Private Client Group Director

Location: New Canaan

About Bankwell

Bankwell is a commercial bank with over $3 billion in assets, providing privately owned businesses, their owners, and executives as well as high net worth individuals with personalized and technologically advanced banking solutions. We are committed to delivering exceptional service through a single-point-of-contact, the private client team, which represents an alignment experienced financial professionals in support of businesses and individuals being well-banked.

Job Type: Full‑time

Role Summary

The Private Client Group Director will lead an independent team of Client Service Associates and Associate Group Directors that are recruited, developed, and scaled to meet the needs of each banking group’s client base. The Private Client Group Director and his or her team will act as a trusted advisor, leading the delivery of tailored banking, lending, and treasury management services by collaborating with banking specialists to meet clients’ complex needs.

This role involves growing a book of business through referrals and networking, while also identifying opportunities to deepen relationships with existing clients by offering the right financial solutions.

Responsibilities

• Build and nurture the growth of one’s own private client team (Associate Private Client Group Director, Senior Client Associates, etc.)

• Develop, grow, and nurture a P&L independent book of business with unlimited earnings potential and without geographic (domestic) restrictions

• Offer tailored advice on banking, lending, and treasury management (including digital escrow, and sub‑ledger) solutions to meet clients’ unique financial needs and goals.

• Identify opportunities to enhance existing client relationships at the bank through the introduction of additional bank services and/or technologies.

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to provide comprehensive financial solutions and ensure seamless client service to clients.

• Grow the client base through networking, referrals, and targeted outreach efforts.

• Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements and conduct due diligence on clients’ financial activities.

• Stay informed about market conditions and economic changes to provide relevant advice and recommendations.

• Build a business development plan centered around proactive outreach.

• Proactively address client inquiries and resolve issues promptly and professionally.

• Meet or exceed performance goals by driving revenue growth through new and existing client relationships.

• Ensure compliance with regulations and manage risks, maintain accurate records, and deliver high‑quality service.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in a client‑centric, proactive sales environment.

• Success in new client acquisition, cultivating and maintaining relationships through exceptional service, and revenue generation, including but not limited to:
Planning/banking/lending product referrals and sales and investment referrals.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to effectively present complex information to clients.

• Strong networking skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key industry contacts.

• Knowledge of industry regulatory requirements to ensure a sound control environment.

• Executive leadership, team building and development

• Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or 5‑7 years relevant equivalent experience

Location

• Greater New York metropolitan area – not constrained to existing bank footprint

• Will expand Bank’s office footprint for the right team

• Hybrid

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job titles or routine duties.

Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military…