Chief Marketing Officer

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is responsible for providing strategic, data-driven marketing leadership that strengthens the local network office brand, supports advisor growth, and drives increased visibility, engagement, and business results. This role serves within one of Northwestern Mutual's premier Twin Cities network offices and partners with some of the largest and most successful firms in the Northwestern Mutual system.

The CMO will act as a strategic marketing consultant, growth partner, and brand steward, helping advisors and firms elevate their market presence, attract ideal clients, deepen client relationships, and differentiate themselves through innovative and impactful marketing strategies. This individual will work closely with firm leaders to develop customized marketing programs that align with business objectives while reinforcing the strength and reputation of the Northwestern Mutual brand.

This role serves as a liaison to Northwestern Mutual corporate marketing resources, oversees network office marketing initiatives and events, and supports select advisor firms in designing and executing comprehensive marketing plans that drive productivity, growth, and long-term enterprise value.

The ideal candidate is both a strategic thinker and hands-on executor who thrives in a collaborative, relationship-driven environment. They will be passionate about helping advisors, teams, and firms pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and achieve measurable business results. Most importantly, they will embody our core values:

• Relationship Focused – Building meaningful partnerships with advisors, teams, centers of influence, and clients.
• Do the Right Thing – Demonstrating integrity and sound judgment in every interaction and decision.
• Lead by Example – Modeling accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Pursue Excellence – Striving for exceptional results and delivering a best-in-class marketing experience.

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact by helping industry-leading firms grow their brands, expand their influence, and create deeper connections with the clients and communities they serve.

Position Responsibilities

For the Network Office

• Develop and implement strategic Marketing Plan
• Plan, manage and track Marketing Budget
• Identify, plan and execute small to large scale marketing events (approx. 7-9 per year); internal brand-building and external (client/prospect-facing)
• Promote and build the Northwestern Mutual brand locally to enhance awareness and receptivity within multicultural and diverse affinity markets
• Track and measure marketing program’s impact and overall ROI
• Oversee plan for marketing education and training
• Assist in the implementation of marketing tactics geared towards financial advisor recruitment
• Maintain key media and business partnerships that will generate increased exposure for the NO
• Support local public relations, advertising and philanthropic efforts

For Select Financial Advisors & Firms

• Develop and implement customized marketing plans to enhance productivity and increase revenue
• Provide oversight on advisor marketing budgets
• Manage upkeep of digital assets such as websites and social platforms
• Identify, plan and execute strategic client and prospect engagement activities and events
• Conduct regularly scheduled marketing consultations to help drive their marketing plans
• Serve as the expert on CRM, key marketing strategies and tactics for client segmentation, prospecting, promotion, client experience, affinity marketing, and center of influence development

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising or communications
• 7-10+ years marketing experience
• Results-driven leader with an energetic, inquisitive personality who embraces disruption and is not afraid to challenge the status quo
• Proven track record in developing and administering a marketing program with measurable results
• Demonstrated success in driving marketing strategies to ROI
• Change driver with an ability to motivate individuals and teams
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Highly detailed and organized with the ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Strong project management and collaboration skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media technologies (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter)
• Financial services experience a plus
• Previous sales or business development experience a plus
• Occasional night/weekend projects as determined by event schedule