Sr. Trust Officer

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. INCORPORATED; Franklin (TN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. INCORPORATED is seeking an experienced Trust Officer to administer trust accounts in line with trust documents while delivering high‑level service to clients.

You will collaborate with Financial Advisors to ensure client wishes are carried out under the trust terms and applicable law. The role requires on‑site attendance five days/week in Franklin, TN for six months of training, after which a 4 days in office / 1 remote work schedule applies.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of fiduciary law, trust taxation, and estate settlement principles.
• Ability to explain Trust documents and Wills/Codicils clearly.

Responsibilities

• Administer trusts in accordance with governing documents and state law.
• Provide proactive client service and timely communication with advisors.
• Collaborate with clients' attorneys and accountants on complex matters.
• Prepare documentation for Administrative Review Committee.
• Coordinate distributions and manage trust accounting activities.
• Mentor team members and participate in committee work.
• Travel for client meetings occasionally.

Skills

Fiduciary law

Trust taxation

Estate settlement

Explain Trust documents

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary degree pref

Tools

TrustDesk

Job description

About the Role:

Our Trust Officers are experienced fiduciary professionals responsible for the administration of trust accounts in accordance with the terms specified in the trust instrument, while also providing personalized, high-level service to clients. Our Trust Officers work closely with our Financial Advisors to ensure our clients’ wishes are carried out based on the terms of the trust document.

This position requires on-site attendance five days per week in our Franklin, TN office for a minimum of six months during the initial training period. Following the successful completion of training and performance review, the role will transition to a hybrid work schedule consisting of 4 days per week in office and 1 remote work day.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Professional trust administration within the scope of the governing document and in accordance with applicable state law
• Provide proactive solutions to client needs and deliver prompt, professional communication to clients and Financial Advisors
• Demonstrate expertise on the terms and practical application of trust document provisions, understanding how each trust fits within larger, complex relationships with a variety of account types
• Educate trust beneficiaries on the terms and requirements of the trust
• Navigate complex family dynamics
• Prepare necessary documentation and recommendation for Administrative Review Committee on any discretionary decisions to be made on behalf of beneficiary
• Coordinate client requests for funds including regular remittances and disbursements
• Facilitate communication between multiple beneficiaries, internal and external advisors, and co-trustees, as well as act as a referral network
• Understand trust taxation and consider tax implications for current and remainder beneficiaries
• Work with internal partners to provide appropriate oversight of non-standard assets (real estate, promissory notes, mortgages, closely held businesses, oil and gas interests)
• Assistance in implementing personal and charitable gifting strategies
• Manage allocation of income and principal for distributions, including trust-related expenses and distributions on behalf of clients and beneficiaries
• Facilitate annual IRA Required Minimum Distributions
• Monitor daily transactions posted to trust accounts to ensure accuracy
• Collaborate with the client’s advisors, attorneys, and accountants, on complex administrative matters
• Provide mentorship to team members and others within Trust Administration
• Prepare 60-day and annual account reviews
• Serve on Administrative Review Committee or Policies and Procedures Committee
• Occasional travel for client meetings

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Advanced knowledge of fiduciary law, trust taxation, and estate settlement principles and theories
• Expertise in understanding and explaining Trust documents and Wills/Codicils
• Solid knowledge of TrustDesk (preferred) or other trust accounting systems
• High School diploma required or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience
• Post-secondary degree preferred
• 5+ years minimum experience in trust administration
• CTFA a plus, but not required
• JD a plus, but not required