Director Financial Planning Research

Charles Schwab; Lone Tree (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

401(k) with company match

Sabbatical after 5 years

Parental leave and family building

Tuition reimbursement

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Schwab Center for Financial Research seeks a Director, Financial Planning Research to drive research, shape Schwab’s planning perspective, and translate insights into advisor guidance and client resources.

You will collaborate across product, technology, and business teams to identify needs and support development and adoption of advisor-facing tools, strengthening advisor conversations and client outcomes.

Qualifications

• Evidence of 10+ years in financial planning, advisor consulting, or related field.
• Ability to translate complex research into practical guidance for advisors/clients.
• Strong written communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and shape Schwab’s perspective on planning topics.
• Translate insights into clear frameworks, advisor guidance, and client resources.
• Collaborate with product, technology, and business teams to identify needs and enable tools.

Skills

10+ years experience

Research analysis

Problem solving

Written communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

CFP certification

Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning/Finance/Economics/Business

Job description

Your opportunity

At Schwab, you’re empowered to make an impact on your career. Here, innovative thought meets creative problem solving, helping us challenge the status quo and transform the finance industry together.

We believe in the importance of in-office collaboration and fully intend for the selected candidate for this role to work on site in the specified location(s).

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship.

The Schwab Center for Financial Research develops thought leadership, educational content, and practical resources that help clients and financial professionals make informed financial planning decisions.

As Director, Financial Planning Research, you will conduct research, shape Schwab’s perspective on important planning topics, and translate complex insights into clear frameworks, educational programs, advisor guidance, and client-facing resources. You will collaborate across product, technology, and business teams to identify emerging needs, solve complex planning challenges, and support the development and adoption of advisor-facing tools and capabilities. Your work will strengthen advisor conversations, improve client outcomes, and help advance Schwab’s position as a trusted source of financial planning insights.

What you have

Required qualifications

• CFP® certification
• Bachelor’s degree in Financial Planning, Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in financial planning, advisor consulting, wealth advisory, financial services research, or a related field
• Ability to apply Research Analysis and Problem Solving to evaluate complex financial planning topics, emerging trends, and investor needs
• Ability to use Written Communication to translate complex research and planning concepts into clear, practical guidance for advisors and clients
• Demonstrated Cross-Functional Collaboration and Decision Making when developing solutions with product, technology, and business partners

Preferred qualifications

• Subject Matter Expertise in retirement planning, retirement income planning, Social Security, Medicare and healthcare planning, banking and lending, Risk Management, equity compensation, concentrated stock positions, or investor behavior
• Experience applying Content Strategy to develop thought leadership, articles, white papers, presentations, advisor guidance, or client education
• Experience using Educational Program Development to create or enhance financial planning curricula, learning experiences, or advisor education programs
• Ability to use Communication and Public Speaking to represent financial planning perspectives through presentations, webinars, conferences, media opportunities, or industry events
• Ability to demonstrate Adaptability when responding to evolving investor needs, industry trends, business priorities, and advisor technology
• Ability to build trusted relationships, align stakeholders, and establish consistent financial planning guidance across a large organization
• Experience supporting the development, rollout, or adoption of advisor-facing tools, workflows, training resources, or technology-enabled planning capabilities

In addition to the salary range, this role is eligible for bonus or incentive opportunities.

What’s in it for you

At Schwab, you’re empowered to shape your future. We champion your growth through meaningful work, continuous learning, and a culture of trust and collaboration—so you can build the skills to make a lasting impact. Our Hybrid Work and Flexibility approach balances our ongoing commitment to workplace flexibility, serving our clients, and our strong belief in the value of being together in person on a regular basis.

We offer a competitive benefits package that takes care of the whole you – both today and in the future:

• 401(k) with company match and Employee stock purchase plan
• Paid time for vacation, volunteering, and 28-day sabbatical after every 5 years of service for eligible positions
• Paid parental leave and family building benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Health, dental, and vision insurance