Director, National Accounts - Intermediary Distribution

Thrivent•Minneapolis, MN

8d•Remote

About The Position

We exist to help people achieve financial clarity. At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we are committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given. At our core, we are a membership-owned fraternal organization, as well as a holistic financial services organization, dedicated to serving the unique needs of our clients. We focus on their goals and priorities, guiding them toward financial choices that will help them live the life they want today—and tomorrow. Job Summary The Director, National Accounts, Intermediary Distribution is a leadership role responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to grow and manage relationships with key intermediary partners across the nation. This leader plays a pivotal role in driving product distribution through strategic relationships with key wealth management platforms. Additionally, this role is responsible for building and maintaining high-impact partnerships, securing selling agreements, and accelerating product onboarding across wirehouses, regional firms, independent broker dealers and banks. This role will lead a team focused on driving revenue growth, enhancing distribution effectiveness, and ensuring alignment with corporate goals. Deep expertise in intermediary distribution within broker dealer, investment and asset management industries, a strong network of national accounts, and a proven track record of leadership and innovation are critical for success in this role. Total target all-in compensation for this role is $350k to $400k, depending on experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or related field.
10+ years of experience in intermediary distribution, national accounts, or financial sales within the insurance or financial services industry.
Demonstrated leadership experience in managing strategic partnerships.
Deep understanding of investment products, distribution platforms, insurance products, and regulatory requirements.
Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to travel 35% to 50% for overnight nationally as needed.
Proven track record of success in developing new and existing firm relationships.
Intelligent, driven, detail-oriented, hard-working, and able to work effectively with professional, high caliber executives in various business areas.
Strong analytical skills are essential for assessing competitors and effectively positioning our products to reflect our competitive advantages.
Proven determination with ability to show persuasiveness and leadership in difficult situations.
Ability to work collaboratively in approach and style.
Achievement-oriented with entrepreneurial mindset and discipline to work independently.
Completion of Series 7, 63/65 or 66.
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, and Broadridge systems.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent).
Advanced certifications such as CFA or CIMA
Experience selling investments or complex financial products into broker dealers and wirehouse platforms.
Existing relationships with key financial advisors and intermediary networks.
Familiarity with CRM systems and data analytics tools for performance tracking.
Proven leadership experience managing teams and setting strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning Develop and execute national account strategies to grow intermediary distribution channels in alignment with organizational goals and market opportunities.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to strengthen partner engagement and enhance product positioning.
Manage the annual travel and expense (T&E) budget and ensure timely completion of administrative tasks, including CRM updates, call reporting, expense submissions, and team meetings.
Provide regular performance reporting and strategic insights to senior leadership.
Relationship Management Build and maintain strategic relationships with key intermediary partners, including broker-dealers, financial advisors, and wealth management platforms.
Serve as the primary contact for strategic accounts, ensuring exceptional service, satisfaction, and long-term success.
Establish new distributor relationships and manage existing ones across independent broker-dealers, regional firms, banks, and wirehouses.
Collaborate with internal teams and product specialists to support sales efforts, including RFP development and coordination throughout the sales cycle.
Provide timely reporting and insights to senior leadership, and fulfill administrative responsibilities such as CRM updates, expense reports, and meeting participation.
Team Leadership Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of account managers and distribution professionals.
Provide strategic guidance and leadership to drive business development and team performance.
Ensure efficient allocation of time and human capital across distribution efforts.
Create the national accounts annual business plan and drive growth results Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Sales & Performance Management Drive revenue growth through strategic sales initiatives, product onboarding processes, and capitalizing on networking opportunities.
Monitor performance metrics and KPIs to ensure sales targets are met or exceeded.
Launch new products across platforms and firms and support product onboarding and distribution.
Assess platform potential by evaluating sales capacity, access, firm size, growth rate, and revenue-sharing requirements.
Conduct product demand assessments on wealth management platforms to identify distribution growth opportunities for Thrivent Distributors Inc. investment products.
Partner with sales leadership to identify target firms and develop strategic business development approaches.
Manage strategic platform relationships, including home office contacts, product gatekeepers, platform managers, and due diligence teams.
Support fund and ETF inclusion in home office models to expand product reach.
Deliver exceptional service to platforms and firms to foster engagement and long-term partnerships.
Collaborate with sales team, marketing and product specialists to drive advisor awareness and adoption of approved products.
Market Intelligence & Innovation Stay informed on industry trends, regulatory changes, and competitor activities to guide strategic decisions.
Identify new opportunities for product distribution and market expansion.
Monitor sales trends, advisor behavior, and platform dynamics to inform strategy and provide actionable insights to senior leadership.
Deliver market intelligence by analyzing the competitive landscape and evolving needs of firms and advisors.
Highlight process gaps and opportunities and recommend improvements to support strategic growth.
Monitor sales trends, advisor behavior, and platform dynamics to inform strategy and senior leaders.
Compliance and Governance Ensure all distribution activities comply with internal policies and external regulations.
Oversee contract negotiations, renewals, and compliance reviews with intermediary partners.
Adhere to all compliance guidelines including use of approved marketing materials, prospectus requirements and proper licensing.
Leadership Competencies Model Thrivent’s leadership competencies – Model the Way, Rally the Team, and Deliver Outcomes.
Support and/or develop an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
Shape and/or support a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.