Advanced Solutions Assistant Director / Director

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

3d • $127,000 - $190,000

About The Position

Are you looking for a role where expertise meets impact?

Are you passionate about complex tax and financial planning? Do you thrive in a role where your strategic thinking and deep technical knowledge directly support high-value cases and drive business success? Join Principal® as our next Assistant Director or Director of Advanced Solutions and become a trusted expert to advisors, clients, and professionals nationwide.
At Principal, we’re not just helping people plan for their future—we're reshaping what financial security looks like for generations to come. We’re a purpose-led organization that has been helping individuals, businesses, and institutions achieve financial wellness for more than 140 years. Now, we invite you to bring your experience, vision, and insight to help us deliver advanced planning solutions that continue to make a difference.
As the Assistant Director of Advanced Solutions, you’ll provide high-level technical support and thought leadership on advanced tax, estate, and financial planning topics. You’ll be an essential resource for advisors, clients, and other professionals on the most complex cases across estate, business succession, executive benefits, and beyond.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the bar in at least one state and 4+ years of related experience resulting in comprehensive understanding of tax law, business uses of life insurance, qualified plans, estate planning, and financial services products or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 7+ years related experience as described above
• Strong grasp of the sales process and how to support producers in the field
• Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to the bar in at least one state and 6+ years of related experience resulting in comprehensive understanding of tax law, business uses of life insurance, qualified plans, estate planning, and financial services products or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 8+ years of directly related experience as described above
• Demonstrated deep expertise in tax law, business uses of life insurance, qualified plans, estate planning, and financial services products
• Ability to provide advanced guidance and influence across the organization and field partners
• FINRA Series 6 registration required (or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire)
• This role may be subject to SEC restrictions on personal political contributions
• Ability to travel approximately 4–6 times per year to company offices and events across the United States

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to producers, regional directors, and client-facing teams, offering expert guidance and point-of-sale support on large and complex cases.
• Analyze and interpret legislative and regulatory changes that impact planning strategies and communicate actionable insights.
• Develop and deliver advanced training, marketing content, and presentations for a wide range of professionals including financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs, trust officers, and business clients.
• Maintain deep technical expertise in tax law, estate planning, and business planning strategies.
• Support and enhance advanced planning tools and software, including estate and business planning calculators, to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
• Collaborate across departments on strategic initiatives that enhance our advanced planning capabilities and align with broader business goals.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
• Pension Eligible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees