Cresset
Associate Director, Strategy & Operations (Chicago)
Cresset, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
About Cresset
Cresset
is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimizedintegrated, intentional, and aligned with each clients vision of success.
We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.
Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firmone focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barrons and Forbes among the nations top RIA firms, and as one of the industrys best places to work, *
Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.
Position Summary Position:
Associate Director, Strategy & Operations Reports to:
Managing Director, Head of Operations
Family Office Services Location : Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Reston/D.C., New York, Atlanta, West Palm Beach Employment Type : Full Time
Job Description The Associate Director, Strategy & Operations will play a critical role in advancing the strategic and operational priorities of the Family Office Services (FOS) group. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, Head of Operations for Family Office Services, this individual will partner closely with the broader FOS team, Cresset Wealth Advisors, and broader functional teams across Cresset to drive high-impact, cross-functional initiatives.
This role is designed for a highly analytical, execution-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. This role will lead strategic planning efforts, improve operational and client service processes, support technology adoption, and help translate firm-level objectives into scalable, repeatable execution within FOS.
Key Responsibilities Strategy & Cross-Functional Initiatives Drive FOS strategic initiatives from concept through execution, working in close partnership with senior leadership. Conduct structured analyses, develop insights, and prepare clear, executive-level recommendations to support decision-making. Coordinate cross-functional efforts across FOS, Wealth Advisory, Technology, Operations, Marketing, Legal, and other corporate functions to ensure alignment and execution discipline.
Operational Excellence & Process Leadership Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of core operational and client service delivery processes within FOS. Identify inefficiencies, risks, and scalability constraints; develop and implement solutions that improve quality, consistency, and speed. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and operating metrics to measure effectiveness and drive accountability.
Technology Enablement Support the evaluation, selection, and adoption of technology platforms and tools that enhance operational efficiency and client experience. Partner with technology and data teams to define requirements, manage implementation efforts, and ensure successful change adoption across FOS. Translate business needs into clear operational and technology requirements.
Client Service Delivery Support Work with FOS team members and Wealth Advisors to enhance end-to-end client service delivery models. Help standardize best practices while maintaining flexibility for complex, high-net-worth client needs. Support the development of scalable service models that align with Crescents growth objectives.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management Serve as a trusted thought partner to the FOS leadership team. Support change management efforts by communicating objectives, progress, and outcomes effectively.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, or related field.
Experience: Two to three years of experience in a top-tier management consulting or strategy consulting environment, with demonstrated exposure to strategy, operations, or transformation engagements. Experience working with financial services, wealth management, family office, or professional services organizations is not required but is a plus. Exposure to operational transformation, process redesign, or technology implementation initiatives is not required but is a plus.
Technical Proficiency: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous problems and develop actionable insights. Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and drive execution.
Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level materials. Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Positive attitude and eagerness to learn; collaborates with and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.
Other Requirements: Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive client information. Occasional travel may be required.
What We Offer: At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority. Starting base salary range: $125,000-$145,000. Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package including an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre-tax parking and transportation programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cressets policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.
*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available
here . Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, and all its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. Cresset provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset also provides investment advisory services to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate, and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.
is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimizedintegrated, intentional, and aligned with each clients vision of success.
We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.
Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firmone focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barrons and Forbes among the nations top RIA firms, and as one of the industrys best places to work, *
Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.
Position Summary Position:
Associate Director, Strategy & Operations Reports to:
Managing Director, Head of Operations
Family Office Services Location : Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, Dallas, Minneapolis, Reston/D.C., New York, Atlanta, West Palm Beach Employment Type : Full Time
Job Description The Associate Director, Strategy & Operations will play a critical role in advancing the strategic and operational priorities of the Family Office Services (FOS) group. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, Head of Operations for Family Office Services, this individual will partner closely with the broader FOS team, Cresset Wealth Advisors, and broader functional teams across Cresset to drive high-impact, cross-functional initiatives.
This role is designed for a highly analytical, execution-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. This role will lead strategic planning efforts, improve operational and client service processes, support technology adoption, and help translate firm-level objectives into scalable, repeatable execution within FOS.
Key Responsibilities Strategy & Cross-Functional Initiatives Drive FOS strategic initiatives from concept through execution, working in close partnership with senior leadership. Conduct structured analyses, develop insights, and prepare clear, executive-level recommendations to support decision-making. Coordinate cross-functional efforts across FOS, Wealth Advisory, Technology, Operations, Marketing, Legal, and other corporate functions to ensure alignment and execution discipline.
Operational Excellence & Process Leadership Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of core operational and client service delivery processes within FOS. Identify inefficiencies, risks, and scalability constraints; develop and implement solutions that improve quality, consistency, and speed. Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and operating metrics to measure effectiveness and drive accountability.
Technology Enablement Support the evaluation, selection, and adoption of technology platforms and tools that enhance operational efficiency and client experience. Partner with technology and data teams to define requirements, manage implementation efforts, and ensure successful change adoption across FOS. Translate business needs into clear operational and technology requirements.
Client Service Delivery Support Work with FOS team members and Wealth Advisors to enhance end-to-end client service delivery models. Help standardize best practices while maintaining flexibility for complex, high-net-worth client needs. Support the development of scalable service models that align with Crescents growth objectives.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management Serve as a trusted thought partner to the FOS leadership team. Support change management efforts by communicating objectives, progress, and outcomes effectively.
Qualifications Education:
Bachelors degree in Business, Finance, or related field.
Experience: Two to three years of experience in a top-tier management consulting or strategy consulting environment, with demonstrated exposure to strategy, operations, or transformation engagements. Experience working with financial services, wealth management, family office, or professional services organizations is not required but is a plus. Exposure to operational transformation, process redesign, or technology implementation initiatives is not required but is a plus.
Technical Proficiency: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to structure ambiguous problems and develop actionable insights. Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and drive execution.
Soft Skills: High attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level materials. Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with changing priorities. Positive attitude and eagerness to learn; collaborates with and supports colleagues to achieve shared goals.
Other Requirements: Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality with sensitive client information. Occasional travel may be required.
What We Offer: At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority. Starting base salary range: $125,000-$145,000. Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package including an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre-tax parking and transportation programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cressets policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.
*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available
here . Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, and all its respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. Cresset provides investment advisory, family office, and other services to individuals, families, and institutional clients. Cresset also provides investment advisory services to investment vehicles investing in private equity, real estate, and other investment opportunities. Cresset Asset Management, LLC is an SEC registered investment advisor. SEC registration does not imply any specific level of skill or training.