Associate Group Director

Bankwell Financial Group; New Canaan (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bankwell Financial Group in New Canaan, CT, seeks an Associate Group Director to support the Private Client Group Director in growing relationships and originating new commercial banking opportunities. The role focuses on expanding low-cost deposits while delivering exceptional client service.

Responsibilities include cross-selling products, analyzing client needs, and collaborating with internal teams to enhance service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or economics preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years in commercial or private banking.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for client engagement.
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support Private Client Group Director and manage existing client relationships.
• Assist in originating new commercial banking relationships to grow deposits.
• Cross-sell bank products and provide excellent client service.
• Collaborate with risk, compliance, and operations to deliver service.
• Identify opportunities to expand wallet share with clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

High-pressure environment

Book of business development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/finance/economics

Job description

Description

About Bankwell:

Bankwell is a commercial bank with more than $3 billion in assets that serves the banking needs of businesses and individuals. At Bankwell, we pride ourselves on our unique ability to bring you high touch, high quality banking with the expertise and dedication of our experienced team of professionals. When it comes to business, our deep industry knowledge, flexibility and innovative treasury and financing services enable us to find the right solutions for our business and commercial clients. We're passionate about giving back and are actively involved with many not-for-profit organizations that help shape and improve the lives of others. We're dedicated to giving our time and talent to support the communities we serve. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

Summary of Position:

The Associate Group Director supports the Private Client Group Director and private client team in managing and growing existing customer relationships and assisting with the origination of new commercial banking relationships that will drive growth in demand deposits. The Associate Group Director assists in identifying commercial banking opportunities, supports cross-selling of bank products, and provides excellent customer service on behalf of the private client team.

Responsibilities include:

• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Expand the team’s book of business by actively marketing the Bank’s services to potential clients.
• Proactively grow "wallet share" of existing clients through cross-service and cross-sell opportunities for additional low-cost deposits.
• Expertise in Cash Management Solutions: Demonstrated knowledge of cash management products, including sweep accounts, zero balance accounts, and electronic funds transfer systems.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze client cash flow patterns, liquidity needs, and operational risks to recommend tailored treasury solutions.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with treasury management systems and financial software to manage daily transactions, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Client-Focused Communication: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build and maintain strong relationships with commercial clients.
• Consultative Approach: assess client needs and provide strategic recommendations on deposit products and treasury solutions.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated effective experience working closely with internal teams (e.g., risk, compliance, and operations) to enhance client service and product delivery.
• Sales & Cross-Selling: Track record of identifying opportunities to introduce additional banking products and services that align with client goals.
• Customer Service Orientation: Commitment to delivering high-quality service and timely responses to client inquiries, ensuring long-term satisfaction with the private client banking team.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree - prefer business, finance or economics.
• 3 plus years of commercial or private banking
• Ability to develop and nurture a book of business clients that know and prefer to bank with you - with an emphasis on driving low-cost deposits. A strong plus for candidates who have existing relationships and/or a book of business.
• Strong attention to detail, and highly organized
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Thrives in a high-pressure environment and can work with tight deadlines.
• Performs assigned tasks accurately and on a timely basis.
• Ability to recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Experience with commercial lending a plus but not required.

FLSA Status: Exempt

This job description is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees are expected to perform tasks assigned by supervisory personnel, regardless of job titles or routine duties.

Bankwell is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of Americans with Disabilities Act and certain other state or local laws. Please inform Bankwell's Human Resources representative if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.

All employees are responsible for complying with banking regulations that apply to Bankwell. This includes, but is not limited to, adhering to the BSA and various consumer protection regulations, and complying with OFAC sanctions. Employees are required to complete compliance training and follow policies and procedures for applicable regulations based on their role. An employee’s failure to comply with banking regulations will be individually reviewed and assessed. The result of non-compliance may impact job performance ratings and may be serious enough to require termination of employment.