Director, Strategic Initiatives

Job Summary:

The Director, Independent Strategic Initiatives is a pivotal leadership role within the Independent growth channel, serving as a trusted partner to the Head of Mariner Independent. Ensuring decisions are well-informed, priorities stay on track, and execution moves forward smoothly across the organization.Focusing on the infrastructure of execution—gathering and synthesizing information, preparing leadership for decisions, facilitating alignment, and ensuring initiatives stay on time and on target. The Director will ensure alignment across teams, drive critical projects, and help shape the strategic roadmap that supports our long-term Independent objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• The Director, Strategic Initiatives will ensure leadership is consistently prepared, informed, and focused on the most critical priorities. This role will focus on:

Strategic Partnership & Leadership Support

• Organize and synthesize data for decision making – ensuring leadership receives organized data insights ahead of decision making

• Prepare and coordinate leadership meetings, presentations, and follow-ups to ensure effective execution of business priorities

• Ensures agendas are focused, discussions stay on track, and follow-ups are consistent

• Manage communications and information flow between the Independent, leadership and internal/external stakeholders

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives aligned with Independent objectives and market trends.

• Conduct market and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities and threats, informing future strategies.

• Facilitate scenario planning, forecasting, and risk assessment to support informed decision-making.

Project & Strategic Initiatives

• Oversee cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, timely delivery, and measurable outcomes

• Drive accountability and performance management for key initiatives, coordinating efforts between business units, marketing, and other stakeholders

Innovation & Future-Readiness

• Champion innovation by identifying emerging technologies, partnership opportunities, and business o models that can accelerate growth

• Collaborate with senior leaders to develop and implement forward-looking strategies, including digital transformation and new market entry

Organizational Effectiveness

• Improve internal processes and workflows to enhance efficiency and communication within Mariner Independent

• Support talent development and people planning initiatives in partnership with HR and leadership

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required

• 7+ years of experience in strategy, business development, management consulting, or related fields within financial services or a similarly regulated industry.

• Proven ability to partner with senior executives and across multiple functions

Preferred Education and Experience:

• MBA or advanced degree preferred

• Experience with financial services products, markets, and regulatory landscape preferred

Skills:

• Project management skills with a track record of driving complex initiatives from concept to execution

• Analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with a future-oriented mindset

• Strong Communication and interpersonal skills

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with multiple competing priorities

#LI-JS1

#LI-REMOTE

We welcome your interest in being a part of our firm. We believe in giving associates progressive opportunities, actively nurturing professional growth and giving back to the community. We are dedicated to building a diverse culture where everyone has the support they need to achieve their career goals. We offer an innovative workplace and a culture that fosters camaraderie, teamwork and work-life balance.

EOE M/F/D/V