Director, Investment Strategy

Job Description Summary 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 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. Focus Partners is an organization of wealth, asset, and business management resources that brings strength, innovation, and partnership to client relationships. Through a comprehensive range of services, Focus Partners supports clients at every stage of life, helping them manage their financial future. Focus Partners uses research-backed investment strategies to create custom-built portfolios and delivers personalized wealth planning solutions to clients in all 50 states. Focus Partners is part of Focus, a leading financial services firm comprised of wealth management, family office, and business management services. To learn more about Focus, visit focuspartners.com or follow the company on LinkedIn. Focus is a leading financial services firm comprised of integrated wealth management, family office, and business management services. Blending deep expertise and expansive resources with a boutique, client-first fiduciary philosophy, Focus helps individuals, families, and institutions navigate complex financial situations with highly personalized solutions tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about Focus, visit or follow the company on LinkedIn. EEO Statement : Focus is an equal opportunity employer and bases its employment decisions on the employee or candidate’s skillset, and without regard to an employee or candidate’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state and/or federal law. Focus complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io The following language is for US based roles only For California Applicants: Information on your California privacy rights can be found here For Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component. For Maryland Applicants: I UNDERSTAND THAT UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT ANY INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A POLYGRAP OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100. For Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. For Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901. For Rhode Island Applicants: Focus is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr Focus Financial Partners