Dir, Field Learning

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Lead teams that deliver and manage training to new FAs and field leaders through a consistent development experience that results in proficiency in core competencies including but not limited to advice, sales concepts, products, technology and practice management 

• Responsible for design, development and implementation of the overall strategy and tactics for driving FA production, Retention and Advice readiness in collaboration with senior field leaders 

• Apply data and analytics to solve problems; and to integrate a multitude of currently disconnected processes and systems, to enhance the support of training and developing leaders, FAs and practices.

• Grow the number and effectiveness of field leaders by designing and executing a robust field leader development program that leads to broader application and impact across Thrivent’s distribution business 

• Partner with corporate and field leaders to implement enterprise-wide training initiatives (i.e. MoneyGuidePro, new products, Salesforce, etc).

• Responsible for developing and implementing a consistent FA and field leader launch playbook that is used across all Groups.

• Equip field leaders with the necessary tools, resources and training to achieve their NFA launch goals.
• Leads team that delivers, organizes and monitors training and development needs across the various markets and areas that help FAs build a sustainable business aligned with Thrivent’s mission and standards.  This includes the development of field leaders to coach and develop their FAs.
• Responsible for leading the centralized launch coordinator (both new FA and field leaders) function, which collaborates closely with Field Leadership and Areas to execute on NFA and field leader launch playbook 

• Champion and integrate key organizational messages into local training events. 

• Model Thrivent’s leadership competencies. This leader is accountable to recruit, develop, and sustain a high-performing leadership team while promoting a culture of shared accountability, operational excellence, and partnership across the organization. The leader will establish and foster an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.  

• Recommend new training methods (including e-learning courses,game-based platforms and on-the-job development and coaching resources) 

• Works in close collaboration with our corporate Leadership Development team to leverage tools, technology and training platforms to create consistency in leadership concepts and training opportunities. 

• Deliver the Thrivent Promise: 

• • Identify and implement opportunities for improvement that lead to more effective development of field leaders, financial advisors and practices 

  • Develop deep, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders (Brand, Strategy, Data/Analytics, HR, Distribution Support, Distribution Operations, Advice, Wholesaling, etc.) to create cohesive launch and development processes in support of effectively developing FAs and field leaders 

  • Develop subject matter expertise through involvement in industry groups (GAMA, LIMRA, Kingdom Advisors, etc.) 

Grows Talent 

• Build, maintain and effectively manage a diverse, high-performing team to meet current and future business needs 

• Creates a positive culture and team dynamics by recognizing the exponential value that different perspectives and cultures bring to Thrivent.  Demonstrates a high level of modeling and coaching of all the Thrivent Leadership Competencies.

  • In-depth understanding of traditional and modern training methods (including workshops, simulations, e-learning and coaching) 

  • Implement coaching sessions and mentorship programs to establish a culture of continuous learning 

  SCOPE OF THE ROLE: 

  • Accountable for the development and implementation of the overall strategy and end-to-end management of driving FA and leader capacity growth and development 

  • Accountable for developing and delivering an engaging, smooth and effective end-to-end candidate experience for NFA and new field leader candidates 

  • Build strong, collaborative relationships with the Advisor & Practice Productivity COE, National Practice Group, Advice and Wholesaling COEs and Group leaders to strategically partner on practice management, teaming, succession, and revenue goals. 

  • This position will regularly communicate with field leaders, advisors, teams, and staff to ensure that we are building resources to meet their training and development needs.  

    • Strong two-way partnerships with Advisor Groups and COEs (Wholesaling/Sales Support, National Practice Group, Advisor Growth, Advice among others). 

    • Build and maintain crucial partnerships within Thrivent Corporate: IT/systems, Marketing, Wholesaling/Sales Support and Advice COEs. 

    • QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:   

      • Bachelor’s degree or higher in business, human resources/learning and development or related discipline. 

      • Minimum of 10 years’ leadership experience at increasing levels of strategic responsibility, preferably in the insurance/financial services industry 

      • Experience with effectively leading through change; Passionate about leading on a large scale through others and leveraging systems to engage people and drive results 

      • Experience building and executing on distribution and/or sales-based trainings nationally in a remote model preferred.  

      • In-depth knowledge of instructional design/learning, advice, insurance products, asset/wealth management, fee-based planning, mutual funds and securities. 

      • Expertise in leadership development domain knowledge and leadership development program implementation 

      • Ability to inform, influence and persuade organization-wide stakeholders, including senior leaders. 

      • Success in Field Financial Services role preferred 

      • Series 7/66 licenses 

      • Extensive experience conducting needs assessment, skill inventory, and learning strategy development