Merrill Advisor Development Program - Financial Advisor: Chicago North Market

Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. Merrill Wealth Management specializes in goals‑based wealth management, including planning for retirement, education, legacy, and other life goals through investment advice and guidance. Our Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates help clients pursue the life they envision through personal relationships with their advisory team.

The Advisor Development Program is designed for individuals excited to make a career transition and to follow their passion of becoming a Financial Advisor. As an Advisor Development Program–Financial Advisor, you will be responsible for working with high-net‑worth individuals identifying needs, developing relationships, reviewing financial goals, and delivering comprehensive recommendations that align with the goals of both existing and prospective clients.

• Develop a book of business to meet and exceed performance hurdles.
• Prioritize sourcing prospective clients, capitalizing on referrals, assessing customer needs, referring customers to internal specialists, and executing customized solutions.
• Recommend investment products and services suitable for prospects based on objectives, resources, time horizon, risk profile, and preferences.
• Balance investment growth, referral activities, client follow‑up, prospect building, administrative compliance, and personal growth according to day‑to‑day and long‑term planning.
• Organize and manage resources (time, people, budget) to run a productive practice.
• Seek expertise of specialists, where appropriate, to identify planning and investment strategies for a client.
• Complete mandated training, assessments, performance goals, and continuing education requirements.
• Handle inbound inquiries from leads regarding Merrill offerings.
• Position the extensive capabilities of Merrill and Bank of America.
• Collect client profile data following standard KYC procedures to open account(s).
• Serve as interim Financial Advisor, providing recommendations of investment products and services that are suitable for prospects and clients.
• Document all client interactions and opportunities within Salesforce accurately.

• Currently holds Series7 & 66 licenses (Series
  63 & 65 in lieu of66).
• Minimum of one year experience in the financial services or sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
• Minimum of one year experience in the investments industry, including investment training and in‑depth knowledge of investment products and services.
• Proven ability to engage with and influence others.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to quickly build trust and credibility.
• Proven ability to assess needs and recommend appropriate solutions/interventions.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively on a team and with key partners.
• Proven ability to listen and probe for clarity and understanding.
• Goal‑ and results‑oriented mindset.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with proven ability to source clients through extensive prospecting and networking.
• Ability to work in an environment where the majority of compensation is tied to performance.
• Strong follow‑through skills.
• Computer/technical literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of one year of financial services industry or sales experience.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technology or applications.
• Ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Business Acumen
• Business Development
• Oral Communications
• Prospecting
• Wealth Planning
• Analytical Thinking
• Client Experience
• Branding
• Client Investments
• Management
• Portfolio Analysis
• Risk Management
• Active Listening
• Client Solutions Advisory
• Emotional Intelligence
• Referral Management
• Trading

This position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. All employees engaged in residential loan mortgage originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Failure to obtain and or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in immediate termination. Regulatory restrictions include FDIC, Safe Act, Loan Originators, and FINRA.

Shift: 1st shift (United States of America)
Hours per week: 40

Pay range: $80,000.00 – $90,000.00 annualized salary, with incentives and benefits. This role is eligible for a formulaic incentive plan and benefits. Benefits include industry‑leading benefits, paid time off, and resources to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well‑being.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion.