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.

• 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.

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.)

• 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 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 (Non‑Exempt expressed as hourly; Exempt expressed as yearly) $55800 - $100800 / year

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.