Business Development Director

Nearly 23 years ago, 23-year-old Matthew Dicken grew frustrated with the issues plaguing the financial services industry and set out on a mission to change the industry standard and prioritize clients in retirement planning. What started as a small two-person team in a 1,200 sq. ft. office in Louisville, KY, has evolved into the Strategic Wealth Designers we now know, with 18 locations across the U.S. and almost 100 employees. As we continue to grow, we're looking for passionate individuals to help take us to even greater heights.At Strategic Wealth Designers (SWD) , we don't hire to fill seats. We hire people who move the needle. We set a high bar and expect you to raise it. We measure ourselves by results and build systems that scale rather than excuses that justify misses. We value discipline, extreme ownership and real outcomes.The MissionYou're not here to manage sales verticals.You're here to build, scale and own the growth engine behind our non-traditional product lines.You will architect and lead revenue verticals that:Convert efficiently and consistentlyBuild long-term enterprise valueThis is not a “support sales” role.This is an own the growth infrastructure role.If vertical revenue scales profitably and predictably, you did your job.If funnels stall, conversion drops, or partnerships underperform, you own it, diagnose it and fix it.You are responsible for turning opportunity into structured, measurable growth.What Winning Looks LikeYou'll know you're winning when:Each vertical has clear KPIs and consistently hits growth targetsLead flow is predictable and conversion rates improve quarter over quarterStrategic partnerships generate measurable, repeatable revenueSales teams have clear process, accountability and performance visibilityMarketing alignment produces qualified opportunities, not just activityInfrastructure is strong enough to scale across multiple verticalsWe don't build verticals to say we have them.We build them to scale them.What You'll Be Responsible ForThe Business Development Director will oversee the strategic growth, infrastructure development and performance of revenue-driving verticals within the firm. This is a leadership role focused on scalable growth, systems, accountability and execution. This is not a direct sales production role.You are the filter between opportunity and execution.Sales Vertical Growth and OversightYou will own and optimize revenue-driving verticals including but not limited to:Property & CasualtyReferral businessInsuranceSecurities Based LendingCash Management SolutionsYou will:Develop and execute strategic growth plans for each verticalEstablish revenue targets, KPIs, and performance dashboardsDiagnose process inefficiencies and eliminate conversion bottlenecksBuild scalable sales frameworks and standardsEnsure clean execution across each funnelYou don't just oversee verticals, you make them perform.Business Development & ExpansionIdentify and evaluate new vertical opportunities aligned with firm growthDevelop outbound and inbound lead generation strategiesBuild structured cross-sell opportunities across advisory relationshipsConduct market research to anticipate trends and competitive threatsTranslate opportunity into actionable initiativesWe build it intentionally.Partnership DevelopmentIdentify, negotiate, and onboard new referral and acquisition opportunitiesStrengthen and systematize existing referral relationshipsBuild a measurable referral tracking and replication frameworkEnsure partnerships produce consistent and predictable lead flowIf a partnership doesn't produce measurable growth, you refine it or replace it.Leadership and AccountabilityProvide clear direction and performance accountability to vertical leadersDefine scalable processes, reporting standards and execution rhythmsMonitor pipeline performance and revenue realizationHold teams accountable to outcomes, not activityYou build leaders who build results.Cross-Functional AlignmentPartner with marketing to ensure campaign effectiveness and conversion optimizationCoordinate with Advisors, Operations, and Compliance to ensure seamless client experiencePresent performance insights and growth opportunities to Senior LeadershipEnsure all initiatives meet regulatory and licensing standardsGrowth without alignment creates friction.You eliminate friction.5 plus years of business development, sales leadership or partnership management experience, preferably within financial services, insurance or a multi-line advisory firm.Proven track record of building and scaling revenue-generating verticals within a small to mid-sized company.Experience with Property & Casualty, Medicare, and/or Insurance strongly preferredStrong understanding of client acquisition strategies and cross-sell opportunities (preferably within an advisory firm)Demonstrated ability to build scalable processes from concept to executionExperience leading teams and holding performance accountabilityStrong analytical thinking with the ability to diagnose inefficienciesExperience collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, compliance and operationsWho You AreA strategic growth operatorYou think in outcomes, not activityYou see process gaps before they impact revenueYou hold others accountable without hesitationYou move from idea to execution quicklyYou are comfortable in both strategy and tactical implementationYou build systems that make growth repeatableYou don't just support growth.You build the infrastructure that makes it predictable.Who This is Not ForThis is not for someone who:Wants to sell instead of leadAvoids accountability for revenue outcomesFocuses on activity instead of measurable growthStruggles to balance strategy with executionWaits for something to happen instead of seeking out opportunities for growthCompensationBase salary starting at $150,000, with total compensation up to $300,000 based on firm profitability and growth in revenue generated from ancillary services, plus a generous benefits package.We offer a comprehensive benefit package designed to support your health, family and growth. Some key offerings:Employer sponsored Medical, Dental & Vision plans along with additional ancillary optionsEmployer match program for 401(k), eligible for both Tradition and Roth accounts$2,500 annual Professional Development budget to support your growthGenerous Paid Time Off package and Company-wide HolidaysOur Core ValuesAbsolute Ownership: We take full responsibility for outcomes, follow through on our commitments, and solve problems without passing the buck.Selflessness: We put the team and clients first, collaborate openly, and measure success by shared wins, not individual credit. We recognize that our strength lies in unity.Tenaciously Driven: We pursue excellence relentlessly, push past obstacles, and refuse to settle for the status quo.Coachable Mindset: We stay open to feedback, committed to learning, and focused on continuous improvement no matter how skilled or experienced we are.Compassionate Honesty: We speak the truth with empathy, delivering clear, respectful feedback that strengthens trust and relationships.#J-18808-Ljbffr