Associate Director of Investment Research

About Us

At Five Cities Financial, we are committed to making a meaningful impact on our clients' lives by fostering interactive, lifelong relationships. Our tailored planning approach ensures each client's unique financial goals and dreams are realized. We specialize in guiding individuals confidently into retirement, bridging the gap between uncertainty and financial security.

Position Overview

The Associate Director of Investment Research will play a critical role in portfolio management, investment strategy development, and client servicing. This position is ideal for a financial professional with a background in asset management or investment advisory, looking to advance their career in research and portfolio strategy without the pressure of business development or asset gathering. The ideal candidate will serve as the right-hand person to the Head of Investment Research, assisting in client meetings, investment portfolio management, and operational servicing.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Investment Strategy

Oversee portfolio management, rebalancing, trade execution, and investment planning

Research market conditions, economic trends, and expected returns to support investment strategy recommendations

Strong knowledge and application of non-traditional asset classes to support diversified investment approaches

Make recommendations for asset class allocations, market capitalization weighting, and risk-adjusted portfolio construction

Client Servicing & Trade Execution

Assist with trade execution, operational servicing, and portfolio structuring

Collaborate with advisors to analyze client financial situations and develop comprehensive investment plans

Serve as a backup for new client onboarding and servicing during periods of high client service volume

Ensure data integrity and performance return accuracy for clients and partners

Client Communication & Investment Education

Act as the third chair in client meetings, explaining investment selections, market trends, and portfolio structures

Educate clients on investment decisions and financial planning strategies in a clear and engaging manner

Participate in mutual fund/wholesaler meetings, due diligence discussions, and product presentations

Leverage strong client presentation and analytical skills to communicate portfolio strategies effectively

Additional Responsibilities

Contribute to the development of new investment products and strategies, ensuring alignment with client needs and market conditions

Conduct competitive market research and incorporate client feedback into investment strategies

Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

Collaborative and detail-oriented with strong follow-through

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to educate clients on complex investment topics

High adaptability and openness to learning new investment systems and tools

Analytical mindset with the ability to assess market trends and risk management strategies

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics or related field

Series 7, 63, 65, CFA and/or CFP licenses/designations

Minimum 5+ years of direct experience in asset management, preferably working in investment-related functions

Strong knowledge of traditional and non-traditional asset classes

Excellent client presentation and analytical skills

Strong understanding of investment strategies, financial planning, and trade execution

Excellent written, oral, and digital communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a financial advisor early in career, with a passion for research and investment management

Experience with Pershing platform, Envestnet (EV2) and/or NetX360 technology a plus

Experience in financial services product management or investment strategy development

Why Join Us?