Institutional Investment Consultant

Highland Consulting Associates, Inc.; Westlake (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland Consulting Associates, Inc. seeks an investment consultant to join our team, delivering comprehensive institutional investment solutions for Endowments & Foundations.

You will translate complex concepts into clear, actionable recommendations to help clients achieve objectives. The role emphasizes client relationship management, investment policy statements, and manager research across defined contribution and defined benefit plans.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with ability to explain complex concepts clearly.
• Experience in investment consulting or wealth management.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint; experience with CRM desired.
• CFA/CPA/CFP/CEBS designation or progress toward is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for institutional clients, delivering and coordinating all aspects of the client relationship.
• Prepare client deliverables including quarterly reports, investment policy statements, and benchmarking studies.
• Conduct investment manager research and due diligence to support client recommendations.
• Monitor client portfolios and provide ongoing guidance on asset allocation and plan design.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Presentation skills

Client relationship management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/ Economics or related field

CFA/CPA/CFP/CEBS preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

CRM software

Job description

We are currently seeking an investment consultant to join our team. This Consultant role combines client service excellence, investment consulting expertise to deliver comprehensive solutions focused on our institutional clients including Endowments & Foundations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong analytical capabilities, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to translate complex investment concepts into clear, actionable recommendations that help clients achieve their objectives.

Client type primarily includes defined contribution plans, but may also include: defined benefit plans, Endowments & Foundations, and corporate assets. In addition, the consultant will assist Highland’s business development team in the growth of new business.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary contact for assigned institutional clients, delivering and coordinating all aspects of the client relationship
• Conduct regular client communication through calls, emails, and in-person/virtual meetings to ensure ongoing engagement and satisfaction
• Help clients make optimal investment decisions by developing sound recommendations and clearly articulating the rationale behind Highland's guidance
• Present investment strategies, performance analysis, and market commentary in client meetings and reports
• Proactively identify client needs and opportunities to enhance service delivery

Client Service & Consulting

• Support clients across various institutional segments including defined benefit plans, Endowments & Foundations, and corporate investment portfolios
• Prepare client deliverables including quarterly reports, investment policy statements, fee analyses, and benchmarking studies
• Conduct investment manager research and due diligence to support client recommendations
• Monitor client portfolios and provide ongoing guidance on asset allocation, manager selection, and plan design

Process & Systems Management

• Manage content systems including CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and other business development software platforms
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of client interactions, decisions, and recommendations

Business Development Support

• Assist Highland's business development team in the growth and acquisition of new institutional clients
• Write, proofread, and edit proposals, RFP responses, and marketing materials as needed
• Contribute to the development of thought leadership content and marketing collateral
• Track and report on business development metrics to evaluate effectiveness of activities and identify areas for improvement

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• >4 years of experience in an investment consulting, wealth management or retirement plan consulting
• Strong understanding of institutional investment management, retirement plan design, and fiduciary responsibilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain complex concepts clearly
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• CFA, CPA, CFP, or CEBS designation (or progress towards a designation) is preferred