Vice President & Estate Manager

The National Bank of Indianapolis•Indianapolis, IN

20d

About The Position

The Vice President & Estate Manager leads the Personal Estates department and administers sophisticated probate and non-probate estates, including complex accounts where the Bank serves as trustee, personal representative, or agent for a fiduciary. The role uses sound judgment and precision to protect client interests, support beneficiaries and advisors, and uphold the Bank’s fiduciary service standards in a highly regulated environment. The position oversees estate settlement activities, including asset collection, inventories and accountings, payment of bills and administration expenses, and final distributions. It researches legal and tax issues and coordinates with advisors, counsel, agencies, portfolio managers, and other stakeholders. The role also prepares and reviews estate documentation, monitors estate assets and obligations, communicates with beneficiaries and other parties, and develops relationships that support business development. As department leader, the Vice President & Estate Manager coaches and oversees staff, manages the department’s annual budget, and participates in projects, committees, and cross-functional initiatives related to estate administration, fiduciary matters, and wealth management. Success requires ownership of complex matters, disciplined file and deadline management, careful documentation, professional communication, discretion, and a commitment to high-quality client service.

Requirements

Experience in estate administration, trust services, fiduciary services, or a related field.
Ability to guide a team, set expectations, and maintain accountability.
Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical client service.
Ability to participate in client and business development activities, including occasional events outside normal business hours.
Ability to manage multiple active files, deadlines, and moving parts while maintaining focus.
Ability to communicate thoughtfully and professionally with clients, beneficiaries, attorneys, and internal partners.
Ability to make sound decisions within established fiduciary and legal guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Experience handling complex estates, legal documentation, and tax-related coordination.
Leadership or people-management experience.

Responsibilities

Administer probate and non-probate estates, including complex accounts where the Bank serves as trustee, personal representative, or agent for the fiduciary.
Oversee estate settlement activities, including collecting assets, preparing inventories and accountings, coordinating payment of bills and administration expenses, and supporting final distributions.
Research legal and tax issues and coordinate with tax advisors, legal counsel, agencies, portfolio managers, and other stakeholders.
Prepare and review estate-related documentation, including settlement materials, fiduciary records, and required legal documents.
Monitor estate assets and related obligations, including valuations, taxes, insurance, utilities, and coordination of sales of real estate or business interests.
Communicate regularly with beneficiaries, attorneys, and internal colleagues to support efficient administration and quality service.
Build and maintain relationships with prospective clients and centers of influence to support business development.
Lead and manage Personal Estates department staff through coaching, direction, and performance oversight.
Develop and manage the department’s annual budget.
Participate in special projects, committees, and cross-functional initiatives related to estate administration, fiduciary matters, and wealth management services.