Direct Sales Specialist - Advantage Direct (Life & Annuities)

Nationwide•Grandview Heights, OH

1d•$46,000 - $62,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Direct Sales Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in guiding customers through life insurance and annuity solutions tailored to their unique needs. This fast-paced, consultative role involves building lasting relationships, analyzing financial data, and delivering personalized strategies that support long-term financial wellness. You’ll collaborate across teams—including Direct agents, product managers, and underwriting—to provide expert guidance and ensure seamless service. If you thrive in a competitive environment and are driven to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you. This position will be hired on a Success Flex basis. Success Flex Work Schedule: Two Days in office and Three Days Remote The hired associate must reside within 35 miles of the following location(s): Columbus: Three Nationwide Plaza, Columbus OH, 43215 Grandview: 1000 Yard Street Grandview OH, 43215 It is our intention to fill this role in Columbus, Ohio, however, on occasion, applications from internal candidates that are working remotely that bring critical industry skills and relevant experience may considered. This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program. This is an S24 band role. As a Sales Specialist, you’ll develop, grow, and retain relationships with individual customers by advising and consulting on their financial needs in support of business unit sales goals. You’ll work effectively with multiple contact points across the organization including Direct agents, Life and Annuity Solutions Center, Nationwide Securities, Life underwriting, financial product managers new business teams.

Requirements

Undergraduate studies in Business, Finance, Communications, Marketing or related field, preferred.
FINRA Series 6, and 63 and other applicable state securities registrations and/or insurance licenses as required.
Series 7 and 65/66 preferred.
CFP or ChFC preferred.
Associates must obtain the required Federal and/or state licenses/registrations within the time period designated by the business unit.
Additional licenses/registrations may be required when new products and/or services are implemented.
Typically four years’ experience in life insurance sales, registered representative or related field.
Experience in financial sales client relationship and account management environment preferred.
In depth knowledge of insurance financial products, sales, and customer services required.
Knowledge of life underwriting practices and procedures for financial lines of business preferred.
Verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical skills.
Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to meet objectives, set priorities, and manage resources assuring objectives are met.
Must be proficient in using computers and other applicable business applications.
Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values and Guiding Behaviors.

Nice To Haves

Series 7 and 65/66 preferred.
CFP or ChFC preferred.
Experience in financial sales client relationship and account management environment preferred.
Knowledge of life underwriting practices and procedures for financial lines of business preferred.

Responsibilities

Handles incoming calls/emails from customers and provides consultative sales approach to determine appropriate financial solutions and life insurance/long-term care based on needs analysis.
Collects and analyzes information regarding the customers’ income, assets, investments / debts, risk tolerance and time horizon.
Acts as a consultant to provide the most appropriate strategies and solutions to meet those needs and financial circumstances either directly or intermediary.
Serves as the agent of record-ongoing servicing of contracts written by rep.
When appropriate offer Income forecasting as a value add for customers
Partner with Nationwide Retirement Institute for Social Security/Healthcare costs in retirement planning strategies and client analysis
Consult with Advance Sales team for complex case.
Consult with existing members for conversions/upsell opportunities- life insurance group conversions from NW associates, pre-retirees and Nationwide Specialty Insurance plans.
Maintain digital files for securities business and comply with regulatory requirements.
Applies knowledge of industry trends, competitive intelligence, state and federal legislation, market movement, and investment performance and tax laws to advise and consult with customers of the advantages and disadvantages of different financial products; markets and promotes Nationwide financial products.
Completes risk assessments and follows suitability guidelines established by Broker/Dealer to comply with federal and state laws.
Meets continuing suitability obligations by performing reviews with customer to confirm or amend original solutions recommended.
Appropriately follows up on pending cases to bring them to a close through outbound phone calls and emails.
Completes applications and maintains appropriate documentation of communications with the customer to aid in the effort of customer retention and regulatory requirements.
Executes Marketing campaigns for targeted customers via outbound calls or communications to present solutions for their specific need.
Meets all regulatory requirements under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Adheres to all firm compliance and supervisory policies, including but not limited to, anti-money laundering/Office of Foreign Asset Control and/or privacy policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire