Vice President, Financial Planning Director - Mid America Region

Position Overview

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management provides holistic financial solutions to individuals, families and institutions. With a legacy of innovation and a commitment to excellence, our Financial Planning Directors empower Financial Advisors and clients to make confident decisions around life's most complex financial questions. In this role, the Financial Planning Director (FPD) partners with Financial Advisors to deliver a comprehensive and personalized planning experience for high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, offering expertise in advanced planning topics such as tax mitigation strategies, charitable giving, trust and estate planning, and equity compensation.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Financial Advisors to create personalized financial plans using both MoneyGuidePro® and Morgan Stanley’s proprietary planning platform.
• Provide advanced technical guidance in areas including:
  • Tax-efficient portfolio strategies
  • Retirement income distribution planning
  • Executive compensation and equity planning
  • Charitable and philanthropic strategies
  • Risk management and insurance planning
  • Wealth transfer, trust, and estate planning
• Lead client-facing planning conversations by clarifying trade-offs, risks, and long-term implications.
• Serve as a planning subject matter expert and coach for Financial Advisors, enhancing planning integration within wealth management.
• Contribute to meaningful planning outcomes by tracking engagement metrics and monitoring client follow-through.
• Facilitate professional development through workshops, CE-eligible sessions, and peer mentoring.
• Stay updated on tax laws, estate regulations, product solutions, and market trends.
• Engage in impactful client work with complex, multigenerational wealth strategies.
• Collaborate with top Financial Advisors and leverage tech-enabled planning using AI.
• Participate in firmwide strategic initiatives to embed planning in the core of wealth management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation required.
• 5+ years of experience delivering financial plans or wealth strategies to high-net-worth clients.
• Strong knowledge in tax and estate strategies, and insurance planning.
• Ability to collaborate with client-facing professionals and communicate planning concepts clearly.
• Proficiency with financial planning platforms (Morgan Stanley’s proprietary tools, MoneyGuidePro®, or equivalent).
• Series 7 and 66 preferred or must be obtained as a condition of employment.
• Candidates will be considered for opportunities in Chicago, IL.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Salary range of 140,000 - 200,000 Yr. Eligible for an annual discretionary incentive compensation award and participation in an incentive compensation plan that may include a bonus component.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Day Care Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Sick Leave, Parental Leave and 20 Vacation Days annually), 10 Paid Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability.
• Additional employee perks and special benefits are available. For more details, visit mybenefits.morganstanley.com.
• The hiring process involves multiple interviews and assessments over four to six weeks, with all offers contingent on a background check.