Chief Investment Officer - Boutique Wealth Manager
Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
Location: Ann Arbor, MI (preferred) or Cleveland, OH
Firm AUM: ~$3bn
Structure: Boutique, family‑ and employee‑owned RIA (SEC‑registered)
About the Firm
Our client is a highly respected, SEC‑registered investment adviser with approximately $3bn in assets under management and 20 years in operation. Headquartered in the Midwest, the firm is family‑ and employee‑owned, with a boutique culture and a long history of delivering deep, relationship‑driven wealth management services.
They provide comprehensive financial planning, portfolio management, and wealth advisory solutions to a diverse client base, including high‑net‑worth individuals, families, business owners, charitable organizations, and pooled investment vehicles.
With a commitment to stability, long‑term investing, and personalized service, the firm is preparing for a significant leadership transition as their long‑standing CIO moves toward retirement.
The Opportunity
The firm is seeking an exceptional Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to lead the investment function and shape the next chapter of its growth. This individual will serve as both the strategic and public-facing voice of the firm's investment philosophy.
The CIO will chair the Investment Committee and hold end‑to‑end responsibility for portfolio construction, research oversight, and investment strategy across the firm's client base and internal investment vehicles.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership role at a stable, values‑led firm with meaningful influence, autonomy, and succession leadership potential.
Key Responsibilities
Investment Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as Chair of the Investment Committee, driving portfolio strategy and asset allocation.
- Build and scale the firm's direct indexing capabilities and custom model portfolios.
- Lead the development and oversight of investment research, market views, and product innovation.
Fund Management
- Assume management responsibility for a $100mm+ growth equity fund, including oversight of sourcing, due diligence, portfolio construction, and performance monitoring.
Client‑Facing Leadership
- Act as the public investment voice of the firm, representing the brand in client meetings, board discussions, and external communications.
- Produce monthly market commentary and reporting distributed across the firm's client base.
Platform & Technology Oversight
- Oversee day‑to‑day investment operations, including trading oversight (no direct reports at day one).
- Utilize-or quickly learn-the Orion Eclipse trading and rebalancing platform.
- Play a key role in integrating acquired firms and AUM, including building out a future internal trading team.
Portfolio & Asset Class Coverage
Current investment mix includes:
- Public equities
- ETFs
- Taxable and municipal bonds
- Private credit exposure
The CIO will refine and evolve these exposures in line with market opportunity and client objectives.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring:
- Proven experience as a senior investment leader within an RIA, multifamily office, OCIO provider, or asset manager.
- Strong background in portfolio construction, direct indexing, model portfolio design, and multi‑asset allocation.
- Experience managing or contributing to an equity or growth‑oriented investment strategy.
- Outstanding communication skills, with the credibility to serve as the firm's external investment voice.
- Technical capability with Orion Eclipse (or ability to learn quickly).
- Hands‑on leadership style with a desire to build teams, integrate acquisitions, and shape long‑term investment infrastructure.
- Preference for candidates based in-or willing to relocate to-Ann Arbor, Michigan, though Cleveland, Ohio will also be considered.
Why This Role?
- Lead the full investment function of a successful, independent, growing wealth management firm.
- Step into a succession‑planning position with real authority and executive visibility.
- Work within a collaborative, values‑driven organization with long‑tenured staff and deeply loyal clients.
- Influence firmwide strategy and future acquisitions while shaping a modern investment platform.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
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