Trust & Estate Administrator

Division:              Asset Management

Department:      Berkshire Wealth Management

Reports to:         SVP, Client Exp & Bus Admin, Asset Management

Status:                 Exempt

Grade:                  8

Location:             Hybrid - office - 60 State St, Boston, MA / Remote

Purpose/Objective:  

Provides a wide range of highly confidential support to Wealth Advisors and Trust Officers.  The Trust and Estate Administrator will assist in all aspects of trust administration and the opening, settlement and closing of estates and provide clients, prospects, and internal associates an efficient, and professional service experience. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide confidential support to all Wealth Advisors and Trust Officers to assist with matters serving individuals, trusts and estates. Review and analyze trusts, wills and relevant material relating to the administration of trust and estates. Coordinate the fiduciary accountings and related assent forms, prepare trust discretionary distributions, analyze trust documents to ensure appropriate actions are taken, ensure appropriate estate expenses are processed, outside assets accounted for and tax issues considered, coordinate estate settlement with attorneys and accountants, and meet all legal and ethical requirements of Trust and Estate administration. This includes, but is not limited to, preparing budgets, discretionary distributions, process incoming bills, new and closing account documents, composing correspondence and memos, creating spreadsheets and reports, preparation of presentations for client and prospect meetings, etc.
• Provide support by preparing and processing documentation, researching a broad range of issues, and facilitating accurate resolution of client requests in a timely manner. Assist Wealth Advisors and Trust Officers by answering phones, independently handling requests for information and documentation, scheduling appointments, and providing other administrative needs to ensure all aspects of meetings with prospects, clients, attorney and beneficiaries run smoothly and efficiently. Assist the Wealth Advisors and Trust Officers by preparing working files and completing various forms to ensure documentation is complete, compliant, and well organized.
• Assist with maintaining and retaining existing client relationships by providing exceptional client service. Develop relationships with beneficiaries, attorneys, COIs and prospects. Assist with all aspects of prospecting including the close of the business. Assist with planning client events.
• Ensures compliance with all banking laws, rules, regulations, and prescribed policies/practices/procedures necessary to reduce risk and uphold ethical standards related to and required by one’s duties.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Paralegal legal studies, CTFA or progress toward CTFA preferred

Experience:

• Relevant experience administering trust and estates, trust operations or paralegal experience
• Working knowledge of fiduciary concepts, trust administration and estate law
• Experience in demanding office setting with demonstrated ability to prioritize amongst multiple priorities
• Personally motivated to proactively support internal partners and external clients
• Client service experience
• Background in Investment Management, financial services, or legal field preferred

Skills & Knowledge:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel preferred
• Detail oriented, highly organized, and able to prioritize multiple tasks
• Outstanding verbal communication & interpersonal skills
• Strong written communication skills with ability to compose correspondence from minimal details
• Self-motivated and ability to work and solve problems independently
• General understanding of legal documents including trust and wills

Berkshire Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer - all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.