Trust Officer

About The Position

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. Primary responsibility will be the administration of directed trust accounts.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Act as a team lead and mentor for a small group of trust associates. Provide guidance and direction regarding account administration.
• 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 the trust and/or beneficiary.
• Coordinate client requests for funds including regular and unexpected remittances and disbursements.
• Facilitate communication between multiple beneficiaries, internal and external advisors, and co-trustees.
• Understand trust taxation and consider tax implications for current and remainder beneficiaries.
• Work with internal partners, including Trust Counsel and Compliance, to ensure current Policy and Procedures and document requirements are followed, including 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.
• Support internal colleagues in the administration of trusts including training on various subjects (overdraft management, discretionary distributions, compliance with trust policies, termination activities, management of special assets, etc.).
• Review and complete 60-day and annual account reviews.
• Serve as a member of the Administrative Review Committee or the Policies and Procedures Committee.
• Contribute to additional special projects, as needed (review trust accounting system information for accuracy, modification of processes and procedures, assist with new technology initiatives).
• Participate in client meetings, occasionally travel is required.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Job Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of fiduciary law, trust taxation, and estate settlement principles and theories.
• Expertise in understanding and explaining Trust documents and Wills/Codicils.
• Knowledge of TrustDesk (preferred) or other trust accounting systems.
• Filing and systems of filing.
• The Microsoft Office Suite of products.
  
  

Skills

• Organization.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Superior client relationship management skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Emotional intelligence.
  
  

Job Requirements

• High School diploma required or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Trust Administration or related field.
• CTFA a plus, but not required.
• JD a plus, but not required.
  
  

#DI

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.