Leadership Development Program Associate

About the Program

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is a full-time opportunity designed for high-potential individuals who aspire to become future leaders. As an LDP Associate, you’ll work on business objectives, receive individual coaching, actively practice leadership skills, and collaborate with program peers as you propel your career at a Fortune 500 company.

LDP Associates navigate through four to six self-selected rotations, each approximately six months in length. Each rotation offers a unique growth experience to build cross-functional understanding of the enterprise, gain exposure to diverse leadership styles, and contribute to highly impactful projects.

• Level I Associate: Focus on learning foundational aspects of Principal, refining core professional competencies, and identifying opportunities to build targeted skillsets.
• Level II Associate: Execute the strategy for one of the program’s high-level initiatives, drive results through team performance, collaborate with stakeholders, and report back to the program.
• Level III Associate: Formally lead a Level I LDP Associate, support their growth and development, and drive optimal results through individuals.

What’s in it for you

• An opportunity to define and develop your leadership style through formal and informal leadership experiences.
• Unique responsibilities through diverse rotations that develop leadership capabilities and transferable skills.
• Exposure to the organization that strengthens business and financial acumen while broadening enterprise perspective.
• Professional development planning through individualized mentorship and coaching.
• Exposure to senior leadership and a network of leaders invested in your growth and development.
• Peer support and shared learning through the LDP cohort and alumni network.
• Support in attaining placement within Principal upon successful completion of the program.

Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help customers live better lives. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required by your start date.
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA as of your graduation date OR anticipate having a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA upon graduation.
• Strong desire to become a future formal leader.
• Demonstration of effective communication, reliability, and a self-starter mindset.
• Exceptional business acumen and leadership skills demonstrated through leadership positions, internships, or other work experience.
• Aptitude for strategic and critical thinking, willingness to be challenged, and open to new opportunities.
• Initiative to lead with or without a formal title.
• Demonstrated ability to drive results through others.
• Commitment to relocating to Des Moines, IA for the duration of the program.
• Willingness to travel as some travel may be required, including overnight stays (5%).

Pay

Salary ranges reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Actual compensation will be based on geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements, and/or skill level.

Salary Range: $58,900 - $79,800 / year

Pension Eligible: Yes

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO): Provided to salaried (exempt) employees for vacation, personal, or short-term illness. No set number of days; time off is not accrued.

Schedule

This role offers a hybrid work environment, blending at least three office days in a typical workweek at our corporate office in Des Moines, Iowa.

Anticipated start date: January or June 2027, depending on candidate preference.

Work Authorization

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States.