Strategic Initiatives Analyst- Mergers and Acquisitions
So many opportunities to make a difference. And advance your career.
You’ve embraced our purpose of making a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients, our colleagues and our communities. You’ve experienced the collaboration borne of a firm where everyone is aligned toward a singular focus: serving the client. You belong at Edward Jones, but you’re ready to stretch your skills and advance your career.
Job Overview
Position Schedule: Full-Time
Hiring Leader: Sean Bunner
Recruiter: Krista Calabrese
HQ Grade: 10
Hiring Minimum: $84100
Hiring Maximum: $143100
This job posting is anticipated to remain open for 30 days, from 03-Jul-2025. The posting may close early due to the volume of applicants.
Team Overview:
Edward Jones Advisory Partner Network team, providing world-class advisory services for our business owner clients, specifically focuses on helping clients navigate acquisitions and exit strategies for their businesses. This team will facilitate all aspects required for a successful sale of a business, along with the cultivation of a robust ecosystem of external partners to support the needs of our clients during business transactions. The team will also develop the training, tools and resources to empower our financial advisors to successfully work with business owner clients.
Edward Jones Advisory Partner Network team, providing world-class advisory services for our business owner clients, specifically focuses on helping clients navigate acquisitions and exit strategies for their businesses. This team will facilitate all aspects required for a successful sale of a business, along with the cultivation of a robust ecosystem of external partners to support the needs of our clients during business transactions. The team will also develop the training, tools and resources to empower our financial advisors to successfully work with business owner clients.
What You Will Do:
The Strategic Initiatives Analyst – Mergers and Acquisitions Lead will help drive the growth of the newly created Business Owner M&A Advisory function. The role will include oversight and management of the daily financial advisor referral process, ownership of the opportunity tracker and lead interface with our investment banking/M&A partners. This position will work closely with the Senior Director in setting and tracking KPIs to support the HNW (High Net Worth) segment as well as creating and implementing development programs for financial advisors focused on HNW business owner clients
Responsibilities include:
- Primary responsibility for the M&A Referral Program day to day functions (currently in pilot) including initial FA interface/Q&A and guidance on process details.
- Work closely with and provide guidance to the business support specialist who will perform all referral coordination tasks – client disclosure forms, records management and client/FA meeting scheduling.
- Have the opportunity to present to groups of financial advisors sharing details of the program and excitement for the overall program and opportunity to grow their practice.
- Ownership of weekly tracking and reporting to the HNW leadership team and key functional stakeholders.
- Oversee and help grow our network of M&A referral partners, working closely with the HNW APPS referral network team.
- Help develop financial advisor events, training and resources with home office counterparts.
Edward Jones’ compensation and benefits package includes medical and prescription drug, dental, vision, voluntary benefits (such as accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness), short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage. Short- and long-term disability, basic life, and basic AD&D coverage are provided at no cost to associates. Edward Jones offers a 401k retirement plan, and tax-advantaged accounts: health savings account, and flexible spending account. Edward Jones observes ten paid holidays and provides 15 days of vacation for new associates beginning on January 1 of each year, as well as sick time, personal days, and a paid day for volunteerism. Associates may be eligible for bonuses and profit sharing. All associates are eligible for the firm’s Employee Assistance Program. For more information on the Benefits available to Edward Jones associates, please visit our benefits page.
Skills/Requirements
What Experience You Need:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Minimum 3-5 years’ financial services experience
- Experience working in investment banking and/or the Mergers and Acquisitions industry
- Proficient understanding of the Financial Services Industry and general Business acumen.
- Proven experience leading programs and/or projects
What Could Set you Apart:
- Experience working in a similar function with regular interface to financial advisors, business owner clients and M&A professionals.
- Experience working in matrixed organizations.
- 6-10 years’ experience in the financial services field
*Candidates that live within in a commutable distance from our Tempe, AZ and St. Louis, MO home office locations are expected to work in the office three days per week, with preference for Tuesday through Thursday.
// Headquarters Category //
Career Progression
Meet Jeff Kuhlmann
“I started in 2003 with a truly entry-level position. Over 17 years, I’ve been fortunate to grow, be stretched and take on more responsibilities – to now lead a team whose daily work directly impacts nearly 50,000 associates and 7 million clients. I started leading individual projects, expanding to department projects and divisional projects and, now, to enterprise-wide projects. Through my increasing project contributions, I gained the confidence and abilities to formally lead people. Edward Jones provided formal training, coaching and feedback along the way.”
2021
Director, Business Segments
2017
Team Leader, Solutions Training Strategy & Execution
2013
Senior Training Specialist
- Missouri Life and Health Insurance Producer License
- Obtained Series 66 Registration
- Obtained Certified Financial Planner Designation (2016)
LGBTQ Business Resource Group Chairperson (2013-2016)
2008
Senior Client Solutions Specialist
- Obtained Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation℠ (2009)
2003
Senior Retirement Specialist
- Obtained Series 7 Registration (2007)
Meet Kristian Frazier
“My journey can be best described as one where I made it a point to be vocal about my aspirations to be a leader at the firm. I was not afraid of step into challenging situations while learning new skills and capabilities. In addition, I have been extremely fortunate to have strong leadership who saw my potential and supported me in my development.”
2019
Senior Department Leader, Firm Program Rotation – Client Care Commitment
2016
Department Leader, New Accounts Processing
2013
Senior Team Leader, New Accounts Oversight
2009
Team Leader, Retirement Services
2006
Senior Retirement & Education Specialist
2005
Personal Banker
Meet Renee Sarakas
“Since the moment I decided I wanted to be a leader, I have had so much support and guidance from my leaders and individuals across the firm. I was fortunate enough to be a part of the Leadership Development Associate program and gained a lot of insight from the mentors and peers that I worked with. Additionally, I have always had a leader that has challenged me with opportunities, and I have sought out feedback to help myself grow. I’ve continued to have support as I moved into each next role – and I use my peers and leaders to help me identify ways to keep expanding my contributions and developing within the role that I’m in.”
2019
Department Leader, Financial Solutions Service Division
Mentor, Leadership Development Program
2015
Team Leader, Equity and Fixed Income Service Division
- Mentor, Senior Leader Reverse Mentor
2014
Leadership Development Program
2012
Investment Solutions Specialist
Senior Service Specialist
2009
Service Specialist
Service Division Intern
Meet Lance Taylor
“Since joining Edward Jones I have been afforded consistent and various opportunities to grow and develop my leadership skills and build a strong network. Leaders across the firm are willing to devote time to building a strong core of leadership-focused associates at all levels, both in and outside their area.”
2019
Department Leader, Application Platform Services
- Design and deploy platform solutions
- Leader, Agile Adoption for the Department and Roadmap for Jira Utilization and Encouragement of Agile Ceremonies
- Obtained Scrum Master Certification
Marketplace Pillar Chair, Military/Veterans Business Resource Group
2018
Leader, IS Talent Council Development Sleeve
- Delivered custom-developed content for 160+ member leadership group focused on candor, change management
- Hosted Leadercast seminar and the ACTION technology conference
2016
Team Leader, Web Platforms (2016 – 2019)
- Led 10-person team responsible for enterprise portfolio of application platforms
// Financial Advisor Category //
Career Progression
Meet Elaine Keating
“You’ll be running your own business with the support of our vast resources. This combination of autonomy and opportunity puts you in the driver’s seat. As you lead your branch, you’ll be presented with opportunities to lead in your region and across the firm. You’ll learn from veterans in the field. As you grow in experience, you can pay it forward by mentoring new financial advisors. Your career path is marked by opportunities to step up, step out of your comfort zone, and take the next step on the path to your future.”
2019
Became a Financial Advisor
2018
Financial Advisor Intern/Trainee
2014
Branch Office Administrator
2013
Branch Office Administrator Trainee
Meet Yong Kim
“You’ll be running your own business with the support of our vast resources. This combination of autonomy and opportunity puts you in the driver’s seat. As you lead your branch, you’ll be presented with opportunities to lead in your region and across the firm. You’ll learn from veterans in the field. As you grow in experience, you can pay it forward by mentoring new financial advisors. Your career path is marked by opportunities to step up, step out of your comfort zone, and take the next step on the path to your future.”
2013
Board Member, Home Suite Hope in Oakville (2013 – 2016)
2011
Returned to the Financial Advisor role in Oakville
Obtained Financial Management Advisor (FMA®) Designation
2010
Elder Board Member, New Hope Fellowship
2007
Leader, Financial Advisor Recruiting
2002
Leader, Financial Advisor Training
2001
Obtained Fellowship of the Canadian Securities Institute Designation (FCSI®)
1999
Became a Limited Partner
Obtained Canadian Investment Manager (CIM®) Designation
- Now known as Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®)
Leader, Financial Advisor Development
1996
Became a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones
Meet Annie Marier
“You’ll be running your own business with the support of our vast resources. This combination of autonomy and opportunity puts you in the driver’s seat. As you lead your branch, you’ll be presented with opportunities to lead in your region and across the firm. You’ll learn from veterans in the field. As you grow in experience, you can pay it forward by mentoring new financial advisors. Your career path is marked by opportunities to step up, step out of your comfort zone, and take the next step on the path to your future.”
2019
Received 15 Year Service Award
2018
Became a Recruiting Leader
2016
Client Service Leader (2016 – 2018)
2015
Leader, Financial Advisors Level New-2 (2015 – 2016)
2014
Became a Financial Advisor
2004
Branch Office Administrator
The skills you’re gaining in your current role can help you succeed in your next.
Tech? HR? Marketing? Operations? One of the benefits of working at a large firm with many areas of expertise is that you can test the waters in other areas. Bring your transferable skills to a new role or division. Use your experience as a springboard to leadership. We encourage you to advance your career in this way — and will support you along the way.
Extra compensation when you need it most – with no ceiling on how much you can earn.
And we really mean it. There is no ceiling on how much you can earn as we have a work hard and be rewarded philosophy. We also understand that new financial advisors might be more worried about the floor. So we provide a guaranteed salary for your first four years. Did we mention bonuses, commissions, profit sharing and travel awards?
“As hard as I want to work determines how successful my business can be.”
– Mark Audet, CFP Financial Advisor
// Headquarters Category //
Associate Testimonial
Everyone at Edward Jones is so welcoming and wants to see you succeed. They will help you get where you want to be, and you do not feel like you are in an environment where everyone is competing against one another.
Abel Serratos
Trades Rebalancing
Although I’ve worked in the Technology division since I started at Edward Jones, I’ve had the pleasure of building relationships across divisions as I’ve worked on key projects for the firm.
Chris Koo
Firm Strategic Enablement Office
I started my career at Edward Jones 21 years ago as an entry-level programmer analyst in Technology. Over the years, with my hard work and thirst for knowledge along with the training and coaching from my colleagues, leaders and mentors, I have achieved the position of a team leader. With their continued support and guidance, I hope to progress on this upward path, to continue to learn and become a role model for the new generations of entry-level programmers coming to Edward Jones.
Vaishali Deshmukh
Tech Database Applications
Edward Jones has helped create a path to define what career trajectory can look like and, more importantly, how to realize the opportunities ahead. Personally, with a focus on performing at a high level, representing myself and my firm in a professional way and building trusted relationships, there is no limit to what can be achieved here.
Miquez Hadley
Business Segments
If I were to give internal candidates three pieces of advice, these three stick out to me the most: 1. Set up alerts to be notified when roles are posted; 2. Make sure you provide a detailed resume. Give yourself credit!; 3. Network and make connections in your own division and within different divisions.
Jordan Mica
HR Talent Acquisition
When looking for opportunities, make sure you’re building your career intentionally. Don’t just go for the “next step”, make sure it aligns to your strengths, where you want to develop and your true purpose and passion for coming to work each day.
Lauren Nosal
Service Digital Solutions
// Financial Advisor Category //
Associate Testimonial
I was transitioning away from a career I worked so hard for, but when I asked myself what mattered the most to me and the value of my work, it was the people I was helping. When I came across Edward Jones it was the perfect fit. I liked the idea of running my own business but not having to worry about the logistics of location, real estate, etc.
Nanette Fahrenbruch
Financial Advisor
This is a firm that wants you to be successful and will support you in attaining that success. The rest is up to you!
Joshua Bowden
Financial Advisor
You don’t have to have a financial background. Some of us have sales backgrounds, but some of us were teachers or engineers. I think that as long as you’re willing to work hard and have the resiliency to get through building your business, you can be successful.
Jennifer Heal
CFP Financial Advisor
The firm invests so much in the individual associates that want to grow. I like to call it a “human performance laboratory”. Over the years, I’ve observed that the firm recognizes and helps develop individual contributors who have the potential of becoming a leader. The firm invests training time, leadership time and a plethora of resources to develop you through a variety of programs.
Blair Lukan
Financial Advisor
It’s like professional development in the world’s largest sandbox.
Training, continuing education and mentoring – that’s only the beginning. Our headquarter campuses offer thousands of roles – and as many opportunities – for you to try new skills, get involved on different projects and step up as a leader. You’re in charge of your professional development. We just provide the opportunities.
No experience in finance? Bring your developed skills, we’ll guide you the rest of the way.
Some of our most successful financial advisors come to us from other fields. Our training and development is designed to help you succeed. From helping you pass your licensing exams and training you to understand the complexities of our industry, to arming you with the knowledge and skills to build your practice, we invest in your training and development. Every. Step. Of. The. Way.
Learn more at a virtual or in-person event
Learn how Edward Jones is built differently – and how our unique business model puts you in charge of unleashing your potential. Virtually or in-person, we’ve created several opportunities for you to network and learn more from current Edward Jones financial advisors.
Webinars
Register for our “Investing In You: The Edward Jones Financial Advisor Opportunity” webinar. This confidential, 30-minute program provide insight into what financial advisors do, valuable transferable skills and the ongoing support you’ll be provided throughout your career. Ask questions and get answers from Edward Jones financial advisors working in the field today.
// BOA Category //
Edward Jones Managing Partner
Our branch teams – including our BOAs – play a critical role in getting to know and truly understand each client.
Penny Pennington
Managing Partner
// Branch Office Support Category //
Career Progression
Meet Vanessa Van Dyke
“Growth is about taking chances and risks without always knowing the outcome! Development is looking at yourself and seeing where you are today, but more importantly where do you want to be in the future. There are great opportunities here at Edward Jones and Every Associate has the capability of achieving a life long career!”
2022
Team Leader – Talent Acquisition HR
2020
Sr. Talent Acquisition Consultant
2016
Talent Acquisition Consultant
2015
Academic Training FACD
2009
Sr. Development Specialist
2004
Development Specialist
2001
Branch Office Administrator
Meet Sarai Paljetak
“I give most of my time to mentoring others – and have from day one.”
2019
Mentor, Senior Branch Office Administrator Residency Program
2015
Senior Branch Office Administrator Supporting the Senior Regional Leader Branch
- Mentor, Incoming Branch Office Administrators supporting Senior Regional Leaders
- Member, Advisory Committee for New Regional Leader Branch Team Training (2014-2018)
2009
Senior Branch Office Administrator Supporting the Regional Leader Branch
- Visiting Veteran Branch Office Administrator (2011)
2008
Senior Branch Office Administrator
2007
Branch Office Administrator Supporting the Performance Leader Branch
- Branch Office Administrator Service Advocate for the Region (2007 – 2009)
2005
Branch Office Administrator
2004
On-Call Branch Office Administrator
Meet Leslie Merkley
“Our client support team professionals come to us with experience in sales, marketing, customer service — even finance. No matter where you’ve been, we’ll provide you the training and opportunities to take you where you want to go. As part of the branch team you will partner with your financial advisor, and be empowered to make decisions. As your confidence grows so too will opportunities to lead in your branch, your region and your community. Helping clients achieve their goals as you achieve yours.”
2020
Senior Branch Office Administrator Supporting a Regional Leader Branch
2019
Regional Recruiting Team Advocate
2015
Senior Branch Office Administrator
2004
Mentor, Branch Office Administrator
Branch Office Administrator Meeting Coordinator
1999
Branch Office Administrator
Meet Katie Schonaerts
“Over the years I’ve been fortunate to work with great leadership who have helped me see my potential. I’ve had the opportunity to be exposed to several areas within the firm, which helped me see how our organization works together – always keeping the client’s needs top of mind. Each role I have experienced helped me grow, develop and ultimately see the big picture. I am thankful to have encountered the many experiences that have helped me grow personally and professionally and have allowed me to spend time with my family. Over the past 20 years it has been exciting to be a part of this organization – to have made a difference in the lives of my clients and most importantly in the lives of my family.”
2021
New-3 Level Leader
2020
Client Solutions Team Member (2020 – 2021)
New – 2 Level Leader
Digital Client Experience Leader (2020 – 2021)
2019
Field Trainer
2018
Go the Extra Mile Coordinator
Alzheimer’s Association Coordinator
2017
Became a Financial Advisor
2016
Mentor Coordinator (2016-2017)
Senior Branch Office Administrator Supporting the 5-10 Level Leader (2016 – 2017)
Senior Branch Office Administrator Supporting the Ted Jones Coaching Program
Committee Member, Edward Jones BOA Strategy Committee
2013
Meeting Coordinator (2013 – 2015)
2010
Senior Branch Office Administrator
2008
Branch Office Administrator Supporting the Regional Leader (2008 – 2010)
2007
Branch Office Administrator
2006
Branch Office Administrator Trainee
2000
Headquarters Associate – various roles
Come as you are. We will teach you everything you need to know.
Our Branch Office Administrators come from many different career backgrounds. Sales. Marketing. Customer service. Even finance. But they have one thing in common: a desire for a rewarding career that empowers them to make a difference in people’s lives. Your training begins with six months of dedicated onboarding – and is built out with mentoring, learning plans tailored to your needs, and 6,000-plus at the Headquarters making sure you have everything you need to succeed.
// Branch Office Support Category //
Associate Testimonial
Our clients need to know they are our priority at all times.
Jennifer Hernandez
Senior Branch Office Administrator – Irving, TX
It feels good to be able to work with the financial advisor to help our clients meet their personal and financial needs.
Gwen Peebles
Senior Branch Office Administrator – Oro Valley, AZ
You’re constantly learning. Things constantly change – and it’s great. That’s what makes the job fun.
Victoria Lightowler
Senior Branch Office Administrator
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