Edelman Financial Engines→

Business Development Consultant, Planner… at Edelman… · California

Mid LevelOn-siteCalifornia$125k–$155k/yr

Job Description

At Edelman Financial Engines (EFE), our purpose is to guide people with the financial advice they need to thrive.

We believe that every dollar saved represents a lifetime of hard work and aspirations, and every dollar invested has a job to do for our clients. That’s why we are committed to managing our clients’ investments by truly understanding them as people first and then delivering advice, strategies and solutions to help them feel confident about the plans they are making, whether for today, tomorrow, or in the great unknown future. Our goal is to build long-term relationships based on respect, integrity, and a belief that our responsibility is to help people make smart investments decisions in every stage of their lives.

Our culture is grounded in our CORE values: Client First, One Team, Respectful Candor, and Endless Curiosity. These values guide everything we do, for our clients and each other. We are committed to moving forward together. If you are inspired by purpose-driven work and a collaborative, values-led culture, we invite you to explore a career with us.

The Business Development Consultant, Planner Growth is focused on attracting and engaging top financial planning talent into Edelman Financial Engines (EFE). This individual will act as a brand ambassador in the wealth management industry, positioning EFE as a premier “hire-to-retire” destination for financial planners.

Blending business development, relationship management, and recruiting, this role is responsible for proactively sourcing, cultivating, and converting experienced planners by shaping articulating EFE’s long-term planner value proposition.

Responsibilities:

Talent Origination & Business Development

Identify, target, and proactively engage high-quality financial planners across the wealth management industry
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of passive and active candidates through outbound outreach, networking, and market mapping
Develop strategic sourcing plans aligned to hiring priorities and market trends

Planner Value Proposition Positioning

Clearly articulate EFE’s “hire-to-retire” value proposition, including career growth, client access, compensation, and stability
Position EFE as a differentiated destination for planners seeking long-term career development and client impact
Tailor messaging to resonate with planners at various career stages (early, mid, senior)

Relationship Management

Establish and nurture long-term relationships with financial planners, acting as a trusted industry contact
Maintain ongoing engagement with prospects, even when immediate opportunities are not available
Partner closely with internal stakeholders to align talent needs and messaging

Market Intelligence

Stay informed on industry trends, competitor talent strategies, and compensation benchmarks within wealth management
Provide insights to leadership on talent availability, competitor positioning, and candidate sentiment

Pipeline Conversion

Drive candidate engagement through the recruiting funnel in partnership with key EFE stakeholders
Ensure a high-quality candidate experience from initial outreach through offer stage
Track and report on pipeline activity, conversion rates, and sourcing effectiveness

Requirements:

3-7 years of experience in business development, recruiting, or relationship management within financial services or wealth management
Strong understanding of the financial planning ecosystem (RIA, wirehouse, broker-dealer models)
Proven ability to engage and influence passive talent through consultative outreach
Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to position a compelling career narrative
Highly proactive, with a hunter mindset and strong pipeline discipline
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment

Key Competencies:

Strategic sourcing & prospecting
Influencing & relationship-building
Market storytelling & employer branding
Resilience and persistence
Collaboration and stakeholder alignment

Edelman Financial Engines takes a market-based approach to pay. The expected base salary range for this role nationally is $125,000 to $155,000. However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including responsibilities, job-related skills, relevant experience, geographic location, and market conditions. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation and benefits, such as a discretionary bonus, health, dental and other wellness plans, and 401(k) contributions.

Your recruiter can share more about the specific benefits eligible for this role during the hiring process.

Edelman Financial Engines takes a market-based approach to pay. The expected base salary range for this role nationally is below. However, final base pay will be carefully determined based on several factors, including responsibilities, job-related skills, relevant experience, geographic location, and market conditions. Additionally, this role may be eligible for other forms of compensation and benefits, such as a discretionary bonus, health, dental and other wellness plans, and 401(k) contributions.

Pay Range

$125,000—$155,000 USD

About Edelman Financial Engines

Since 1986, Edelman Financial Engines has been committed to always acting in the best interests of our clients. We were founded on the belief that all investors – not just the wealthy – deserve access to personal, comprehensive financial planning and investment advice. Recognized by Barron’s as a top RIA firm for eight years in a row (awarded each September (2018-2025) based on prior 12-month data through June 30)1, we support more than 1.27 million clients across 140+ offices nationwide and manage over $324 billion in assets 2. Our unique approach to serving clients combines our advanced methodology and proprietary technology with the attention of a dedicated personal financial planner. Every client’s situation and goals are unique, and the powerful fusion of high-tech and high touch allows Edelman Financial Engines to deliver the personal plan and financial confidence that everyone deserves.

For more information, please visit EdelmanFinancialEngines.com.

© 2026 Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. Edelman Financial Engines® is a registered trademark of Edelman Financial Engines, LLC. All advisory services provided by Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C., a federally registered investment advisor. Certain services provided on an educational and guidance basis only. Results are not guaranteed.

For California residents, please see the link for the Privacy Notice for Candidates. California law requires that we provide you this notice about the collection and use of your personal information. Please read it carefully.

Edelman Financial Engines encourages success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy; marital, domestic partner or civil union status; national origin, citizenship, ancestry, ethnic heritage, genetic information, age, legally recognized disability, military service or veteran status.

Accommodations are modifications or adjustments to the hiring process that would enable you to fully participate in that process. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request one at any time by either contacting your recruiter or efetalentacquisition@edelmanfinancialengines.com.

1 The Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms list, an annual ranking of independent advisory firms, is based on qualitative and quantitative criteria. Firms elect to participate but do not pay to be included in the ranking. The 2018 ranking refers to Edelman Financial Services, LLC, which combined its advisory business in its entirety with Financial Engines Advisors L.L.C. (FEA) in November 2018. For the same survey, FEA received a precombination ranking of 12th.

2 Edelman Financial Engines data, as of September 30, 2025