HEAD OF RETIREMENT & IRA SERVICES AT GLOBAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM

Finance
Manhattan, NY
March 31, 2025
$175,000 - $215,000
Full Time
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  • Job Description

Global, solidly-established, investment manager looking for an experienced IRA & Retirement professional to join its Retirement Team as the Head of Retirement & IRA Services. In this role, you will oversee approximately 12,000 IRA/Retirement Accounts totaling nearly $10 billion in Assets within the Private Wealth Management (PWM) Business. As the firm’s “IRA Champion,” you will take ownership of all IRA-related processes, ensuring exceptional client service, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. The role requires a combination of deep technical expertise in IRA regulations, exceptional client and advisor-facing skills, and the ability to collaborate across departments to drive innovation and process improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Experience and Education

  • Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced certifications (e.g., CFP, CEBS, JD, or similar) preferred.
  • Ten Plus (10+) years of experience in IRA or Retirement Services, with a strong understanding of IRA Structures, Tax Law, and

Regulatory Requirements

  • Familiarity with trusts, estate planning, and tax implications related to IRAs.
  • Experience with ERISA plans is a plus.
  • Previous experience at a wire house (e.g., Fidelity, Merrill Lynch, UBS) or managing a large IRA book of business is highly desirable.

Skills and Attributes

  • Strong and comprehensive knowledge of IRA Laws, Regulations, and Processes, with the ability to think like a T&E (Trusts & Estates) Attorney when addressing complex beneficiary scenarios.
  • Exceptional client service skills with the ability to partner effectively with Advisors, high-net-worth clients, accountants, and attorneys.
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead calls, Zooms, and in-person meetings with various stakeholders.
  • Highly independent and proactive, with the ability to work autonomously while building strong relationships across the organization.
  • Proven track record of identifying inefficiencies and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery and operational excellence.
  • Strong ability to collaborate with internal teams (Operations, Legal, Compliance, Financial Planning) and contribute to cross-functional initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Client and Advisor Support

  • Serve as the primary point of contact (“IRA hotline”) for Advisors and Portfolio Management teams, addressing questions on regulations, beneficiary designations, and client-specific inquiries.
  • Educate Advisors, new employees, and internal teams on IRA-related topics, regulatory updates, and industry trends.
  • Partner with Advisors and their clients (including accountants and attorneys) to address complex IRA-related matters, providing consultative support.
  • Review and assist with beneficiary questions, offering technical guidance on trusts, tax implications, and compliance requirements.

Operational Oversight and Process Management

  • Oversee IRA services provided by NFS/Fidelity, identifying areas for improvement and driving process enhancements.
  • Review and approve beneficiary changes, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and risk mitigation.
  • Analyze the impact of tax law and regulatory changes on Retirement Operations processes and implement necessary adjustments.
  • Resolve escalated issues, unusual items, and errors to maintain service quality and operational efficiency.

Regulatory Oversight and Compliance

  • Monitor and interpret changes in tax laws and regulations (IRS, DOL) impacting IRA accounts, ensuring compliance and minimizing fiduciary risk.
  • Communicate regulatory updates and their implications to Advisors, Operations, and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain and update critical IRA documentation, including Adoption Agreements, Beneficiary Agreements, and Disclosure Statements.
  • Lead internal audits related to IRA accounts, ensuring adherence to best practices and identifying areas for improvement.

Strategic Leadership and Thought Leadership

  • Develop innovative strategies to improve IRA-related processes, client service, and risk management.
  • Drive initiatives such as client webinars, whitepapers, and collaboration with the financial planning team and trust and estate attorneys.
  • Act as a trusted partner to Advisors, helping integrate IRA expertise into broader wealth planning strategies.
  • Proactively bring forward ideas to elevate the role, improve processes, and ensure scalability and operational efficiency.

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