Advisor Development Program Client Associate

Merrill Wealth Management is seeking a dedicated professional for the Advisor Development Program Client Associate position located in North Bethesda, MD. This is a progressive entry-level role designed for individuals looking to make a career transition and follow their passion for becoming a full-scale Financial Advisor. Merrill is committed to an in-office culture with specific requirements for office-based attendance, while offering appropriate flexibility based on role-specific considerations.

Your journey begins by obtaining your essential Securities Industry licenses, including the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 7, and Series 66 exams, with dedicated study time provided. These credentials must typically be obtained within 120 days. Once licensed, you will learn foundational skills and provide comprehensive client service support to multiple Financial Advisors, serving as a primary point of contact for client needs and executing customized solutions.

As you reach key milestones and complete experiential training activities, you will progress into the next stage of the program as a Financial Advisor trainee, focusing on building a book of business, acquiring and managing client relationships, and offering comprehensive guidance. Successful completion of performance requirements leads to the destination role of a Merrill Financial Advisor. You will be supported along the way with world-class training, one-on-one coaching through The Academy at Bank of America, and dedicated resources.

Key responsibilities include:

• Partnering with Financial Advisors, Client Relationship Managers, and Market Supervision Managers on client servicing, risk, investments, and banking products.
• Providing exceptional client service, educating clients on bank offerings, and ensuring timeliness, accuracy, and completeness in client materials.
• Assisting with operational excellence, adhering to bank policies and procedures, and managing risk.
• Identifying and deepening client relationships by promoting banking and investment solutions.
• Performing general business growth and development support functions to assist multiple Financial Advisors.

Qualifications and skills required for this role:

• Demonstrated confidence as a self-starter in a sales or client-facing role with exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to actively listen, build trust, and assess client needs.
• Strong organizational abilities, proactive time management, and proficiency in computer applications such as the Microsoft Suite.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a results-driven growth orientation and strong follow-through capabilities.
• A bachelor’s degree and/or prior professional work experience is preferred, along with adaptability to new technologies.

Additional details for this position:

• This is a 1st shift opportunity with a scheduled 37.5 hours per week.
• The hourly pay rate is $35.90, with final offers determined based on experience, education, and skill set. This role is compensated with a base salary and is not incentive eligible.
• This position is benefits-eligible and is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements, including submission to required federal background checks and registration processes.