Job Description
Job Summary
Under general supervision, the Product Specialist - Mutual Fund & ETF Research utilizes knowledge of finance and investment concepts obtained through education and work experience to educate financial advisors and clients on the mutual fund, ETF, and 529 platforms. Individuals assuming this role will be responsible for assisting in marketing strategy development, product management, and both market and product analysis of mutual funds and ETFs; supporting departmental service objectives through reactive and proactive phone efforts designed to create awareness of and educate financial advisors on the various products and services offered on the mutual fund and ETF platforms of Raymond James; making product recommendations and presentations to financial advisors and other constituents; and maintaining frequent contact with current and prospective product sponsors. Requirements include acquiring and maintaining the general and product knowledge needed to appropriately educate advisors and clients on the various products and services available on the mutual fund and ETF platforms, including strategies such as domestic equity, international and global equity, taxable and municipal fixed income, and allocation strategies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as a primary point of contact for financial advisors contacting the Mutual Fund & ETF Research department and provide proactive and reactive strategy and product-related phone and email support.
Maintain market and product knowledge of various mutual funds, ETFs and 529 plans available at Raymond James.
Analyze the investment merits and risks of mutual fund and ETF products.
Work closely with product managers on analysis and recommendations related to existing mutual fund and ETF products as requested by financial advisors.
Provide general education, product specific education, and support on client cases in a manner consistent with the conservative nature of the firm.
Assist product managers with marketing strategy development, product management, and market and product analysis.
Prepare educational material/presentations to support various education savings strategies.
Transfer product knowledge and expertise by communicating with and educating other departments within the Private Client Investment Products Group and within the firm, as well as by working directly with financial advisors.
Meet specific objectives related to proactively contacting financial advisors to discuss products and strategies identified by product managers to increase awareness and usage.
Regularly use Advisor Engagement CRM infrastructure for documenting advisor conversations.
Contribute to department wide initiatives that require team input.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge of
Principles of banking and finance and securities industry operations.
Financial analysis.
MS Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Skill in
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Preparing and delivering clear and professional educational presentations.
Identifying the needs of financial advisors through effective questioning and listening techniques.
Organizing, managing, tracking and executing multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment with limited guidance.
Problem solving sufficient to effectively analyze, research and resolve inquiries and issues in a timely manner.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others at various organizational levels.
Analyzing business processes and identifying process improvement opportunities.
Excel
PowerPoint
Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications to produce correspondence, reports, electronic communication, and spreadsheets.
Ability to
Quickly acquire the knowledge required to appropriately educate on a variety of investment products and strategies, including but not limited to domestic equity, international and global equity, taxable and municipal fixed income, and allocation strategies.
Represent the company in a highly professional manner.
Organize, prioritize, and manage tasks and projects to complete work efficiently.
Use appropriate interpersonal styles and communicate effectively and professionally, both orally and in writing, with all organizational levels to accomplish objectives.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with team members, internal partners, and external parties.
Assimilate and prioritize strategies into operational guidelines.
Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
Education/Previous Experience
Bachelor's Degree in business, finance or a related discipline and existing knowledge of (or an ability to quickly acquire the knowledge of) the products and strategies required to appropriately educate on the mutual fund, ETF, and 529 platforms.
OR ~
Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training.
Licenses/Certifications
SIE required provided that an exemption or grandfathering cannot be applied.
Required: Series 7 within 90 days. Series 66 within 180 days.
Education
Bachelor's: Accounting, Bachelor's: Business Administration, Bachelor's: Data Processing
Work Experience
General Experience - 4 to 6 months
Certifications
Travel
Less than 25%
Workstyle
Hybrid
At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view.
We expect our associates at all levels to:
Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm
At Raymond James - as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates. When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.
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