Advanced knowledge of fiduciary law and trust taxation
Expert in understanding and explaining trust documents and Wills/Codicils
Solid knowledge of TrustDesk or other trust accounting systems
High School diploma or equivalent required, post-secondary degree preferred
CTFA or JD certifications are a plus
Responsibilities
Administer trust accounts per governing documents and state law
Provide proactive communication and solutions to client needs
Educate beneficiaries on trust terms and navigate family dynamics
Prepare documentation for Administrative Review Committee decisions
Coordinate requests for funds and manage distributions
Collaborate with clients' advisors on complex matters
Mentor team members within Trust Administration
Benefits
Hybrid work schedule after the initial training period
Opportunity for mentorship and professional development
Engagement with diverse client relationships and complex family dynamics
Regular team collaboration with financial advisors and other fiduciaries
Occasional travel for client meetings
Full 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 Evansville, IN 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
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About Robert W. Baird
Robert W. Baird & Co. is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity, and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Baird offers investment banking, institutional sales and trading, research coverage, corporate services, and wealth management. The firm has approximately 4,600 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional, and municipal clients and more than $305 billion in client assets as of December 31, 2020.
