Director Institutional Research Jobs in Rochester, NY

LVW Advisors is an independent investment advisory firm serving ultra-high-net-worth families, business owners, endowments, foundations, nonprofits, and other sophisticated investors. The firm combines institutional-quality investment expertise with a highly personalized advisory approach to help clients navigate complex investment decisions, long-term wealth objectives, and evolving financial needs.

LVW is seeking an exceptional UHNW & Institutional Investment Advisor to join its team in Rochester, New York (or in the East Coast area). This is a senior, outward-facing role that combines investment expertise, client advisory, relationship management, and business development. The successful candidate will build trusted relationships with sophisticated clients, deepen existing partnerships, cultivate new opportunities, and help translate LVW's investment expertise into meaningful client outcomes.

This position is hybrid and offers an opportunity to take on broader leadership responsibilities as LVW continues to grow and develop its next generation of leaders.

Primary Responsibilities:

The UHNW & Institutional Investment Advisor will serve as a senior advisor to ultra-high-net-worth families, business owners, institutional investors, and other sophisticated clients while contributing to the firm's business development and long-term growth. This individual will work closely with clients, prospects, internal investment professionals, and external advisors to deliver thoughtful, comprehensive investment advice.

The role is primarily focused on relationship development, client leadership, investment advisory, and firm development. This is not a portfolio management, primary research, or administrative position.

Relationship Development & Business Growth - 40%

• Develop and cultivate a pipeline of institutional and UHNW prospects through direct outreach, professional networks, centers of influence, board relationships, community involvement and firm-sponsored activities.
• Proactively create meetings and opportunities rather than relying solely on inbound referrals.
• Partner with senior advisors to advance prospect opportunities through cultivation, presentations, follow-up and successful conversion to client relationships.
• Build relationships with key professional influencers while effectively communicating LVW's investment philosophy, capabilities and independent advisory approach.
• Partner with marketing to convert the firm's brand, intellectual capital, events and community presence into business-development opportunities.

UHNW & Institutional Advisory / Client Leadership - 40%

• Build trusted relationships with institutional and UHNW clients, including families, business owners, investment committees, and key decision-makers.
• Advise UHNW families and business owners on integrated investment, tax, estate, succession, liquidity, and wealth transfer strategies.
• Serve as the primary advisor and coordinate with attorneys, CPAs, trustees, and other external professionals to deliver a cohesive wealth strategy.
• Lead strategic discussions around portfolio strategy, asset allocation, governance, liquidity, spending, and long-term objectives.
• Partner across internal investment, planning, reporting, and client service teams while maintaining ownership of senior client relationships.

Investment Knowledge & Professional Development - 10%

• Maintain a deep understanding of LVW's investment philosophy and broad expertise across institutional and UHNW investment strategies.
• Participate actively in investment committee discussions and collaborate with the research team to ensure client advice reflects the firm's best thinking.
• Maintain awareness of capital-market developments and their implications for client portfolios.
• Continue professional development across institutional investing, UHNW wealth management, governance and related advisory issues.

Leadership & Firm Development - 10%

• Contribute to strategic initiatives and serve as a visible representative of the firm in the marketplace, community and broader leadership efforts.
• Mentor colleagues and help strengthen the firm's collaborative, growth-oriented culture. Demonstrate the judgment, initiative and leadership potential to assume broader responsibilities as the firm evolves.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in investment management, institutional consulting, wealth management, investment advisory, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience working with institutional investors, ultra-high-net-worth families, business owners, or other sophisticated investors
• Strong understanding of investments, portfolio construction, asset allocation, and institutional investment strategies
• Ability to communicate complex investment concepts effectively to sophisticated clients and decision-makers
• Demonstrated relationship-development and business-development capabilities
• Strong track record of building and cultivating professional relationships and creating new business opportunities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong executive presence and the ability to engage sophisticated stakeholders confidently and credibly
• Strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism
• Understanding of how institutional investment disciplines can be applied to sophisticated private wealth
• Ability to collaborate effectively across investment, planning, client service, and leadership teams
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative, and commitment to continuous professional development
• Desire to contribute to the firm's long-term growth and develop into a broader leadership role
• Relevant professional credentials such as the CFA, CFP, CAIA, or MBA are valued but are not substitutes for strong relationship, advisory, and business-development capabilities

What Success Looks Like:

• Building meaningful institutional and UHNW client relationships that contribute to new business growth
• Expanding LVW's institutional presence and supporting renewed growth within the institutional channel
• Serving as a trusted senior advisor to sophisticated clients across both institutional and UHNW markets
• Demonstrating investment expertise, credibility, and sound judgment in client and prospect interactions
• Effectively leveraging LVW's investment platform, team, and intellectual capital to deliver differentiated advice
• Working seamlessly across institutional and private wealth client segments
• Strengthening LVW's overall advisory capabilities and client relationships
• Developing into a key leader supporting the firm's long-term growth and client relationship strategy

The annualized base pay range for this role is expected to be between $150,000-$180,000 base salary compensation range. Actual base pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, subject matter expertise, geographic location where work will be performed, and the applicant's skill set. The base pay is just one component of the total compensation package. Other rewards may include an annual cash bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k). Please note that the job title is subject to change based on the selected candidate's experience and education.

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LVW Advisors is part of the Focus Financial Partners' network firm community. As part of the partnership, LVW Advisors remains independently operated but gains the support of a broader organization. Whether focused on growth, enhancing capabilities, or planning for the future, being part of Focus means you are part of something larger while still working in an entrepreneurial, firm-led environment.