Senior Advisor Training Program Manager

Avantax, Inc. (Avantax), a unique community within Cetera Holdings, is seeking a Senior Advisor Training Program Manager who will lead and build out the learning function to support our growing Avantax Planning Partners (APP) business function. This role will be responsible for overall strategic planning and execution of training and onboarding of teams contributing to the growth and success of APP. The learning and development opportunities will primarily target the growth and success of APP Financial Planning Consultants (FPCs) and Financial Services Assistants (FSAs) who serve our clients. This role will partner closely with all levels and stakeholders across APP to define organizational learning requirements which include onboarding of new team members and continued professional development that supports sales and operational efficiencies. This role will be vital to the success of the onboarding and ramp of newly acquired employees to the APP division.

What you will do:

The core and essential responsibilities of the role are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Leader and Stakeholder Management (20%)

• Consult with APP business leaders, subject matter experts, and other key stakeholders to identify and define performance-based learner needs. (example: eMoney; Salesforce; account opening and servicing).
• Devise strategies/curriculum to impart company culture, knowledge, and role-specific skills.
• Work closely with Directors for FPCs and/or FSAs, SMEs, and other stakeholders.
• Work across teams to coordinate work, considering the company’s top-line, strategic annual goals.

Training Program Development (40%)

• Develop training modules, learning paths, instructor guides, job aids, and support materials for a variety of learning solutions (including both live and virtual instructor-led, self-guided, and blended learning) using a variety of instructional techniques (such as lectures, group discussion, team exercises, role-playing, videos, synchronous and asynchronous activities, and multimedia) with a focus on hard skill development in operational processes and systems.
• Direct and develop content and curriculum for newly onboarded FPCs and FSAs, through various training vehicles, including on-demand curriculum and courses, live in-person courses, live virtual courses, training aids, and reference materials.
• Direct and develop content and curriculum to support FPCs and or FSAs professional development supporting sales, operational efficiencies, and adoption of Avantax products and tools including:
• On-demand curriculum and courses.
• Live client-facing training for FPCs and FSAs.
• Live virtual courses.
• Training aids.
• Reference materials.
• Participate in or otherwise facilitate live educational offerings for these audiences.

Program Reporting & Success Metrics (10%)

• Set key performance indicators to measure the success of training platforms, including live events, courses, and resources. Measure outcomes for learning transfer with “pre” and “post” test training.
• Evaluate training and performance interventions and compile evidence of performance improvement.
• Implement continuous improvement channels, with an emphasis on content modifications and enhancements where necessary.

General

• Take ownership and personally promote the brand of programs and education at Avantax and Avantax Planning Partners (“APP”).
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Other duties as defined.

Budget and Resource Management: (10%)

• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Identify and allocate resources, including trainers, materials, and technology, to support program delivery.

Marketing and Outreach: (5%)

Partner with the Marketing team to promote educational programs through various communication channels.

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or certification in instructional design, instructional technology, adult education, or other relevant fields of study. Master’s degree, preferred.
• 10 or more years of learning and development experience.
• 5 years developing operational technical training.
• 5 years of corporate education or financial services Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) firm, broker-dealer, or securities-related work experience required.
• 6 or more years of experience managing a team of employees.
• Experience in live and virtual instructor-led facilitation.
• Proven ability to apply adult learning principles and a wide range of training methods, techniques, and media, including web-based training.
• Ability to recommend, design, implement, and evaluate learning solutions.
• Proven/strong project planning management/program planning skills are preferred.
• Ability to engage stakeholders to determine training and development needs/performance gaps to craft instructional criteria, and specific and measurable learning objectives, and to develop creative, high-impact learning solutions.
• Advanced experience with the Salesforce application.
• Prior experience in audio recording, and audio editing.
• Experience with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other virtual training and web conferencing software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects through to completion.
• Must possess outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal team members at all levels in the organization.
• Strong organizational skills are required.
• Ability to apply judgment and act distinctly.
• Must have strong computer skills, including expert proficiency in MS Office applications.

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