529 Head of Distribution VP

Union Bank & Trust Company; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Bank & Trust Company is seeking a Head of Distribution-VP to lead advisor distribution for the Alabama, Illinois, and Nebraska 529 Programs. You will drive asset growth, engagement, and market expansion while directing a team of internal wholesalers and RMs across multiple channels.

The role requires deep knowledge of 529 plans, successful cross-channel sales leadership, and a demonstrated ability to develop strategic relationships with financial advisors, RIAs, and broker-dealers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; related field acceptable with experience.
• 10+ years in financial services distribution, sales, or relationship management.
• Proven success in advisor distribution strategies and cross-channel collaboration.
• Knowledge of 529 plans, investment products, and advisor practice management.
• Strong presentation, public speaking, and communication skills.
• Experience using sales metrics, analytics, and reporting for decision making.
• Leadership experience of dispersed or multi-state teams preferred.
• CRM proficiency (Creatio preferred) and MS Office familiarity.
• Series 50 and 54 licenses preferred or ability to obtain.
• Familiarity with FA/RIA marketplace and advisor needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic distribution and sales plans for UBT 529 Division.
• Lead distribution function with coaching, performance management, and development.
• Oversee advisor segmentation, territory management and sales execution.
• Build strategic relationships with financial advisors, RIAs, broker-dealers, and home offices.
• Represent the organization in high-level sales and relationship meetings.
• Identify growth opportunities through consultative sales and market expansion.
• Provide education and thought leadership on 529 plans and advisor management.
• Deliver educational content: presentations, webinars, workshops for advisors.
• Design and oversee sales reporting, analytics, and CRM usage to optimize resources.
• Monitor market trends and legislative developments affecting distribution.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Relationship management

Public speaking

Sales strategy

Data analysis

CRM proficiency

Cross-channel distribution

Team coaching

Financial services knowledge

Advisor education

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/marketing/economics

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Creatio CRM

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Position Summary

The Head of Distribution-VP provides strategic leadership for advisor distribution, business development, and relationship management activities supporting the Alabama, Illinois, and Nebraska 529 Programs. This role drives asset growth, advisor engagement, sales effectiveness, and market expansion through the development and execution of distribution strategies and advisor-focused initiatives. The position leads a team of internal wholesalers and regional/national relationship managers, overseeing advisor recruitment, retention, and relationship development across financial advisor, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), broker-dealer, and home office channels. As a member of the 529 leadership team, the Head of Distribution-VP leverages market insights and performance analytics to drive strategic decision-making, optimize distribution effectiveness, and identify growth opportunities while serving as a subject matter expert on 529 plans and advisor education.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute the strategic distribution and sales plan for the UBT 529 Division, establishing objectives, priorities, performance measures, and growth initiatives designed to increase advisor engagement, market share, assets under management, and overall plan adoption.
• Lead the distribution function by providing strategic direction, coaching, performance management, and professional development for team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and results-driven performance.
• Oversee advisor segmentation, territory management, business development strategies, and sales execution efforts to maximize advisor utilization and distribution effectiveness across targeted channels.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with financial advisors, Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), broker-dealer home offices, and other key industry partners to support advisor recruitment, retention, satisfaction, and business growth.
• Represent the organization in high-level sales, relationship management, industry, and home office meetings, serving as a key ambassador for the UBT 529 Programs.
• Identify, cultivate, and expand opportunities within existing and prospective advisor channels through consultative sales strategies, relationship development, and market expansion initiatives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on 529 plans, college savings strategies, investment offerings, and advisor practice management opportunities, providing education, guidance, and thought leadership to advisors and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver educational presentations, webinars, workshops, and advisor-facing content designed to increase product knowledge, advisor engagement, and plan utilization.
• Design and oversee sales reporting, business analytics, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) utilization, performance dashboards, and management reporting to evaluate effectiveness, drive strategic decision-making, and optimize resource allocation.
• Analyze market trends, advisor behavior, competitor activity, distribution models, and legislative developments to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and enhance overall business performance.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate distribution activities, align strategic initiatives, and enhance the overall advisor experience.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, securities regulations, internal policies, and industry best practices while maintaining appropriate licensing and professional credentials.
• Participate as a member of the 529 Division leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, business planning, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Ensure team members are trained and comply with bank policy, laws, and regulations applicable to their roles. Monitor their adherence to internal controls and take action to address employee performance issues.
• Understand and adhere to all applicable bank policies, laws, and regulations applicable to the role. Complete required compliance training. Follow internal processes and controls as required.
• Report all compliance issues, violations of law or regulations in accordance with the steps defined in Bank policies.
• Perform or assist with other job-related duties, strategic planning initiatives or special projects as assigned.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, marketing, economics, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in financial services distribution, sales, relationship management, business development, or wholesaling, with a demonstrated record of achieving business growth objectives.
• Proven success developing and executing advisor distribution strategies, driving sales performance, and building strong relationships across financial advisor, RIA, broker-dealer, and home office channels.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the financial services industry, including 529 plans, investment products, advisor practice management, and evolving market trends.
• Exceptional presentation, public speaking, and communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence and engage diverse audiences.
• Experience leveraging sales metrics, business analytics, and reporting to evaluate performance, identify opportunities, and support strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support geographically dispersed or multi-state sales and distribution teams preferred.
• Strong technical proficiency with CRM platforms (including Creatio preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Series 50 and Series 54 licenses preferred, or the ability to obtain required licenses within an established timeframe.

Preferred Talents

• Familiarity with the Financial Advisor (FA) and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) marketplace, including industry trends, competitive dynamics, and advisor needs.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Exceptional verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in one-on-one, small group, and large audience settings.
• Strong business development and consultative sales skills, including the ability to prospect within targeted advisor segments and identify growth opportunities.
• Broad knowledge of investment products, financial services, and wealth management markets.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong time management and prioritization skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action, execute effectively, and achieve measurable results.
• Self-motivated, results-driven professional capable of working independently while contributing to team success.

Working Environment

Sedentary work, occasional lifting and/or carrying up to 20 pounds.

Indoor work not exposed to outdoor elements or hazards.

Some travel required, including advisor meetings, broker-dealer meetings, and state partner visits.

Ability to conduct in-person and virtual presentations.

This role is eligible for hybrid work from home opportunity under the work from home guidelines upon completion of onboarding.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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