Associate - Dakota Valley Associates

Organization/Business Overview:
Dakota Valley Associates is an independent financial services practice of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. We take a broad-based approach to helping our members/customers achieve multiple financial goals. Dakota Valley Associates helps our members analyze their current situation, develop in-depth financial programs, and help them implement an integrated financial strategy.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is a faith-based, not-for-profit financial services organization with approximately 2.6 million members. As the nation's largest fraternal benefit society, we're here solely to help others. We help every day through the financial solutions we offer, the member activities we support, and the resources we provide to the Lutheran community and nonprofit organizations. Thrivent Investment Management Inc. is a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. 
Position summary:
This position provides licensed financial and non-financial support to Dakota Valley Associates and will serve as a resource to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Financial Advisors. Individuals in this position will be focused on securities and investment advisory products and services as well as fixed and variable life, health, and annuities products and together with the Financial Advisors, will serve the financial and non-financial needs of Thrivent members, customers, and their families. Responsibilities may include working with a Financial Advisor to develop and implement business and marketing plans to acquire, cultivate, and retain members, prospecting and marketing, case and proposal preparation, referral generation, and building a sense of “community” with and among members and prospects. The Associate reports to and is employed/contracted by the Financial Advisor. Thrivent Investment Management Inc. is the sponsor for FINRA registration and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is the sponsor for insurance licensure. 

Position Responsibilities

• Learn and understand the entire operation of Dakota Valley Associates
• Participate in joint fieldwork with the advisors of Dakota Valley Associates to build expertise and learn best-practices within the industry
• Meet with new and existing clients to build a book of business and grow relationships
• Solicit and sell appropriate products, complete applications, write recommendations, and service existing clients/contracts
• Position products, services, and strategies to help clients gain financial clarity
• Counsel and advise prospective and current members/customers on suitable financial products and investment advisory services
• Handle sensitive communications with members/customers, which may include highly confidential information and effectively respond through verbal and written communications to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction
• Maintain client relationships through processing of client requests, resolving client questions, and making sure client information and documentation are up-to-date
• Participate in events to attract new clients and provide financial education to the local community
• Conduct substantive research or information gathering that will be used with making suitable securities product recommendations or providing appropriate investment advice (e.g. conducting due diligence, etc.)
• Finalize, submit, and track all client paperwork for account and application changes
• Obtain member/customer financial and/or suitability information
• Explain, discuss or interpret insurance coverage; analyze exposures or policies; provide recommendations
• Collaborate with Lead Advisor on complex scenarios
• Schedule, prep, and document all client meetings
• Build proficiency in common advice tools and platforms like Salesforce, Money Guide Pro, What-If Tax, etc.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned in accordance with licensure and business needs

Position Qualifications

• Securities registered (SIE, Series 7 and 66 or 7/63/65) preferred, OR ability to obtain licenses within 90 days of hire.

• Must be appropriately insurance licensed/appointed for sale of all life/health and variable products.
• Must be securities registered/insurance licensed/appointed in all states in which the candidate will be doing support work for Dakota Valley Associates. Must be willing to complete appropriate state training in order to sell Long Term Care if this is determined to be a part of the position or support needs on the sponsoring Financial Advisor.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation/experience, 2+ years preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and maintain a high quality of work while experiencing frequent interruptions.
• Ability to maintain integrity of sensitive/confidential information.

Desired Characteristics

• Self-motivated
• Independent
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Driven to succeed
• Growth mindset
• Motivated by helping others
• Relationship oriented
• Detail-oriented
• Organized

• Interpersonal Skills
• Adaptability/Flexibility

Compensation

• Competitive salary plus bonuses based upon experience
• Paid time off and holiday pay

As part of Dakota Valley Associates recruiting/hiring/contracting process, a verification of a candidate's background will be made to complete the process. Fingerprints will be required as part of FINRA registration process for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for review against nationwide fingerprint records.

Pay Transparency

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.