Bequests Manager - Legal

Wounded Warrior Project • Jacksonville, FL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Bequests Manager leads the Bequests Team within the broader Legal Team for WWP and is responsible for the oversight of staff and administration of bequest matters for WWP. This includes providing advice and guidance to WWP leadership on these matters, managing the Bequests Team, overseeing the administration of accounts, coordinating with the legal department on all estate litigation matters, collaborating with numerous internal partners, and ensuring all bequest case files, information, reports, and other documents are completed accurately and in a manner that honors the intent of WWP’s donors.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of trust and estate administration.
• Proven experience managing a high-performing team of diverse professionals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven expertise in relationship management and collaboration. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse individuals and establish strong working relationships across WWP, as well as with the public, government officials, staff, and regulators.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and effectively handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to establish credibility, be decisive, influence others, and influence change.
• Ability to monitor workloads, analyze processes, and track key metrics effectively.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, and developing trust & estate professionals.
• Commitment to continuous learning to enhance knowledge in bequests and planned giving.
• Confident and engaging presenter. Ability to effectively communicate with large audiences, small groups, and individuals while serving as a representative of the organization.
• High energy level. Self-starter; willing to take initiative.
• Demonstrated understanding of Wounded Warrior Project and its mission, values, programs, and services, and the impact of these programs and services on wounded warriors and their families.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Unequivocal commitment to the highest standards of personal and business ethics and conduct.
• Mission-driven, guided by core values, and a pleasure to work with.
• Seven years of experience as a fiduciary in a trust department or trust officer for a financial institution.
• Three years of staff management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree.

Nice To Haves

• Three years of experience administering estate settlements (fiduciaries or trust officers).
• Three years of experience advising clients on planned giving arrangements.
• Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) Designation (fiduciaries or trust officers).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Bequests Team, which is responsible for handling bequests administration matters for the organization and consists of trust & estate professionals.
• Manage bequest-related legal and financial notices, correspondence, and litigation with the advice of WWP Assistant General Counsel for litigation and legal matters as appropriate.
• Coordinate and collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Accounting, Finance, outside counsel, financial advisors, and fiduciaries as needed.
• Oversee and manage the maintenance of bequest case files and correspondence records.
• Ensure all necessary information, materials, reports, and other documents are complete and accurate, and that bequest records are properly collected and maintained.
• Draft, review, and revise correspondence and other documents related to bequest files.
• Perform research on bequest and planned-giving topics in collaboration with internal teams.
• Prepare and present bequest training and education topics related to continuing education and development of Bequests Team members.
• Analyze complex bequest-related issues and provide guidance on strategy for bequests-related matters.
• Review financial documents and claim forms for beneficiary designations, and coordinate with Finance/Accounting and financial institutions to facilitate liquidations and distributions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external audit examiners to share supporting documentation with examiners.
• Identify and create substantive reporting to share key metrics and data points with partners in the legal department, Resource Development and Finance/Accounting.
• Actively participate in the annual budgeting process as it relates to bequests-related expenses for the team and contribute to broader discussions regarding bequest revenue projections.
• In coordination with Assistant General Counsel, attend mediations and court hearings (virtual or in-person) as necessary to protect WWP’s beneficial interests. Work with Assistant General Counsel as needed to ensure legal strategy is aligned.
• Attend and actively participate in required training and/or meetings, including but not limited to New Teammate Orientation, WWP Cares, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, Leadership training, culture/team based training, or departmental huddles.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A flexible hybrid work schedule (three days in the office, two days’ work from home)
• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for both teammates AND family members
• Competitive pay and performance incentives
• A fun, mission-focused, and collaborative team environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior