Associate Advisor & Client Service Lead

Salary range: $80,000 to $95,000, depending on experience
Schedule: Full-time
Location: Dana Point / Orange County preferred, hybrid possible after onboarding
Career path: Associate Advisor, Lead Planner, or Client Service Director depending on strengths

Life by Design is a boutique wealth advisory firm located in Dana Point, California. We specialize in helping high-net-worth individuals and families navigate retirement transitions, complex estate planning, and implement values-aligned concierge-level service. Our mission is to help clients live intentionally and steward their wealth purposefully across generations. Life by Design is hiring a planning-oriented client service professional to become the founder’s right hand in a boutique, fiduciary RIA serving retirees, families, and clients with estate, tax, legacy, and philanthropic planning needs.

This is a full-time role for an Associate Advisor / Client Service Lead. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a high-touch planning environment. You will work closely with the lead advisor to prepare financial plans, assist with client communication, and help coordinate the implementation of tax, estate, and investment strategies. Your technical planning support and relational awareness will directly enhance the client experience.

We are ideally looking for someone who can join our team and work in-office with the occasional flexibility to work remote/ hybrid.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys digging into the details, building thoughtful financial plans, and taking ownership of their work. Over time, there is an opportunity to take on increasing responsibility in client relationships and expand into broader areas of planning and investment support.

• Gather and organize client data to build and update financial plans
• Use tools such as Right Capital, Wealthbox, Holistiplan, Estate Guru, and proprietary templates to support analyses
• Document recommendations and assist with implementation alongside CPAs, attorneys, and custodians
• Assist in preparing planning visuals and deliverables to help clients make informed decisions
• Prepare written recommendations and client communications across planning topics (e.g., tax planning, charitable giving, asset allocation)
• Review investment reports and draft clear, client-friendly summaries

• Support day-to-day operations, CRM tracking, and service workflows
• Coordinate with team members to ensure timely and accurate service delivery
• Participate in internal improvement projects and planning processes

• Competitive base salary: $80,000 – $95,000 depending on experience
• 401(k) with match
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Covered licensing renewal fees, CFP® or other credential maintenance
• Shared financial support for continued education and advanced designations to encourage professional development
• A growth-minded, mission-driven culture that values purpose, excellence, and lifelong learning

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Finance, Business, Accounting or related field preferred)
• CFP® certification strongly preferred (or pursuing designation)
• 3+ years of experience in a Registered Investment Advisory firm or similar wealth management environment
• Strong familiarity with financial planning tools:
  Right Capital, Holistiplan, Wealthbox, etc.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and follow-through
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Team player with a growth mindset and a desire to contribute meaningfully to a boutique firm culture