Senior Associate, Strategic Accounts (Intermediary Distribution)

William Blair; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 123,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) and profit sharing

Parental leave and family benefits

Job summary

William Blair in Chicago seeks a senior role to lead client relationship management and business development for the Intermediary team. You will tailor reports, drive RFPs, and ensure CRM data integrity while mentoring junior staff and collaborating with cross-functional partners.

The role requires 5–7 years in asset management, a finance-related degree, and securities licenses or a plan to obtain them within 90 days. Eligible for competitive base salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business required.
• 5–7 years of experience in asset management or related field.
• SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 licenses required or obtained within 90 days.
• Deep understanding of the investment business and intermediary distribution.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage high-profile projects under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead client and prospect engagement with tailored reports.
• Own RFP responses and prepare presentation materials.
• Maintain Salesforce client data and CRM best practices.
• Manage day-to-day client inquiries with timely, accurate responses.
• Collaborate with investment professionals, marketing, and other teams.
• Contribute to sales and marketing strategy and educate about offerings.
• Serve as a resource for junior team members on complex transactions.

Skills

Client relationships

Salesforce CRM

Report customization

Mentoring juniors

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business

SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 licenses (or within 90 days)

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Take a lead role in supporting the Intermediary team's client relationship management and business development efforts, with a focus on complex client needs and high-priority initiatives. Provide excellent customer service in all interactions with clients and prospects, mentor junior staff and serve as a subject‑matter resource for complicated or atypical requests.

Responsibilities

• Lead client and prospect engagement — Interact directly with clients and prospects to address complex inquiries; customize and produce reports tailored to specific audiences to best highlight the firm’s investment capabilities and offerings.
• Drive the RFP and presentation process — Take ownership of tailoring RFP responses, preparing custom presentation materials, and developing competitive analysis and background information for high-profile client and prospect meetings.
• Manage CRM and client data integrity — Maintain comprehensive and accurate electronic records of client/prospect data in Salesforce; serve as a resource for CRM best practices and data standards within the team.
• Oversee day-to-day communications — Manage and prioritize incoming requests for information from clients and prospects, ensuring timely, accurate, and audience-appropriate responses with a sense of urgency.
• Partner cross‑functionally — Maintain strong working relationships and coordinate with internal investment professionals, Portfolio Specialists, marketing support teams, and other internal groups to ensure seamless delivery against client and prospect needs.
• Contribute to sales and marketing strategy — Proactively provide input into the development of marketing campaigns and contribute sales ideas to better position investment capabilities, enhance the firm’s brand, and educate external audiences about offerings.
• Maintain deep product expertise — Maintain extensive knowledge and records of all firm products and services, including investment objectives, product differentiators, fee schedules, and competitive positioning. Serve as a go‑to resource for junior team members on product and platform knowledge.
• Mentor and support junior staff — Serve as a resource and mentor to junior associates on complicated transactions, escalated inquiries, and workflow processes.
• Additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Finance, Accounting, or Business preferred.
• Progress toward MBA, CFA, or advanced degree preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in asset management or comparable industry (investment consulting, plan sponsor, intermediary distribution, etc.) required.
• SIE, Series 7 and Series 66 (or Series 63 and Series 65) licenses required or must be obtained within 90 days of start date.
• Deep understanding of the investment business, intermediary distribution landscape, and the firm’s products and services.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail; able to prioritize and manage high‑profile projects under tight deadlines.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability and life insurance; 401(k); profit sharing; paid time off; Maven family & fertility benefit; parental leave (including adoption, surrogacy, and foster placement); and other voluntary benefits.

Salary Range

$85,000—$123,500 USD

Base salary does not include other forms of compensation or benefits. Actual base salary within the specified range is based on several factors, including but not limited to applicant’s skills, prior relevant experience, specific degrees and certifications, job responsibilities, market considerations, and, if applicable, the location of the position.

Our firm is an equal‑opportunity employer. It complies with all laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in employment practice because of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from the military service or on the basis of a physical or mental disability that is unrelated to the employee’s ability to perform the duties of the job applied for. EOE m/f/d/v