Director of Financial Planning

Blankinship & Foster•Solana Beach, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Financial Planning leads the firm's financial planning function, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, comprehensive advice to clients. This role works closely with advisors, operations, investment management, compliance, and firm leadership to establish planning standards, improve processes, mentor team members, and enhance the client experience. In addition to providing strategic leadership for the planning function, the Director of Financial Planning will also maintain senior-level client advisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
7+ years of experience in comprehensive financial planning in a wealth management or RIA environment.
Strong technical knowledge across retirement, tax, estate, insurance, charitable, and equity compensation planning.
Proven experience managing a team and improving financial planning processes to increase efficiency and scalability.
Ability to work a hybrid schedule (remote and onsite in Solana Beach, CA).
Collaborative, approachable leader with a strong client-first mindset
Highly organized, detail-oriented and process-driven, with the ability to create structure and accountability.
Strong communicator and decision-maker who collaborates effectively across teams.
Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in complex planning work.
Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgement, fiduciary responsibility and commitment to long-term client relationships.

Nice To Haves

CPA is a plus.
master's degree or advanced planning designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and continually improve the firm's financial planning function, including planning standards, technical excellence, and complex planning support.
Mentor and develop advisors and associate advisors; set expectations for planning quality, workflow, documentation and client service.
Oversee planning workflows, technology, and documentation standards to support consistency, scalability and efficient cross-department collaboration.
Partner with firm leadership on strategic initiatives, capacity planning, service enhancements, advisor development, and client experience improvements.
Keep professional staff current on relevant industry, financial planning and regulatory developments.
Serve as the lead advisor and primary relationship manager for assigned clients.