency in Excel, including Lookup Tables, IF statements, and other complex formulas, is a must.

• Proficiency in WORD, POWERPOINT, Visio, and OUTLOOK.

• Effective communication skills with clients and business owners.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to coordinate all aspects of clients’ estates, businesses, and insurance plans.

• Ability to work well as part of a team, take direction, and work autonomously.

• Ability to learn new concepts and adapt to rapidly changing laws.

About Company

Cornerstone Advisors helps privately held and family businesses endure across generations. We integrate business strategy, people development, and wealth-transfer planning to help clients build stronger organizations, navigate change, and protect what matters most—for their families, employees, and communities.

Our vision is a future in which successful private businesses remain strong, values-driven, and prepared for generational transition.

Our values are reflected in how we work: we are client-centered, collaborative, proactive, careful, and committed to continuous improvement. We value long-term relationships, meaningful outcomes, and team members who bring curiosity, accountability, empathy, and a genuine interest in helping families and businesses succeed. With more than 50 years of experience and guidance provided to over 100 privately held businesses, Cornerstone offers applicants the opportunity to do work that is both intellectually engaging and personally meaningful.