Retirement Education Specialist (Grand Rapids, MI)

What You'll Do

Are you passionate about helping individuals achieve financial security and live their best lives?

As a Retirement Education Specialist, you'll play a critical role in empowering retirement plan participants to make confident financial decisions. You'll deliver engaging education, provide personalized guidance, and partner with employers and advisors to drive meaningful outcomes.
Key responsibilities include:

• Deliver group workshops and one-on-one consultations (virtual and in person)
• Partner with plan sponsors, advisors, and internal teams to design and deliver effective retirement education strategies
• Develop and implement education plans that increase engagement and participation in retirement programs
• Conduct needs assessments to guide participants in making informed decisions about saving, investing, and retirement income

• Adapt messaging based on audience needs
• Leverage tools and insights to improve participant outcomes

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience or more in the financial services industry with experience in personal markets, retirement planning, and educating participants.
• Ability to travel approximately 75% of the time. Travel can be local, regional or national with mostly day travel but there will be overnight travel, as well. Travel will be via car and air. Personal transportation may be required.

Licensing requirements:

Licensing will be required based on state/federal laws and/or company policy in accordance with current licensing policy. The below licenses are required within 5 months of employment, however a licensed individual is preferred:

• FINRA Series 7 and 63/66. (Consideration would be given to existing FINRA Series 6 and 63 candidates.)

Successful candidates will have the following:

• Excellent communication, presentation, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Successful history of accomplishments in education, retirement sales, or a related field.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Presentation skills, including but not limited to; large group and one-on-one delivery, engaging audiences, and the ability to read the room and pivot when necessary.

Salary Range Information

Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Salary Range

$55800 - $100800 / year

Time Off Program

Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don't accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.

Pension Eligible

Yes

Additional Information

Location

Primary territory will be in the state of MI with regional travel expectations. When not meeting with clients, you will be able to work from home or in the office, whichever you prefer.
Job Level

Open to hiring up to the Sr. Retirement Education Specialist role based on skills and experiences.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window

We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.

Date First Posted (TTF)

6/8/2026

Latest Post Date: Careers - US

6/9/2026

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