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Specialist, Strategic Growth Programs

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $95,600–$162,400 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 19, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project you kept on track while juggling several other priorities.

What they are checking: Whether they are as organized and execution-oriented as the role needs when many programs run at once.

Describe a time you found a problem in a project that others had missed.

What they are checking: Whether they pay close attention to detail and raise issues early instead of letting them surprise leaders later.

What does a good status update to a busy leader look like?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate briefly and clearly, leading with decisions and risks rather than long narratives.

What would you do

You are coordinating a growth initiative with Sales, Marketing, Wealth Advisory and Operations. How do you keep everyone moving on the same timeline?

What they are checking: Whether they can run a cross-functional program without direct authority over the people doing the work.

A stakeholder keeps missing deadlines for their part of a program. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they address delays directly and escalate fairly rather than quietly absorbing the slippage.

How would you learn enough about Family Office Solutions to support a program in that area?

What they are checking: Whether they can ramp up on unfamiliar parts of a wealth business quickly and ask the right questions.

Two leaders give you conflicting direction on the same project. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they surface the conflict to resolve it openly instead of guessing or trying to please both.

About the work

How would you set up tracking so the Head of Sales Enablement can see progress on growth programs at a glance?

What they are checking: Whether they can design simple, honest reporting that shows status and risk, not just activity.

What analysis would you run to figure out whether a sales enablement program is improving advisor results?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect a program to outcomes and account for other factors that affect sales.

How comfortable are you building analysis in Excel or a similar tool from raw data? Give me an example.

What they are checking: Whether they have the hands-on analytical skills to support programs without relying on others for every number.

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The full job description

As published by Northern Trust.

About Northern Trust As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions. Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide. With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service. SPECIALIST, STRATEGIC GROWTH PROGRAMS OH: R159939 The Specialist, Strategic Growth Programs supports the execution of Wealth Management's strategic growth initiatives and business priorities. Reporting to the Head of Sales Enablement, this role partners with stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, Wealth Advisory, Family Office Solutions, Product, and Operations to help coordinate projects, perform analysis, track progress, and support the successful delivery of growth-focused programs. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytically minded, and execution-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to cross-functional initiatives in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities • Support the execution of strategic growth initiatives aligned to Wealth Management business priorities. • Assist with project planning, coordination, and implementation activities across multiple workstreams. • Conduct research and analysis related to sales performance, market opportunities, competitive insights, and business growth initiatives. • Prepare presentations, meeting materials, status updates, and executive reporting for leadership stakeholders. • Track project milestones, action items, risks, and dependencies to support successful delivery of key initiatives. • Support pilot programs, process improvements, and new business initiatives by gathering data, coordinating stakeholders, and monitoring results. • Analyze sales, pipeline, referral, and growth-related metrics to identify trends and support decision-making. • Collaborate with cross-functional partners to facilitate project execution and drive follow-through on business priorities. • Support annual planning, leadership meetings, and special projects as needed. Required Knowledge and Skills • Strong organizational and project coordination skills. • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities. • Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities. • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. • Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. • Proficiency Power BI or other business intelligence platforms preferred. • Proficiency in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms preferred. • Strong attention to detail and follow-through. • Ability to work effectively across teams and build collaborative relationships. Education and Experience • Bachelor's degree strongly preferred. • Approximately 4-6 years of experience in financial services, wealth management, sales support, business analysis, project coordination, sales enablement, or a related field. • Experience supporting cross-functional projects and business initiatives preferred. • Interest in wealth management, sales strategy, and business growth initiatives. Success Profile The successful candidate is a proactive and dependable contributor who thrives on execution, organization, and delivering results. They are comfortable working behind the scenes to coordinate complex initiatives, solve problems, and help move strategic priorities from planning to implementation. Salary Range: $95,600 - 162,400 USD Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component. Work Authorization Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa). Working with Us As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve. Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities. Reasonable Accommodation Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

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