Head of New Business Development

Crawford Thomas Recruiting; Melville (NY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Crawford Thomas Recruiting is assisting a growing RIA/retirement plan advisory firm in finding a Head of Business Development to lead strategic growth initiatives and expand an advisor network across retirement plans and wealth platforms.

The role emphasizes an entrepreneurial leader who can recruit advisors with existing books, form partnerships, and drive metrics across acquisitions and revenue growth while working ET hours in a remote/hybrid/on-site setup.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of business development experience within the RIA, retirement plan advisory, institutional investment management, or related financial services industry; significant senior-level experience preferred.
• Experience recruiting established financial advisors or advisory teams with existing books of business.
• Established professional network of CPAs, financial advisors, retirement plan consultants, and/or other centers of influence.
• Strong understanding of the independent RIA landscape, wealth management platforms, and advisor transition processes.
• Working knowledge of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, and ERISA fiduciary frameworks such as 3(21) and 3(38).
• Experience developing and managing new business pipelines, negotiating agreements, and closing complex financial services opportunities.
• Proven ability to operate independently, build relationships, and execute growth strategies without extensive corporate infrastructure.
• Previous experience in an executive leadership, senior business development, or strategic growth role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development initiatives focused on acquiring new employer-sponsored retirement plans and expanding assets under management/advisement (AUM/AUA).
• Identify, engage, and recruit established financial advisors and advisory teams with existing books of business to join the firm's platform.
• Leverage an established network of CPAs, financial advisors, third-party administrators (TPAs), and other centers of influence to generate qualified business opportunities.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective retirement plan clients, referral partners, and financial advisor recruits.
• Develop and execute strategic growth initiatives to expand the firm's market presence and recurring revenue.
• Manage the retirement plan sales process, including prospect development, relationship management, RFP participation, negotiations, and client acquisition.
• Communicate the firm's fiduciary advisory capabilities, including ERISA 3(21) and 3(38) investment advisory services, to prospective clients and referral partners.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on advisor recruitment strategies, compensation structures, and partnership opportunities.
• Establish and monitor business development performance metrics, including new client acquisition, assets under advisement, referral conversions, and advisor recruitment.
• Represent the firm in strategic meetings, industry events, and professional networking opportunities.

Skills

Business development

Executive presence

Negotiation

Relationship building

Strategic partnerships

Networking

Pipeline management

Job description

Head of Business Development

Salary: $200,000–$300,000 annually, negotiable based on experience, plus performance-based incentives and potential equity/partnership opportunities.

Location: Remote, Hybrid, or In-Office | Must be available to work Eastern Time hours

Job Summary

Our client, a growing registered investment advisory (RIA) and retirement plan consulting firm, is seeking an experienced Head of Business Development to lead strategic growth initiatives across its retirement plan advisory and wealth management platforms. This executive-level opportunity is ideal for an entrepreneurial financial services leader with an established industry network, a proven track record of generating new business, and experience recruiting financial advisors with existing books of business. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing new retirement plan relationships, expanding strategic referral partnerships, and attracting established financial advisors to the firm's platform. This is a highly autonomous, hands-on leadership position offering significant growth potential, performance-based compensation, and the opportunity for future equity participation.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead business development initiatives focused on acquiring new employer-sponsored retirement plans and expanding assets under management/advisement (AUM/AUA).
• Identify, engage, and recruit established financial advisors and advisory teams with existing books of business to join the firm's platform.
• Leverage an established network of CPAs, financial advisors, third-party administrators (TPAs), and other centers of influence to generate qualified business opportunities.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective retirement plan clients, referral partners, and financial advisor recruits.
• Develop and execute strategic growth initiatives to expand the firm's market presence and recurring revenue.
• Manage the retirement plan sales process, including prospect development, relationship management, RFP participation, negotiations, and client acquisition.
• Communicate the firm's fiduciary advisory capabilities, including ERISA 3(21) and 3(38) investment advisory services, to prospective clients and referral partners.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on advisor recruitment strategies, compensation structures, and partnership opportunities.
• Establish and monitor business development performance metrics, including new client acquisition, assets under advisement, referral conversions, and advisor recruitment.
• Represent the firm in strategic meetings, industry events, and professional networking opportunities.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of business development experience within the RIA, retirement plan advisory, institutional investment management, or related financial services industry; significant senior-level experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success generating new business, developing strategic partnerships, and growing assets under management or advisement.
• Experience recruiting established financial advisors or advisory teams with existing books of business.
• Established professional network of CPAs, financial advisors, retirement plan consultants, and/or other centers of influence.
• Strong understanding of the independent RIA landscape, wealth management platforms, and advisor transition processes.
• Working knowledge of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, and ERISA fiduciary frameworks such as 3(21) and 3(38).
• Experience developing and managing new business pipelines, negotiating agreements, and closing complex financial services opportunities.
• Proven ability to operate independently, build relationships, and execute growth strategies without extensive corporate infrastructure.
• Strong executive presence, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an interest in contributing to the long-term growth and strategic direction of a developing organization.
• Previous experience in an executive leadership, senior business development, or strategic growth role preferred.