Director of Equity Research

We exist to help people achieve financial clarity. At Thrivent, we believe money is a tool, not a goal. Driven by a higher purpose at our core, we are committed to providing financial advice, investments, insurance, banking and generosity programs to help people make the most of all they’ve been given.

At our core, we are a membership-owned fraternal organization, as well as a holistic financial services organization, dedicated to serving the unique needs of our clients. We focus on their goals and priorities, guiding them toward financial choices that will help them live the life they want today—and tomorrow.

Job Summary

The Director of Equity Research is the senior-most research professional in Equity Investments, leading and managing a team of more than 20 senior and junior research analysts. The position reports to Thrivent’s Head of Equity Investments. The incumbent drives the delivery of high-impact investment insights and recommendations. Employees led by this director evaluate publicly traded companies to guide investment decisions.

This role requires strategic thinking and hands-on leadership combined with deep analytical rigor and strong interpersonal skills to foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Director will play a pivotal role in enhancing the research platform, improving communication, and aligning the team with the firm’s investment objectives.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team of equity analysts, setting clear expectations and holding team members accountable for performance and results.
• Set the research agenda and ensure alignment with portfolio strategy and firm goals.
• Foster a culture of transparency, trust, and intellectual rigor, with a focus on continuous development and collaboration.
• Identify and address gaps in communication, culture, and accountability across the team.
• Recruit, develop, and sustain a high-performing team while promoting a culture of shared accountability, operational excellence, and partnership across the organization.  
• Model Thrivent’s leadership competencies by demonstrating resiliency, working together to make the best decisions, and hold self and others accountable to act consistently with those competencies.    
• Maintain an environment in which Thrivent employees and colleagues are focused on continuous improvement, exceptional employee engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. 
• Shape and/or support a culture that represents the Thrivent purpose, promise and values, ensuring that Thrivent’s trust and reputation remain strong with its clients.    

Process & Quality Control

• Ensure analysts have a systematic process for identifying opportunities and risks within assigned coverage.
• Ensure analysts can rank subsectors and companies with appropriate quantitative and qualitative measures, understanding the trade-offs between operating performance and valuation.
• Ensure analysts’ process is forward looking and anticipates industry and company developments.
• Review research output to ensure methodological rigor and sound conclusions.
• Identify emerging trends and new research tools and techniques to maintain a competitive edge.
• Encourage creative work in research processes, including company visits, field work, and the use of technology.

Performance Monitoring

• Monitor and assess the performance of investment strategies and research contributions.
• Hold analysts accountable for performance.
• Provide real-time feedback and coaching to analysts based on research output, performance metrics, and outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key liaison between the research team and portfolio managers, senior leadership, and clients.
• Communicate research findings and strategic recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.

Mentorship & Development

• Support the professional development of analysts through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Promote a learning-oriented environment that encourages continuous improvement and transparent career progression.

Investment Insight & Strategy

• Stay informed on macroeconomic developments, regulatory changes, and market trends that impact investment strategies and research priorities.
• Provide expert insights into market trends, sector dynamics, and company fundamentals to support investment decisions.
• Ensure research outputs are actionable, differentiated, and aligned with portfolio manager needs.

Job Qualifications

Required: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field, plus master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration or a related field, or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in equity research or a related financial role with 3+ years leading or mentoring investment research professionals. 
• Skills: Exceptional leadership and management skills, strong investment acumen, including analytical skills, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within and across teams. 
• Certifications: Relevant certifications (e.g., CFA) are highly desirable.
• Detail-Oriented: Ability to analyze complex financial data and make informed decisions.
• Strategic Thinker: Strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive: Takes initiative in identifying and pursuing investment opportunities.
• Ethical: Adheres to high ethical standards and maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.

Preferred:   

• Master’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field, plus CFA designation.
• Fifteen or more years of experience in equity research or a related financial role with 5+ years leading research professionals.

Additional Information

• This position requires you to work on-site in Minneapolis, MN or Appleton, WI. 

Pay TransparencyThrivent’s long-term growth depends on attracting, rewarding, and retaining people who are committed to helping others thrive with purpose. We accomplish this by offering a wide variety of market competitive compensation programs to attract, reward, and retain top talent. The applicable salary or hourly wage range for this full-time role is $280,889.00 - $421,333.00 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. The base pay actually offered will be determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, location, relevant experience, skills, and knowledge, business needs, market demand, and other factors Thrivent deems important.Thrivent is unique in our commitment to helping people to be wise with money and live balanced and generous lives. That extends to our benefits.The following benefits may be offered: various bonuses (including, for example, annual or long-term incentives); medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account; flexible spending account; 401k; pension; life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance; supplemental protection insurance; 20 days of Paid Time Off each year; Sick and Safe Time; 10 paid company holidays; Volunteer Time Off; paid parental leave; EAP; well-being benefits, and other employee benefits. Eligibility for receipt of these benefits is subject to the applicable plan/policy documents. Thrivent’s plans/policies are subject to change at any time at Thrivent’s discretion.

Thrivent provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any otherstatus protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all employees and job applicants.

Thrivent is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected] or call 800-847-4836 and request Human Resources.