Director of Financial Planning

About the Firm

Blankinship & Foster, LLC is an independent, fee-only wealth management firm in Solana Beach, CA, that provides integrated financial planning and investment management to individuals and families specializing in retirees and near-retirees. Our firm culture and core values are based on being thoughtful and caring, doing what is right, finding solutions, and constantly seeking to learn, grow, and improve. We pride ourselves on being a team of authentic, dependable, dedicated, and thoughtful individuals.

Job Summary

The Director of Financial Planning leads the firm's financial planning function, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality, comprehensive advice to clients. This role works closely with advisors, operations, investment management, compliance, and firm leadership to establish planning standards, improve processes, mentor team members, and enhance the client experience. In addition to providing strategic leadership for the planning function, the Director of Financial Planning will also maintain senior-level client advisory responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and continually improve the firm's financial planning function, including planning standards, technical excellence, and complex planning support.
• Mentor and develop advisors and associate advisors; set expectations for planning quality, workflow, documentation and client service.
• Oversee planning workflows, technology, and documentation standards to support consistency, scalability and efficient cross-department collaboration.
• Partner with firm leadership on strategic initiatives, capacity planning, service enhancements, advisor development, and client experience improvements.
• Keep professional staff current on relevant industry, financial planning and regulatory developments.
• Serve as the lead advisor and primary relationship manager for assigned clients.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. CPA is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; master's degree or advanced planning designation preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in comprehensive financial planning in a wealth management or RIA environment.
• Strong technical knowledge across retirement, tax, estate, insurance, charitable, and equity compensation planning.
• Proven experience managing a team and improving financial planning processes to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule (remote and onsite in Solana Beach, CA).

Work Style

• Collaborative, approachable leader with a strong client-first mindset
• Highly organized, detail-oriented and process-driven, with the ability to create structure and accountability.
• Strong communicator and decision-maker who collaborates effectively across teams.
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on involvement in complex planning work.
• Demonstrates professionalism, sound judgement, fiduciary responsibility and commitment to long-term client relationships.

Salary and Benefits

• Compensation commensurate with skills and experience
• Bonus
• 15 days of paid vacation to start, plus sick time
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) plan
• Health insurance benefits
• Continuing education and conference reimbursement
• Dues and membership fees for approved professional organizations
• Exempt position

Who Should Apply

Qualified candidates should have direct relevant experience in comprehensive financial planning within a wealth management or RIA environment. If you are thoughtful, detail-oriented, collaborative, service-oriented and passionate about delivering high quality financial planning advice, please submit your resume and cover letter. No phone calls please. For more information about our firm, please visit our website: www.bfadvisors.com