Managing Director, Referral Programs

Cetera

18d • $225,000 - $265,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Managing Director of Referral Programs will design, launch, and scale a firm‑wide referral and lead‑generation strategy - creating the operating model, incentives, governance, and technology enablement that drive measurable growth. This senior leader will deepen collaboration across business lines, streamline referral intake and routing, and ensure a consistent, compliant client experience. This role will be based in Dallas, TX | San Diego, CA.

Requirements

• 15+ years of leadership in wealth management, private banking, or broader financial services.
• Proven success building and scaling referral or client acquisition programs in complex, multi‑channel environments.
• Experience leveraging large networks, strategic partnerships, and cross‑business synergies to drive growth.
• Strong executive presence; ability to influence senior stakeholders across diverse business lines.
• Deep understanding of client segments, advisor platforms (broker‑dealer and RIA), and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the Referral Utility vision and strategy, including objectives, scope, and success metrics.
• Build and implement the referral framework, integrating with existing channels and programs.
• Partner with Growth, Marketing, and business leaders to align lead generation, referral velocity, and campaigns.
• Develop strategies to increase referrals from CPA affiliates, professional networks, and bank partnerships.
• Activate referral opportunities within Cetera’s retirement plan participant base.
• Coordinate with Operations, Compliance, and Service teams to ensure smooth execution and regulatory adherence.
• Design incentive structures and goal-setting frameworks to drive adoption and performance.
• Track and report referral metrics through Quarterly Business Reviews; analyze performance and optimize.
• Serve as subject matter expert on referral best practices, compliance, and scalability.
• Drive measurable growth in qualified leads, conversion rates, and AUA/AUM inflows.
• Oversee CRM reporting and ensure data integrity, transparency, and timely dashboards.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team; coach advisors on referral best practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and client impact consistent with One Cetera values.
• Champion inclusion, challenge processes, and leverage data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency.
• Ensure risk controls, governance, and compliance throughout the referral lifecycle.
• Allocate resources effectively and mobilize organizational capabilities to deliver the full range of Cetera solutions.

Benefits

• Inclusive health, dental, vision and life insurance plans built to support diverse lifestyles, offer preventative care, and protect against hardship.
• Easy access to mental health benefits to meet our team members and their families where they are.
• 20 plus days of paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and 2 paid wellness days to give our employees the time they need to stay close with their loved ones, recharge, and give back to their communities.
• 401(k) Savings plan with a generous company contribution (up to 5%), and access to a financial professional to offer our employees the opportunity to plan-ahead for a strong financial future well beyond their working years.
• Paid parental leave to support all team members with birth, adoption, and foster.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options to help you save money on healthcare, daycare, commuting, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), LifeLock, Pet Insurance and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed