How does this role impact First Command?

The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) is a member of the division leadership team and reports to the Vice President of Division Operations (VPDO). The DDO leads the consistent execution of division recruiting, marketing, advisor development, and client experience strategies to drive advisor headcount growth, market expansion, and operational excellence.

The VPDO sets operational strategy and coaches District Advisors (DAs); the DDO translates that strategy into coordinated, measurable execution across the division. In partnership with the VPDO, DAs, and Division Advisor Operations (DAO), the DDO strengthens recruiting pipelines, advisor performance, brand consistency, and client engagement.

What will the employee do in this role?

• Support District Advisors in executing their district business plans by providing coordination, coaching, resources, and operational support in partnership with the VPDO.
• Develop and execute division recruiting and marketing plans aligned with enterprise strategy and growth objective
• Strengthen recruiting pipelines through military outreach, strategic partnerships, digital sourcing, referrals, community engagement, sponsorships, and approved funding sources.
• Coordinate advisor sourcing, interviewing, selection, licensing, onboarding, and pipeline management with the VPDO, DAO, and Licensing and Recruiting Specialists.
• Train, guide, and coach Fast Start Advisors (FSAs) throughout their employee advisor experience, including preparing them for Fast Start Academy, reinforcing required practices and behaviors, and monitoring early-career progress, with particular emphasis on advisors in their first four years
• Serve as a resource to DAs and advisors by sharing best practices, tools, and guidance related to market penetration, referral generation, and community engagement while supporting the development of their independently owned business strategies.
• Lead division client experience initiatives and reinforce consistent brand and service standards.
• Drive adoption of required compliance initiatives and approved recruiting, marketing, social media, and business technology tools.
• Provide field insights to Home Office partners and align enterprise initiatives with division execution.
• Establish accountability for operational performance, advisor headcount growth, and sales results across the division.
• Travel to district offices and other business locations as needed to support division objectives.

What skills and qualifications do you need?

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in financial services, recruiting, marketing, sales leadership, business development, or a comparable field.
• Demonstrated success as a financial advisor or equivalent industry professional.
• Proven experience recruiting, developing, coaching, and retaining high-performing talent.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence individuals and teams in virtual, hybrid, and in-person environments.

Required Licenses and Training

• Within six months of hire: FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 registrations, Life and Health licenses, and successful completion of Fast Start Academy.
• Within 12 months of hire: FINRA Series 24 registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CLF®, or RICP® designation.
• Knowledge of First Command products, services, technology, and business processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of financial services, advisor development, recruiting, marketing, and field operations.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to translate strategy into disciplined execution and measurable results.
• Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate across organizational levels.
• Sound judgment, strong organization, and effective prioritization in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related business technologies.
• High emotional intelligence, self-awareness, adaptability, and professional maturity.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic and data-informed decision-making.
• Clear, transparent, and courageous communication.
• Talent development and servant leadership.
• Adaptability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Emotional intelligence, collaboration, and accountability.

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