Launch Specialist

The Launch Specialist will be responsible for owning the launch process for all new financial advisors by maintaining consistent processes and communication throughout the new advisor’s first 6 months of tenure. They will be accountable for maintaining a quality new advisor experience and adhere to the Launch Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Launch Specialist will report to the Manager, Launch in the Advisor Growth Center of Excellence (COE), but will collaborate with Thrivent Advisor Group leaders, Advisor Group support staff and others in the Advisor Growth COE to ensure a top quality, new advisor experience resulting in increased retention. The Launch Specialist is a critical communication point between multiple functions in both the Thrivent Advisor Groups and the Advice COE. They will have to effectively lead through change and be agile in their approach to work, responding to an ever-changing environment.
This can be a remote position within the US. However, our ideal candidate will need to be comfortable supporting individuals who are in MT and PT time zones.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Owns and maintains the effective execution and continuous improvement of the Associate Representative role and the first two months of the new Financial Advisor (NFA) launch and onboarding process for the Advisor Growth COE. Ensure consistency across Thrivent Advisor Groups (TAGs) by execution of the Launch SOPs and other resources.

• Establishes strong relationships with the NFAs as a key resource during their first 6 months.  Maintain open communication and regular check-ins to evaluate progress and needed support. (The Launch Specialist checks in 1-2 times during the timeframe of licensing and then meets daily with an Associate Representative (AR) for the first two weeks of Advisor Foundations training with the TAG’s entire class and then moves to weekly one/one through Foundations continuing till the end of month 6).
• Coaches to a model work week for each NFA and monitors progress and results. Approves timecard entries and communicates overtime as outlined in the LS Timecard SOP.

• Monitors candidates’ performance metrics as reported in the Launch Dashboard and verifies for accuracy.  Continually coaches performance to target levels during Associate Representative one/one meetings.  During Advisor Foundations, the Launch Specialist monitors and coordinates check point conversations and recommends corrective action to leadership as applicable.
• Tracks progress through the formalized training period and provides consistent reports to leadership through B2E, email and conversation. Prepare insights related to launch metrics to leadership team; seeks to understand any issues in the process and works with leaders to find solutions.  Provides coaching to field leaders around Foundations calendars, the Foundations syllabus, performance metrics, joint fieldwork (JFW) processes, Team Sponsored Launch (TSL) onboarding, Integrity Selling, Home and Office support. Attends and presents at the COE Matrix meeting to ensure complete understanding of the candidates and Licensing Trainee progress as they approach the Associate Representative role.

• Manage Thrivent Advisor Group call rallies.  Coordinates presenters, coaching, breakout rooms, and reporting.  Will also coordinate company-wide call rallies.

• Manages and maintains the JFW program. Coordinates schedules and facilitates communication and JFW between NFAs, veteran FAs/and appropriate leadership. Ensures JFW coverage by hosting open office hours and communications with Field Leadership.
• Guides Associate Representatives and NFAs through the onboarding process by acting as the liaison to leaders and resources to ensure an effective onboarding experience within a matrix environment.
• Collaborate with Advisor Group leaders and staff to maintain a quality new advisor launch experience and bring forward best practices for team discussion for potential implementation.
• Models Thrivent’s Leadership Competencies – Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes by demonstrating resiliency, working together to make the best decisions, and holding yourself and others accountable.  ​
• Supports and/or develops an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.  Shapes and/or supports a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.  

Advisor Group Leadership Team, veteran Financial Advisors, new Financial Advisors, Centers of Excellence: recruiting, contracting & licensing, launch and practice management teams; Human Resources, Risk Management, Marketing, Engagement Leaders, Business Consultants, Advice COE and other related stakeholders and business partners as described in the duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:  

 Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years of industry experience preferred; experience in sales, driving results, coaching, facilitation, presentation, conflict management and collaboration. Understand the role of the Financial Advisor and the proficiencies and activities required for success
• Experience organizing and prioritizing multiple projects and staff relationships.
• Experience working both independently and, in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and ability to learn other software systems (Salesforce, etc.)
• Reacts to and has ability to pivot during project adjustments, shifting priorities, demands, timelines and alterations promptly and efficiently. Flexible during times of change.
• Conflict management skills, including being persuasive, encouraging, and motivating. Skills to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources and knowing when to escalate.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills as well as customer service skills.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for the career and for Thrivent.
• This position is a dual role and may / may not require licensing.  Please reference the chart at the end of this document for job duties and responsibilities and the licenses that are needed for a licensed position. As a result, all required licenses might not be identified in the Job Qualifications section above.  These job duties and responsibilities also need to be included in the respective sections of a job posting when posting a licensed role.

Pay Transparency

Thrivent’s long-term growth depends on attracting, rewarding, and retaining people who are committed to helping others thrive with purpose. We accomplish this by offering a wide variety of market competitive compensation programs to attract, reward, and retain top talent. The applicable salary or hourly wage range for this full-time role is $65,765.00 - $88,976.00 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skills, and knowledge, business needs, market demand, and other factors Thrivent deems important.

Thrivent is unique in our commitment to helping people to be wise with money and live balanced and generous lives. That extends to our benefits.

The following benefits may be offered: various bonuses (including, for example, annual or long-term incentives); medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account; flexible spending account; 401k; pension; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance; supplemental protection insurance; 20 days of Paid Time Off each year; Sick and Safe Time; 10 paid company holidays; Volunteer Time Off; paid parental leave; EAP; well-being benefits, and other employee benefits. Eligibility for receipt of these benefits is subject to the applicable plan/policy documents. Thrivent’s plans/policies are subject to change at any time at Thrivent’s discretion.

Thrivent provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all employees and job applicants.

Thrivent is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected] or call 800-847-4836 and request Human Resources.