Director, Advisory Services

About Us:

ALM First Financial Advisors is a leading, trusted strategic partner for depository institutions, offering an array of financial advisory services. Since 1995, our expertise in asset liability management, fixed income portfolio management and hedging, has allowed us to deliver deeper insights into financial institutions’ balance sheets, strengthening their financial performance and building efficiencies. With more than $78 billion of investments under management. ALM First is an SEC-registered investment advisor, acting as an unbiased third party, offering commission-free, fee-based services to over 350 financial institutions nationwide.

Job Summary:

This is a unique opportunity to help us grow our Advisory services. This position will serve as a relationship manager with a strong financial acumen and ability to communicate investment and balance sheet strategies to the client.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in a depository-focused role
• Demonstrated client-facing experience with financial institutions
• Broad knowledge of the banking business model with demonstrated experience creating value through strategic balance sheet advice

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of the full banking model, including credit risk, liquidity risk, interest rate risk, capital, funding, and earnings considerations
• Design and implement capital allocation and balance sheet strategies aligned with client objectives and risk appetite
• Understand the role of the investment portfolio within the broader balance sheet and partner with Portfolio Strategy Directors when specialized investment expertise is required
• Knowledge of hedging applications for financial institutions, including risk mitigation and spread enhancement, with the ability to partner effectively with specialized teams
• Comprehensive understanding of banking regulations and the ability to incorporate regulatory considerations into strategic recommendations
• Distill complex market and balance sheet data into actionable insights that drive optimization and strategic value creation

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences, including executive management, ALCOs, boards, and conferences
• Ability to simplify complex financial concepts and translate analysis into clear strategic recommendations
• Maintain and expand market and industry knowledge to educate clients on economic, regulatory, and balance sheet developments
• Demonstrate sound judgment and the ability to identify when specialized internal expertise should be brought into a client discussion
• Thought leadership demonstrated through client education, industry speaking engagements, and content creation

Relationship Management Skills:

• Serve as the primary relationship manager and trusted strategic advisor for assigned financial institution clients
• Lead the overall strategic relationship, integrating capital, liquidity, interest rate risk, asset allocation, funding, and other balance sheet considerations into actionable recommendations
• Ensure a smooth onboarding process and deliver an exceptional ongoing client experience
• Lead recurring client meetings, ALCO presentations, and annual onsite visits while maintaining consistent engagement throughout the relationship
• Coordinate internal specialized resources, including Portfolio Strategy, to ensure recommendations are integrated within the client's broader balance sheet strategy
• Identify opportunities to deepen the client relationship through relevant strategic advice and appropriate use of the firm's specialized capabilities

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer and participating in virtual and in-person meetings.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, data entry, and operating standard office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through video conferencing platforms.
• Ability to read and analyze documents, presentations, reports, and electronic communications.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of materials up to 15 pounds.
• Ability to travel domestically, including navigating airports, hotels, client locations, and conference venues.

Work Environment:

• Primarily performed in a professional office environment.
• Regular use of computers, telephones, and other standard office equipment.
• Position may require extended periods of screen time and repetitive motions associated with keyboard and mouse use.
• Frequent interaction with clients, executive leadership teams, boards of directors, and colleagues in both in-person and virtual settings.
• Travel requirements of approximately 50% or more, including overnight travel for client meetings, conferences, speaking engagements, and business development activities.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, and team members.

ALM First Statement on Diversity & Inclusion: ALM First believes deeply in equality and strongly supports diversity and inclusion. We will continue our commitment to financial inclusion for all Americans as we serve the clients providing critical financial resources to the communities that need them most. We are always looking at how we can improve our own policies and practices to encourage diversity through the use of our designated committee.

Equal Employment Opportunity: ALM First has a commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations: ALM First values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. ALM First provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [email protected] or via telephone at +1 800 752 4628 (U.S.).