Client Service Associate/ Manager

Job Description: Client Service Associate / Manager

About NorthStar Asset Management

Founded in 1990, NorthStar Asset Management specializes exclusively in socially responsible investing for high net-worth clients and non-profit organizations. NorthStar’s mission is to provide integrative and effective portfolio management by connecting social concerns to security selection, asset allocation, and activism. NorthStar’s investment management process begins with an analysis of the social, ecological, and political problems of our time and includes in-depth conversations with clients. These steps result in the construction of highly personalized portfolios that integrate financial goals while upholding a commitment to social change and environmental sustainability. Synthesizing a broad market outlook and the individual needs of the client, NorthStar combines direct investments in global equities, investment grade bonds, community loan funds, alternative “outside” investments, and cash to create vibrant and well-balanced portfolios.

NorthStar’s activism includes engagement with portfolio companies to improve their behavior with regards to race and gender, wealth and income inequality, human rights, environmental justice, and corporate governance. The NorthStar approach, vision, and philosophy have evolved based on a core belief that we are here to make a difference. For more information on NorthStar Asset Management, please visit here.

As of July 1, 2024, NorthStar Asset Management, a certified B Corp specializing in socially responsible investing, has transitioned to broad based employee ownership. Our new owners come from diverse backgrounds; 86% of whom identify either as people of color or members of the LGBTQ+ community. NorthStar’s efforts to bring together diverse abilities, nationalities, races, and genders to create a place of work in responsible investing while liberating our collective, evolving sense of justice and incorporating it into our work has motivated our founder, Julie Goodridge, since 1990.

The Opportunity

A successful Client Service Associate / Manager at NorthStar possesses exceptional organizational skills, a strong work ethic, self-motivation and a commitment to social change. As a member of the Client Service team and one of the primary points of contact for our growing client base, an Associate / Manager works to fulfill client requests, engage with multiple custodians, and problem solve.

This position requires a fearless willingness to hunt down information, cold-call external offices for clarification, and be comfortable with handling complex tasks via phone and email. An Associate / Manager is also responsible for managing the day-to-day administrative infrastructure of the company, which involves keeping track of large volumes of paperwork, paying close attention to details, following up with clients and investment team members on a regular basis in a professional manner, and learning the idiosyncratic styles of working with the brokerage firms that hold our clients’ assets. The successful Client Services Associate / Manager works closely with Operations and Investment Advisors to ensure that NorthStar clients are well served and that the office operates smoothly. They are responsible for completing tasks that support our investment advisors and facilitating authorized financial transactions for our clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional client service and manage client queries, ensuring they are addressed in a timely and comprehensive fashion
• Communicate effectively with the investment advisors, responding to ad hoc requests and keeping them up-to-date on all client contact
• Work with clients and internal teams in person, by phone, and by email including: responding to client requests, coordinating client meetings and periodic communication, , actively participating in client meetings, leading follow-up action after client meetings, proactively serving clients by knowing the client and anticipating their needs, keeping all team members informed of client updates and information.
• Lead the successful execution of client tasks, such as ensuring successful completion of trades, cash transfers, check requests, account openings and closings, ensuring appropriate documentation and CRM management.
• Day-to-day execution and maintenance of a wide array of operational tasks/processes
• Complete and file all account-related paperwork including but not limited to opening and closing accounts
• Facilitate requested financial transactions: journals, wires, electronic payments, etc.
• Coordinate with the financial custodians and our clients to ensure that transactions and other requests have been completed
• Track client requests and progress toward completing them in a timely manner in our CRM system (Salentica).
• Partner with members of the Client Service team to ensure projects and priorities are aligned and seen through to completion in a timely manner. These can be large, multi-client projects such as sending out the quarterly letter, coordinating tax payments, charitable giving, and creating new filing systems.
• Assist in the build out and evolution of our newly implemented portfolio management (Orion) and CRM (Salentica) systems. Provide feedback on best practices; assist with documentation of standard operating procedures; and help implement new processes.
• Promote and advance a positive and collaborative culture within the organization with an action-oriented commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, as evidenced by ability to interact with clients and co-workers professionally, personally and effectively
• Experience in handling sensitive and confidential subject matter.
• Demonstrate ability and willingness to take on new responsibilities as business and organization needs require
• Meticulous attention to details with a sense of urgency
• Ability to adapt communication style to different internal and external audiences
• High Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 skills including advanced PowerPoint and Excel
• Ability to identify, analyze, and synthesize information to determine the necessary steps to resolving problems
• Adept at responding to many ad hoc requests, fluctuating task lists, and prioritizing assignments
• Comfort taking initiative and anticipating the needs of the clients and Investment Advisors
• Well organized, self-starter able to work in a team environment
• Client relationship management and project management experience an advantage
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, to prioritize tasks and liaise with multiple counterparties
• Strong client service experience and ability to present information to clients effectively and professionally
• Familiarity with Orion and Salentica (preferred, not required)
• Familiarity with Schwab Advisor Center and Morgan Stanley platforms (preferred, not required

Qualifications

• Must be able to work at least 3 days per week in our office in Jamaica Plains, MA
• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 3 - 5 years of client service, financial planning, and/or private client relationship management
• Excellent time management skills with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple projects at a time
• Flexible approach to work with a ‘can-do’ attitude
• Eager to work in a small, diverse company environment
• Enjoyment of both working independently and, on a team
• Adept at simultaneously juggling multiple short- and long-term projects
• Flexible thinking and adaptability
• Model a strong work ethic with ongoing curiosity and humility.
• Sensitivity to confidential material
• Commitment to social change
• Sense of humor (a must) and good listener
• Be trustworthy.

Additional Details and How to Apply

NorthStar Asset Management is a socially responsible investment firm based in Boston, MA. This role follows a hybrid work model, with both work from home and in-office days in the Boston office.

Please apply by submitting your résumé and cover letter through the job posting.

Equal Opportunity

NorthStar is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion. NorthStar provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The NorthStar workplace is an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone.