Managing Director, Head of Strategic Growth

Overview

Job Description The Managing Director of Referral Programs will design, launch, and scale a firm‑wide referral and lead‑generation strategy — creating the operating model, incentives, governance, and technology enablement that drive measurable growth. This senior leader will deepen collaboration across business lines, streamline referral intake and routing, and ensure a consistent, compliant client experience. This role will be based in Dallas, TX | San Diego, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and own the Referral Utility vision and strategy, including objectives, scope, and success metrics.
• Build and implement the referral framework, integrating with existing channels and programs.
• Partner with Growth, Marketing, and business leaders to align lead generation, referral velocity, and campaigns.
• Develop strategies to increase referrals from CPA affiliates, professional networks, and bank partnerships.
• Activate referral opportunities within Cetera’s retirement plan participant base.
• Coordinate with Operations, Compliance, and Service teams to ensure smooth execution and regulatory adherence.
• Design incentive structures and goal-setting frameworks to drive adoption and performance.
• Track and report referral metrics through Quarterly Business Reviews; analyze performance and optimize.
• Serve as subject matter expert on referral best practices, compliance, and scalability.
• Drive measurable growth in qualified leads, conversion rates, and AUA/AUM inflows.
• Oversee CRM reporting and ensure data integrity, transparency, and timely dashboards.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team; coach advisors on referral best practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and client impact consistent with One Cetera values.
• Champion inclusion, challenge processes, and leverage data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency.
• Ensure risk controls, governance, and compliance throughout the referral lifecycle.
• Allocate resources effectively and mobilize organizational capabilities to deliver the full range of Cetera solutions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of leadership in wealth management, private banking, or broader financial services.
• Proven success building and scaling referral or client acquisition programs in multi‑channel environments.
• Experience leveraging large networks, strategic partnerships, and cross‑business synergies to drive growth.
• Strong executive presence; ability to influence senior stakeholders across diverse business lines.
• Deep understanding of client segments, advisor platforms (broker‑dealer and RIA), and applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Compensation

The base annual salary range for this role is $225,000 to $265,000, plus a competitive performance-based bonus. Base salary depends on a wide array of factors, including skill set, experience, certifications, and location. Base salary may also differ due to geography and cost of labor considerations.

About Us

About Cetera Financial Group Cetera Financial Group ("Cetera") is a leading network of independent retail broker-dealers empowering the delivery of objective financial advice across the country through trusted financial advisors and financial institutions. Cetera is one of the largest independent financial advisor networks by number of advisors and a leading provider of retail services to the investment programs of banks and credit unions. Through its multiple firms, Cetera offers independent and institutions-based advisors the benefits of a large broker‑dealer and registered investment adviser, while serving advisors and institutions in a way that is customized to their needs.

Cetera Financial Group is committed to providing an equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All employment decisions will be made without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic characteristics, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, U.S. military status, political affiliation, or any other class protected by state and/or federal law.

Agencies please note : this recruitment assignment is being managed directly by Cetera’s Talent Acquisition team. We will reach out to our preferred agency partners if additional talent options are required. Review our Workforce Privacy Policy for details on what information we collect and the purposes for collection.

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