Sr. Trust Officer

Summary: Responsible for independently representing First Foundation Bank in its fiduciary capacity as Trustee, Executor, or Agent under various forms of agreement. Will serve as Senior Trust Officer with responsibility for selling trust and estate services and administering accounts.  Provides coordination and oversight for related services on the Company’s platform, including investment management and banking.  Trust accounts are generally of a varied mix and a complex nature. May supervise one or more Trust Associates.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understands and complies with the requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to the position.  Become familiar with, and adhere to Trust Division policies and procedures.
• Originate new trust sales from existing or prospective clients and provide referrals for other First Foundation products and services.
• Develop referrals of prospective clients from attorneys, CPAs, and other centers of influence.
• Participate with other disciplines (investment management, real estate, banking, financial planning, philanthropic services) in providing holistic solutions for client opportunities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to others in the organization providing expertise in Trusts and Estates. 
• Clearly explain the terms and specifications of the will and/or trust, state law, and tax law to prospects, clients, and First Foundation colleagues across all business lines.  Provide consultative advice to clients, associates, and COIs concerning the design and administration of complex personal trusts.
• Proactively contacts clients to discuss and advise on problems, explain terms and specifications of the will and/or trust, and arrange for payments acceptable under the terms of the trust.
• Administers assigned accounts, which may include but are not limited to, revocable and irrevocable trust accounts, agency accounts, IRAs, custody, and escrow accounts, per the terms specified in the trust instrument or agreement. Resolves problems with assigned accounts as well as assists others in account administration.
• Develop administrative plans and objectives with clients and beneficiaries in connection with the Real Estate Manager and Investment officer related to assets held in assigned accounts.
• Provides recommendations to the appropriate trust committee on a course of action for non-routine matters.
• May perform some data entry of approved account transactions including recurring/non-recurring bill payments and discretionary distributions to ensure dual control of account activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:  May lead one or more employees performing similar work.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience:                    

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience. 
• Prefer CFP or CTFA certifications. 
• 15 or more years in a trust administration function, with at least 10 years in a sales role.

Trust Services Product and Service Knowledge:

Understands and can effectively communicate all aspects of First Foundation trust services and technical trust principles to individuals and groups. Thorough and current knowledge of trust and estate planning strategies.

Presentation Skills: 

Able to communicate complex estate planning ideas effectively in writing and verbally.  

Demonstrates the ability to use personal computers and technical software effectively to produce meaningful and professional results.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 

First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.