Associate Financial Planner

The Associate Financial Planner will support Modernist’s current and potential clients by providing financial life planning expertise, the highest level of service, operations detail management, and behavioral change support. They will help the firm grow by increasing efficiency, capacity, and feeling of ease for the whole team, as well as our busy clients.

Modernist offers a competitive salary starting at $45,000, generous benefits including fully paid health insurance, paid time off, opportunity for long-term career growth and company ownership.

Reports to: Founder & Lead Planner

Responsibilities and Duties & approximate % of a typical week:

• Participating in client meetings and calls alongside the lead advisor –15%
• Preparing and following up for client meetings –25%
• Completing various client service tasks such as creating financial plans, opening and maintaining accounts, answering questions, coordinating with outside advisors –20%
• Replying to emails and scheduling per Annual Client Service Calendar –20%
• Participating in internal staff meetings and collaboration, including bi-weekly social justice readings and discussions –10%
• Preparing for prospective client meetings and completing resulting service items–5%

The Associate Advisor will be evaluated based on client satisfaction, promptness and accuracy in executing client service tasks, and improvements to efficiency of client service work via regular improvements to processes and workflows. Additionally, the Associate Advisor will be expected to hone their networking and interpersonal skills by regularly engaging in compensated pro-bono work or volunteer activities.

Qualifications:

Education & experience:  4-year degree or higher.

Degree in financial planning or a closely related field, though equivalent experience may be sufficient.

Past internships or job experience in financial planning and/or financial services is a plus.

Current or pending CFP designation preferred (Modernist will sponsor Associate Planner for the CFP exam).

Willingness to obtain securities licenses.

Skills:

• Ability to create financial plans in MoneyGuidePro or equivalent software program.
• Strong understanding of all aspects of personal financial planning, with a particular geekiness about financial life planning.
• Strong understanding of the mechanics of investment management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills and interest in supporting clients.
• Interest in business development.

* You will be required to complete a financial planning skills test before starting in this position.

Personal characteristics:

• Strong internal moral compass and commitment to ethical behavior.
• Proactive and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Passion for working and learning independently.
• Long-term ambition to work and be a leader in the financial services field.
• Genuine geekiness about financial life planning & investments (You are endlessly fascinated by at least one of the CFP subjects!)
• Quick-start and energetic.
• Ability to balance micro-tasks with macro-projects and goals.
• Interest in leadership, strong drive for personal growth and development.
• Preference for a sharp, Modern aesthetic.
• Believer in Modernist core values: Invite & Include. Invest in People. Innovate & Iterate. Do Good Work & Do It Well.
• Believer in equity, inclusion, and intersectional feminism.

Physical abilities:

Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to work on a computer most of the day.

Ability to occasionally lift and/or move moderately weighted objects.

Equity Statement:

We believe that personal relationships are our greatest wealth. We acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We commit ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.

Application requirements:

Resume

1 paragraph responses to the following questions:

2) Why do you want to work with Modernist Financial?

3) What unique qualities and strengths would you bring to Team Modernist?

4) What support do you need from us to reach your highest potential in this role?

5) Why do you want to live in Portland?

6) Pick one of the following questions: A. Modernist Financial is a firm committed to progressive values. Tell us about a change you would like to see in the world. B. Pick one of our core values and relate it to a past pro bono or volunteer activity.

Please send all application materials to hello@modernistfinancial.com

Application timeline:

Application period: November 16th – December 9th

Resumes reviewed: December 9th – December 12th

1st round phone interviews: December 13th – December 28th

Ideal start date: June 3rd