Wealth Planner

About The Role:

As a Wealth Planner at Baird, you will serve as a trusted technical expert and strategic partner to Financial Advisors (FAs) and clients, delivering advanced financial planning solutions across a broad range of complex scenarios. This role requires deep expertise in tax planning, estate strategies, and wealth management principles, along with the ability to lead initiatives that enhance planning capabilities firmwide.

You will work primarily from one of Baird’s offices in either Chicago, Indianapolis, or the Twin Cities with flexibility for regional travel. This position offers the opportunity to influence planning standards, mentor team members, and contribute to thought leadership in a collaborative, client-focused environment that values integrity and innovation.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Lead the development and delivery of sophisticated financial plans for high-net-worth clients using firm-approved tools and methodologies.
• Provide advanced guidance on income tax, estate planning, and wealth transfer strategies; research and resolve complex issues.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for Financial Advisors and internal teams on planning concepts and regulatory considerations.
• Mentor and train junior and intermediate planners to build technical expertise and ensure consistency in service delivery.
• Create and present thought leadership content, including articles, webinars, and client presentations on advanced planning topics.
• Collaborate with internal specialists (tax, trust, investment) to design integrated solutions for clients.
• Partner with leadership to refine planning processes, tools, and service tiers to meet evolving client needs.
• Support business development efforts by demonstrating the value of planning in client acquisition and retention.
• Represent the Financial & Estate Planning team in cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of financial planning experience, including advanced tax and estate planning; brokerage or wealth management experience strongly preferred.
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation required; additional credentials such as CPA, EA, CLU, or CIMA highly desirable.
• Basic brokerage licenses (Series 7, 66) required or ability to obtain promptly.
• Demonstrated experience in creating complex planning strategies and leading client-facing engagements.

Compensation and Benefits:

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.