Trainee Cultural Studies Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:
Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. Merrill Wealth Management is one of the largest businesses of its kind in the world specializing in goals-based wealth management, including planning for retirement, education, legacy, and other life goals through investment advice and guidance.
Merrill's Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates help clients pursue the life they envision through a personal relationship with their advisory team committed to their needs. We believe trust comes from transparency. Our trusted advisory teams are equipped with access to the investment insights of Merrill coupled with the banking convenience of Bank of America.
Merrill is committed to an in-office culture that supports collaboration, engagement, and career development. Our approach includes clear in-office expectations, while providing an appropriate level of flexibility based on role-specific responsibilities and business needs.
At Merrill, we empower you to bring your whole self to work. We value the unique perspectives in our thoughts, business, and within our employees and clients. Our Wealth Management team represents an array of different skills and experiences that individuals bring from all backgrounds and careers; whether gained through military service, community college education, or a wide range of work and life experiences. These journeys foster resilience, leadership and innovation, strengthening our workforce and positively impact the communities we serve.
Job Description:
This EGP Trainee is a training program to develop and prepare candidates to further develop and service the FA Teams client base. The Trainee role allows EGP Specialist to become fully license and require the appropriate designations before taking on the full EGP Specialist role. This position operates in a marketing and sales development role by implementing and executing the Elite Growth Practice. Specific accountabilities for the role may vary depending on the teams practice. Performance is measured by the FA or FA team through specific goals, metrics, and behaviors related to the execution of the EGP model. Core Responsibilities: Develop and service client segments and the next generation and their next generations and beneficiaries. Gather additional assets from existing client base and deepen relationships by partnering with all Merrill partners to deliver a full breadth solutions. Coordinate technological support through the development of portfolio analysis, proposals and direct mail campaigns utilizing Salesforce and other tools and resources. Provide technical expertise in certain product areas (e.g. Corporate 401(k), Rule 144, Insurance, Wealth Management Workstation) Provide marketing and organizational support. Role is designed to allow employees to study and obtain all required registrations. This position may be responsible for the provision of residential mortgage loans, and as such, is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Pursuant to the SAFE Act requirements, all employees engaged in residential mortgage loan originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Since this position requires SAFE Act registration, employees are required to register and to submit to the required SAFE Act background check. Failure to obtain and/or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
The Elite Growth Practice (EGP) Business Manager position may be filled at a Trainee, Specialist or Senior level depending on experience of the candidate and needs of the Financial Advisor Team. The Trainee is a non-exempt position for a hire lacking required security licenses and/or designation. This position allows the individual to become fully licensed and achieve the appropriate designations required for the position. If Series 7 and 66 (or 63 & 65) licenses and approved designation are not currently held, must be obtained within a specified timeframe to be eligible for Specialist position.
Job Description:
The Business Manager role is a key contributor to a Financial Advisor team in creating strategy and ensuring execution related to multiple metrics and priorities across the teams business plan and goal deliverables. Helps manage the teams business plan and practice financials. Tracks progress with quantifiable business and activity goals and ensures team daily activities aligns with practice metrics, goals and objectives. Coordinates team assignments, projects and key initiatives, and ensures execution of teams client service strategy. Requires a thorough knowledge of the Merrill Lynch Wealth Management business functional area and products. Requires a working knowledge of general bank policies, programs and procedures and financial/accounting practices. This role is an FA Paid Resource. This position may be responsible for the provision of residential mortgage loans, and as such, is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Pursuant to the SAFE Act requirements, all employees engaged in residential mortgage loan originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Since this position requires SAFE Act registration, employees are required to register and to submit to the required SAFE Act background check. Failure to obtain and/or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Internal employees who are currently working from home are still eligible to apply. However, if selected for the role, you may be required to work onsite in accordance with the workplace excellence policy.
Job Responsibilities:
Business Strategy & Execution

• Partner with Financial Advisors (FAs) and advisory teams to develop, implement, and execute the team's business plan, ensuring alignment with growth objectives and firm priorities.
• Translate strategic goals into actionable initiatives, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Monitor business performance across key indicators (revenue growth, asset flows, client acquisition, etc.) and adjust strategies to drive results.

Practice Management & Financial Oversight

• Manage and track practice financials, including revenue, expenses, profitability, and budgeting processes.
• Provide insights and report to FAs on business performance, trends, and opportunities for growth or efficiency
• Support resource allocation and capacity planning to optimize team productivity.

Performance Tracking & Analytics

• Establish and maintain quantifiable business and activity goals aligned with firm and team objectives.
• Analyze data to identify trends, root causes, and business opportunities.
• Develop reporting dashboards and cadence of reviews to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

Client Experience & Service Strategy

• Oversee execution of the team's client service model and experience strategy.
• Ensure consistent delivery of a high-quality, personalized client experience across all touchpoints.
• Identify opportunities to enhance client engagement, retention, and satisfaction.

Team Coordination & Leadership Support

• Coordinate team assignments, workflow, and key initiatives to ensure efficient execution
• Act as a central point of organization for projects, ensuring timely delivery and cross-functional alignment
• Provide leadership support through delegation, communication, and prioritization of team activities

Product & Platform Expertise

• Maintain deep knowledge of wealth management products, services, and platforms, including investments, banking, lending, and mortgage solutions
• Support FAs and clients with appropriate product positioning and solutions alignment
• Act as a subject matter resource on firm offerings and capabilities

Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, firm policies, and supervisory procedures
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational, compliance, and business risks
• Support SAFE Act requirements and maintain required registrations and licensing standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., banking, lending, operations, compliance, marketing) to deliver integrated client solutions
• Influence outcomes and drive decisions without direct authority, using strong communication and relationship management skills.

Required Qualifications:

• Either Series 7 and 66 licenses or Series 7, 63 and 65 licenses; must obtain all state registrations held by the Financial Advisor(s) and Advisor Team(s) they support. If Series 7, 63/65 or 66 or equivalent are not currently held, must be obtained within a specified timeframe to be eligible for Specialist position.
• Strong leadership abilities, communication and delegation skills
• Understanding of how to deliver a strong overall client experience
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the suite of Wealth Management products and services
• Proven ability to manage risk and make sound decisions by having a deep understanding of industry regulations, supervisory requirements and policies/procedures
• Strong analytical skills with ability to identify trends, root cause and effects and implement improved processes to increase growth and mitigate risk
• Ability to influence and demonstrate strong and effective leadership through clear communication and collaboration with other partners to make sound decisions with courage and conviction; demonstrated ability to influence to the desired outcome, without direct authority.

Desired Skills:

• Administrative Services
• Customer Experience Improvement
• Project Management
• Sales Performance Management
• Strategy Planning and Development
• Business Acumen
• Business Analytics
• Candidate Screening
• Coaching
• Continuous Improvement
• Account Management
• Process Simplification
• Reporting

Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma / GED / Secondary School or equivalent
Shift:
1st shift (United States of America)
Hours Per Week:
37.5
Pay Transparency details
US - IL - Chicago - 110 N Wacker Dr - Bank Of America Tower Chicago (IL4110), US - IL - Northbrook - 1033 SKOKIE BLVD (IL3518)
Pay and benefits information
Pay range
$28.85 - $45.00 hourly pay, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.
Formulaic incentive eligible
This role is eligible to participate in a formulaic incentive plan. Employees are eligible for incentives as detailed by the specific line of business incentive plan provisions. Formulaic plans may be comprised of monthly, quarterly and/or annual incentive opportunities. Incentives are earned based on the employee's performance against defined metrics.
Benefits
This role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.