Job Description

Senior Trust Officer

The Senior Trust Officer fulfills fiduciary responsibilities of KeyBank by providing expert trust and estate administration and advisory services to high-net-worth clients and their beneficiaries. The Senior Trust Officer works across Key Private Bank (KPB), collaborates effectively and provides insights and solutions to attract, retain and grow clients who require complex strategies to protect, grow and transition personal and family wealth. Actively manages trust and estate settlement accounts, in accordance with established policies and procedures, to a high professional standard entrusted with the responsibility of delivering the KPB fiduciary mandate to ensure consistent advisory delivery, while managing fiduciary risk. Retains and deepens profitable client relationships within assigned revenue base. Actively produces new revenue as a team member to the field to meet production goals. The role may have leadership responsibility for a team of Officers, Analysts and/or Associates/Assistants.

Essential Functions

• Administers complex trust accounts, and trust and estate settlements with a proactive, disciplined, consistent and comprehensive approach.
• Maintains expertise in fiduciary, investment, tax, and other related wealth issues and employs sound fiduciary judgement.
• Proactively analyzes and interprets legal instruments including identification of power holders and dispositive provisions, and account activities to determine duties and responsibilities of Bank as Trustee.
• Completes discretionary distribution analysis and documentation of decision making.
• Makes proactive client outreach and/or participates in pre/post call activities as a SME for assigned trust and estate accounts.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with other team members/partners to ensure high quality and timely administration of assigned accounts.
• Retains and deepens the relationship with a client and/or outside counsel, including the next generation, and identifies new opportunities to expand/right channel the relationship (e.g., Future Fees, Referrals).
• Leads by example and demonstrates client focus and teamwork towards both clients and KeyBank employees. Provides back-up to other team members.
• Mitigates risk by servicing accounts in compliance with KeyBank policies and procedures, as well as with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Serves as mentor by disseminating information and coordinating team activities such as training programs, process training, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice
• Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key's clients and Key.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field (preferred)
• Law Degree (J.D.) or other advanced degree (preferred)
• OR equivalent experience (required)

Work Experience

• A minimum of 7 years of trust administration or fiduciary advisory services or probate and estate settlement or equivalent work experience (required)

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) (preferred)
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) (preferred)
• Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) (preferred)
• Licensed Attorney/JD (varies by state) (preferred)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (preferred)

Skills

• Oversight and execution of trust agreements, ensuring compliance with legal and fiduciary obligations while managing assets and distributions.
• Deep understanding of taxation for grantor, simple, and complex trusts, including final-year tax items and non-charitable gift planning.
• Expertise in the valuation and taxation of assets held in trust, including estate inclusion rules and deductions.
• Knowledge of GST tax rules, including distinctions between direct skips, taxable terminations, and taxable distributions.
• Ability to apply UPIA standards to allocate trust income and principal, including analysis of total return distributions.
• Capability to provide strategic advice tailored to individual client needs regarding asset protection, legacy planning, and tax efficiency.
• Accurate recording and reporting of trust transactions in accordance with fiduciary standards and regulatory requirements.
• Application of federal and state tax regulations to trusts, estates, and client financial strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and communicate effectively with affluent clients, understanding their complex financial needs.
• Providing personalized guidance on investment strategies, estate structures, and long-term financial planning.
• Strong interpersonal skills in problem-solving, responsiveness, and clear communication with clients and stakeholders.
• Leading and mentoring teams to deliver high-quality fiduciary services while fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple client relationships, deadlines, and regulatory requirements with precision and efficiency.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office applications and web-based portals for trust administration, reporting, and client communication.

Core Competencies

• All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key's Values and abide by Key's Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

• General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Work Location Category

• Hybrid (3+ days)

Compensation and Benefits

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $80,000.00 - $150,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.

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