Director, Equity Strategies

You’re a seasoned investment professional with deep expertise in equity markets and a passion for designing thoughtful, differentiated investment strategies. You bring strong conviction in portfolio construction, risk management, and long-term investing, paired with the ability to clearly articulate complex equity concepts. You enjoy serving as a subject-matter expert, collaborating across teams, and supporting advisors and clients in high-impact conversations. We are specifically looking for someone with a passion for investing in the Rocky Mountain region who is excited to design a proprietary sleeve that matches these values.

The Director, Equity Strategies is responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing management of a proprietary equity sleeve within First Western Trust’s investment platform. This role serves as the firm’s in-house equity subject-matter expert, owning the investment philosophy, portfolio construction, risk framework, and performance narrative for the assigned strategy. In addition to portfolio management, the role plays a key leadership function—educating advisors, supporting Investment Policy Committee discussions, and serving as a senior client-facing resource. This position bridges investment research, product strategy, advisor enablement, and client engagement to ensure equity solutions are well-governed, scalable, and clearly communicated.

• →Equity Sleeve Design & Portfolio Management: Own the end-to-end design, implementation, and ongoing management of a proprietary equity sleeve aligned with First Western’s investment philosophy and Rocky Mountain–inspired values, including security selection, portfolio construction, risk management, rebalancing, and tax-aware decision-making.
• →Equity Strategy Leadership & Thought Partnership: Serve as the firm’s in-house equity subject matter expert, defining and articulating the investment philosophy, research framework, risk parameters, and performance narrative for the strategy.
• →Research Oversight, Mentorship & Talent Development: Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical training to less experienced analysts and investment team members.
• →Advisor Enablement & Education: Educate and support advisors through training sessions, portfolio commentary, positioning guidance, and written insights, empowering them to confidently communicate equity strategy intent, performance, and risk considerations to clients.
• →Client Engagement & Complex Equity Solutions: Act as a senior, client-facing resource for complex equity discussions, manager transitions, and portfolio customization, supporting advisors in high-impact client and prospect meetings with clear, compelling investment expertise.
• →Strategic Collaboration & Platform Development: Partner cross-functionally with operations, research, portfolio administration, and leadership teams to ensure the equity strategy is operationally sound, scalable, well-governed, and integrated within First Western’s broader investment platform.
• →Firm Representation, Commentary & Values Alignment: Provide investment commentary and thought leadership in assigned forums; represent First Western with professionalism and credibility while consistently embracing and modeling the firm’s core values in all interactions and decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field (required).
• Master’s degree in Finance, Business, or related field (required).
• 10–15 years of relevant equity investment experience (required).
• Experience leading or mentoring investment professionals (preferred).
• Deep knowledge of equity markets, portfolio construction, and risk management.
• Strong understanding of fiduciary standards and investment governance.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• CFA or CPA designation (preferred).

At First Western Trust, we’re more than just a financial institution—we’re a team of forward-thinkers committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. Our culture thrives on teamwork and mutual respect, grounded in the belief that diverse perspectives fuel creativity and help us tackle challenges in fresh, effective ways.

We celebrate each other’s successes, welcome new ideas, and take personal ownership in everything we do. A genuine desire to positively impact our clients, communities, and one another drives our work. We meet challenges with a growth mindset, act with urgency and accountability, and constantly strive to raise the bar for ourselves and our clients.

Leadership at First Western means setting an example and fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and respect. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or bringing years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming community where your contributions are valued and your potential is boundless.

We expect our people to:

• Demand and reward excellence.
• Take action and responsibility.
• Collaborate, communicate openly, and give/receive feedback with trust.
• Go above and beyond to do what’s right—always.

If that sounds like you, you’ll fit right in.

Learn more at myfw.com or email Talent.Management@myfw.com. 

First Western Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace where every team member is valued and given the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. For accommodation requests, please contact Talent.Management@myfw.com.