Business Development Associate

Morgan Stanley; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan Stanley in Palo Alto, CA is seeking a Business Development Associate to deliver exceptional client service and support Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors. The role involves cultivating relationships, assisting in financial planning, and executing marketing strategies.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of relevant experience, a four-year degree, and necessary financial licenses. This role offers a competitive base pay between $75,000 and $125,000 annually, along with additional compensation packages.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of work experience in a field relevant to the position.
• Strong knowledge of financial services products such as equities and bonds.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize effectively.

Responsibilities

• Cultivating relationships with business partners and clients.
• Supporting the FA/PWA/team in delivering exceptional client service.
• Preparing and reviewing client reports or financial plans.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Client service skills

Time management

Technical proficiency

Organizational skills

Education

Four-year college degree

Active Series 7, Series 66 or Series 63 and Series 65 licenses

Tools

MS Office (particularly MS Excel)

Job description

Business Development Associates provide exceptional service to our clients and support Financial Advisor(s) (FAs)/ Private Wealth Advisor(s) (PWAs)/ teams on a daily basis. As key members of the service team, through regular interactions with clients, individuals in this role build trusted relationships. Leading with a client first mindset, a successful candidate for this role will have strong interpersonal skills and their focus will be on delivering an exceptional client experience. In supporting Financial Advisor(s) (FAs)/ Private Wealth Advisor(s) (PWAs)/ teams, this role will focus on assisting in all areas of service level business development including digital marketing, portfolio holdings and/or proposal tools and financial planning.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Cultivating relationships with business partners and colleagues internally and externally
• Supporting the FA/PWA/team in cultivating and enhancing new and existing client relationships through an exceptional client experience
• Assisting the FA/PWA/team in delivering against their client service model, including preparing for regular meetings as well as tracking follow-ups
• Assisting the FA/PWA/team in organizing around and executing against their business plan and strategies to support it, partnering closely with other market stakeholders such as Practice Strategy Consultants, Business Development Managers and Branch Management
• At the direction of FA/PWA/team, executes against all clerical elements of digital and in-person marketing strategies including conferences and seminars or webinars, websites, social media and regular email connectivity
• At the request of the client and/or FA/PWA/team, preparing and reviewing various client reports or financial plans from firm-approved systems for existing or prospective clients
• At the request of the client and/or FA/PWA/team, assisting with research using firm-approved systems
• At the request of FA/PWA/team, participating in existing client and/or prospective client meetings, representing the service lens
• Focusing with the FA/PWA/team and other business partners to optimize business practice efficiencies
• Providing backup coverage for traditional registered or unregistered Client Service Associate responsibilities at the request of the client and/or FA/PWA/team, such as executing money movement transactions, answering general non-investment related questions concerning client accounts, educating or enrolling clients in digital tools (e.g., MS Online), accepting or entering unsolicited orders and/or entering solicited orders in a clerical capacity
• Participating in firm initiatives (e.g., training or education programs), special projects and/or other duties directed by local management
• Remaining current on all policies, procedures and new platforms

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• 5+ years of work experience in a field relevant to the position required
• Four-year college degree or professional certification preferred
• Active Series 7 (GS), and Series 66 (AG/RA) or Series 63 (AG) and Series 65 (RA) required
• Additional product licenses may be required

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of financial services products, including but not limited to equities, bonds, options, mutual funds, annuities, insurance, and managed accounts
• Technically proficient and quick learner of new and updated platforms
• Detail oriented with superior organizational skills and ability to prioritize
• Expert knowledge of basic personal computer, MS Office (particularly MS Excel) and internet applications
• Exceptional writing, interpersonal and client service skills
• Strong time management skills
• Team player with the ability to collaborate with others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Adaptable and ability to multi-task
• Goal oriented, self-motivated and results driven

Reports to

Business Service Officer

Benefits & Compensation

Expected base pay rates for the role will be between $75,000 and $125,000 per year at the commencement of employment. However, base pay if hired will be determined on an individualized basis and is only part of the total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, incentive compensation, discretionary bonuses, other short and long-term incentive packages, and other Morgan Stanley sponsored benefit programs.

EEO Statement

Morgan Stanley is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workforce that is diverse in experience and background. Our recruiting efforts reflect our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion, where individuals are hired, developed, and advanced based on their skills and talents. Our workforce reflects a broad cross-section of the global communities in which we operate, bringing a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives, and experiences. For more information, please visit: https://www.morganstanley.com/people-opportunities/eeo.