Senior Trust Officer

Hightower Advisors; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k matching

Paid parental leave

Flexible PTO

Work from home Fridays

Gym in office

Job summary

Hightower Advisors in Chicago seeks a Senior Trust Officer to manage a book of trust accounts and cultivate client relationships. You will interpret documents and ensure fiduciary compliance while maintaining exceptional service standards for clients and advisors.

The role requires extensive trust experience, JD preferred, and the ability to work in a fast-paced wealth management environment. Hybrid work with in-office collaboration is offered along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of trust administration and/or estate planning experience, at least 7 years as a trust officer.
• JD preferred; Masters or BA/BS with relevant trust education/experience/designations considered in lieu.
• Strong knowledge of trust administration principles.

Responsibilities

• Administer a book of trust accounts in accordance with applicable law and fiduciary principles.
• Interpret legal documents and ensure trusts are administered per laws and governing instruments.
• Maintain high client and advisor service levels with prompt research and responses.
• Collaborate with clients, advisors and internal partners to meet client objectives with fiduciary integrity.
• Perform post-acceptance and annual administrative account reviews.
• Identify trust issues and coordinate with management, investments, tax, legal and compliance to resolve them.
• Prepare and present discretionary memoranda for committee review.
• Direct middle office to initiate account changes like terminations.
• Maintain knowledge of developments in trust law and regulation.
• Participate in special projects as assigned.

Skills

Trust administration

Estate planning

RIA/wealth management knowledge

Analytical skills

Time management

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal communication

Education

JD preferred; Masters or BA/BS with trust education/experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our Story

Founded in 2008, Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower’s capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their financial vision. Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., we operate as a registered investment advisor (RIA).

Our Story

Founded in 2008, Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial and retirement planning services to individuals, foundations and family offices, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Hightower’s capital solutions, operational support services, size and scale empower its vibrant community of independent-minded wealth advisors to grow their businesses and help their clients achieve their financial vision. Based in Chicago with advisors across the U.S., we operate as a registered investment advisor (RIA).

Your Future Team

Hightower Trust Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hightower and serves Hightower’s advisors and their clients exclusively. Hightower Trust Company provides fiduciary services and investment management oversight to help preserve clients’ wealth, giving them peace of mind that their trusted professionals will be there to support their family for years to come.

• Adaptable. Our team members have the instinctive need to achieve objectives despite the hurdles that may come along the way. They are ready to join a fast-paced environment and are adaptable to constant change.
• Agile. Our team members are comfortable navigating ambiguity and working with competing priorities. They maintain composure and remain positive under pressure and know how to influence stakeholders even when the situation might be complex.
• Team player. Our team members are energetic and people-oriented individuals you are ready to roll of their sleeves, trust their teammates, and provide support as needed. They are top performers that take pride in working at an elite advisory practice.
• Clear Communicator. Our team members possess excellent communication skills and practice giving and receiving feedback to colleagues and clients consistently.

What You’ll Do

• The Senior Trust Officer will administer a book of trust accounts in accordance with applicable law and sound fiduciary principles while also cultivating relationships with clients and advisors.
• Interpret legal documents and ensure trusts are administered in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and governing instruments
• Maintain high client and advisor service levels through prompt research and response to inquiries
• Collaborate with clients, advisors, and internal partners to achieve client objectives while maintaining fiduciary integrity
• Perform post-acceptance and annual administrative account reviews
• Proactively identify trust issues and partner with management, investments, tax, legal and compliance to take appropriate action to resolve them
• Prepare and present discretionary memoranda for committee review and approval
• Direct middle office to initiate account changes like terminations
• Maintain current knowledge of developments in the trust legal and regulatory environment
• Participate in special projects as assigned

What You’ll Bring

• A minimum of 10 years of trust administration and/or estate planning experience with at least 7 year as a trust officer
• JD preferred; Masters or BA/BS from an appropriately accredited educational institution plus relevant trust education/experience/designations considered in lieu
• Strong knowledge of the principles of trust administration required
• Practical experience in the RIA and/or wealth management environments strongly preferred
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment including excellent time management skills and ability to balance multiple competing priorities
• Strong analytical skills including the ability to research problems, determine root causes, and identify and implement solutions
• Superior organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities with grace without sacrificing quality, accuracy or deadlines
• Laser-focused attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communications skills, and the ability to deal effectively with a variety of people
• Ability to work independently and efficiently and also to work well in a group setting
• Highly motivated self-starter

What We Offer

• Coverage on the first day of employment for medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid parental leave (16 weeks for primary caregiver and 8 weeks for secondary caregiver)
• Mother’s lounge onsite
• Flexible PTO plan
• In-office Monday through Thursday and work from home on Fridays
• Free brand-new gym in the Chicago office
• 401k matching plan
• HSA employer contributions
• Student loan assistance
• Pet insurance
• Base salary of $140,000- $150,000 plus discretionary bonus (exact base salary amount will be dependent on experience)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Hightower is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age (over 40), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related), gender identity or expression, genetic information including sickle cell or hemoglobin C trait, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local law.

You are a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or possess other unrestricted U.S. work authorization and will not require sponsorship for U.S. work authorization now or anytime in the future.