Partnerships Manager (RIA)
WFA Digital Insight
The rise of fintech and digital wealth management has led to a surge in demand for skilled partnerships professionals. With the global wealth management market projected to reach $4.8 trillion by 2027, companies like Nerdwallet are expanding their teams to meet the growing need for expert financial guidance. As a Partnerships Manager at Nerdwallet, you'll be at the forefront of this trend, working closely with Registered Investment Advisors to drive business growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences. To succeed in this role, you'll need a strong background in business development, partnerships, or enterprise sales, as well as a deep understanding of the RIA ecosystem. Before applying, make sure you're up to speed on the latest industry trends and have a solid network of professional contacts in the financial services sector.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Partnerships Manager at Nerdwallet, you will play a critical role in shaping and growing the company's RIA marketplace. You will be responsible for building, closing, and expanding partnerships with Registered Investment Advisors, driving both new partner acquisition and long-term partner growth. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic ownership with hands-on execution, influencing the pricing, product, and go-to-market strategy that powers the marketplace.The RIA marketplace is a key component of Nerdwallet's mission to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions. By connecting consumers with trusted financial advisors, Nerdwallet aims to make financial guidance more accessible and affordable. As a Partnerships Manager, you will be working closely with cross-functional teams, including Product, Marketing, and Operations, to test and optimize messaging, pricing, and go-to-market strategies based on performance data and partner feedback.
You will be reporting to the CEO & President, Nerdwallet Advisory, and will be expected to build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across partner organizations. You will also be responsible for designing and refining scalable processes, pricing approaches, and partnership playbooks that improve onboarding efficiency and partner performance.
What You Will Do
- Own the full RIA partnership lifecycle, from identifying and engaging prospective partners through negotiation, onboarding, and ongoing relationship management
- Build and manage a high-quality pipeline of RIA partners using a multi-channel approach, including direct outreach, referrals, conferences, and industry relationships
- Develop and execute joint business plans with partners to expand engagement, increase partner investment, and drive long-term marketplace growth
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across partner organizations, serving as a strategic advisor and identifying opportunities to deepen partnerships over time
- Design and refine scalable processes, pricing approaches, and partnership playbooks that improve onboarding efficiency and partner performance
- Partner cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, and Operations to test and optimize messaging, pricing, and go-to-market strategies based on performance data and partner feedback
- Bring market and partner insights into Nerdwallet to inform product development, pricing strategy, and overall marketplace experience
- Develop deep expertise in the RIA ecosystem and competitive landscape to strengthen Nerdwallet's positioning and targeting strategy
- Represent Nerdwallet at industry events and conferences to build relationships, strengthen brand presence, and generate qualified pipeline
What We Are Looking For
- 10+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, enterprise sales, or a related role with a focus on driving revenue growth
- Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnership or sales cycles from initial outreach through close and ongoing relationship management
- Proven track record of growing existing partner relationships by increasing engagement, revenue, or long-term value
- Familiarity with the RIA, wealth management, financial services, or fintech ecosystem; experience working directly with RIAs is strongly preferred
- Experience influencing go-to-market strategy, pricing, or partnership structure in collaboration with cross-functional teams
- Strong communication skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple projects and tasks
- Strong business judgment and a focus on results
Nice to Have
- Experience working with data to inform decisions and identify opportunities for growth
- Familiarity with CRM systems and sales analytics tools
- Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment
- Strong network of professional contacts in the financial services sector
- Experience representing a company at industry events and conferences
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading fintech company
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
- Flexible working hours and remote work options
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs
- Generous paid time off and holiday policies
- Employee stock options and equity incentives
How to Stand Out
- Make sure you have a strong understanding of the RIA ecosystem and the wealth management industry before applying for this role.
- Develop a solid network of professional contacts in the financial services sector to increase your chances of success in this role.
- Be prepared to showcase your experience with data-driven decision making and your ability to influence go-to-market strategy.
- Highlight your ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple projects and tasks.
- Be sure to research Nerdwallet's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the role.
- Prepare examples of your experience with CRM systems and sales analytics tools to discuss during the interview.
- Don't be afraid to ask about the company's approach to professional development and growth opportunities during the interview process.
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