Full Job Description
The Relationship Advisor manages fiduciary and agency client relationships while delivering high-quality fiduciary services. This role holds primary responsibility for ensuring overall client satisfaction through collaborative work with the service team, leveraging Northern Trust resources to deliver timely, accurate, and compliant fiduciary support. The Relationship Advisor addresses client needs, resolves issues, and serves as a trusted advisor while managing both assigned relationships and acting in the background for fiduciary accounts without a designated fiduciary lead.
Key Responsibilities:
• Manages a portfolio of wealth management clients, developing a deep understanding of client needs and goals in collaboration with clients and their advisors.
• Exhibits expertise in governing documents, fiduciary duties, trust and tax law, estate planning, financial planning, and prudent investment principles.
• Leads client conversations around goals-based wealth management and holistic advisory solutions, communicating complex topics in non-technical terms.
• Provides proactive guidance on Northern Trust products, regulatory/tax changes, and appropriate strategies to address evolving client needs.
• Utilizes internal fiduciary resources and expertise to identify opportunities for relationship growth and improved client outcomes.
• Delivers responsive and tactful client service through clear written and verbal communication, exhibiting strong time management skills.
• Applies sound fiduciary judgment and Northern Trust standards in managing risk, ensuring compliance with internal procedures and external regulations.
• Cultivates business development by maintaining and expanding relationships with referral sources and centers of influence.
• Serves as a mentor and subject matter expert, guiding Relationship Advisors and junior partners on fiduciary matters and best practices.
• Travels to meet with clients when appropriate to support relationship development, business growth, or servicing needs.
• Actively pursues professional development to deepen fiduciary and advisory skills.
• Uses sound judgment to analyze multiple inputs and determine appropriate client solutions.
• Eligible to serve as LRM in Private Client Advisory (PCA) and Private Client Services (PCS).
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Strong knowledge of fiduciary and financial products and services acquired through related work experience.
• Technical understanding of investments, tax, legal, and operations gained through formal education or relevant experience.
• Thorough knowledge of fiduciary principles, standards, and laws/regulations necessary to effectively administer trust accounts.
• Well-developed skills in negotiation, problem-solving, delegation, leadership, and relationship management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex or sensitive topics to clients and stakeholders.
• Strong judgment and the ability to build consensus while working collaboratively across teams.
Experience & Education:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience required.
• 7–10 years of experience in fiduciary servicing, personal trust, estate administration, or a closely related field.
