Senior Relationship Advisor

Northern Trust•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior Relationship Advisor manages complex fiduciary and wealth management client relationships and delivers high-quality fiduciary services for sophisticated clients. As a senior member of the service team, the role is primarily responsible for overall client satisfaction, collaborating with partners and using Northern Trust resources to deliver fiduciary services on time, resolve issues effectively, and communicate client needs clearly. The advisor coordinates with clients’ professional advisors to identify and implement advisory solutions, manages complex fiduciary relationships with sound judgment, and considers fiduciary duties, client objectives, and internal procedures. The role also supports other Relationship Advisors on fiduciary matters, including serving as a Fiduciary Specialist for accounts not directly assigned. It includes mentoring less experienced partners, acting as a subject matter expert on complex fiduciary relationships, and being eligible to serve as Lead Relationship Manager for all relationship types.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of fiduciary and financial products and services, typically gained through significant related work experience managing complex client relationships.
Demonstrated experience with fiduciary accounts, including technical knowledge of investments, tax, legal, and operational considerations, gained through formal education or professional experience.
Deep understanding of fiduciary standards, principles, and applicable laws and regulations, supported by training, seminars, or advanced education.
Strong skills in leadership, problem solving, negotiation, delegation, sales, and organizational effectiveness.
Ability to interpret internal and external business challenges and recommend best practices to improve products, processes, or services.
College or university degree and/or equivalent professional experience required.
Typically 12–15 years of experience as a relationship manager or attorney in trust administration, estate administration, estate planning, or related fields.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

JD or similar credential strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned account base of sophisticated wealth management clients, working with client service teams, clients, and professional advisors to understand client needs and goals while maintaining mastery of governing documents, fiduciary duties, and applicable laws.
Lead goals-driven wealth management and holistic-advice conversations, providing proactive guidance on Northern Trust products and services, emerging issues, and regulatory or tax changes, and explaining complex concepts in clear, client-friendly language.
Use knowledge of Northern Trust resources, fiduciary standards, and practices to identify opportunities to enhance relationships and deliver high-quality fiduciary service.
Maintain proactive and responsive client service through effective written and verbal communication, time management, diplomacy, and tact.
Recognize fiduciary risk issues and apply sound judgment in accordance with internal policies, processes, and procedures to support prudent risk management.
Cultivate relationships with referral sources and external professional advisors to build business, identify opportunities, and represent Northern Trust in community and professional organizations.
Travel as appropriate to meet client service, revenue, and new business development needs.
Teach and mentor less experienced partners, advise Relationship Advisors on fiduciary issues, and serve as a subject matter expert on complex fiduciary relationships.
Pursue ongoing development of fiduciary and advisory skills through training and experience, using sophisticated analytical thought to identify innovative solutions.
Be eligible to serve as Lead Relationship Manager for all relationship types.