Northern Trust

Senior Fiduciary Officer

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About Northern Trust


As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.


Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.


With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.



Overview

The Senior Fiduciary Officer, serving as Senior Relationship Advisor, is responsible for the delivery of comprehensive fiduciary wealth management services to complex client relationships while also serving as a senior fiduciary leader for the region. This role combines primary relationship management responsibilities with regional fiduciary oversight, risk management, and advisory leadership, ensuring alignment with Northern Trust fiduciary standards, regulatory requirements, and strategic objectives.

What You’ll Do

Client & Relationship Management (Senior Relationship Advisor)

  • Manage an assigned account base of wealth management clients by working in partnership with client service teams, clients, and their professional advisors to develop a thorough understanding of client needs and goals.
  • Deliver responsive, proactive, and client‑focused service with appropriate frequency through written and verbal communication, exercising diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment.
  • Lead client conversations under the Goals Driven Wealth Management framework, providing proactive advice related to Northern Trust products and services, emerging planning considerations, and regulatory or tax changes.
  • Combine technical expertise with fact‑finding and analysis to develop advice‑driven, customized solutions that address client objectives.
  • Explain complex fiduciary, trust, tax, investment, and planning concepts clearly and effectively using non‑technical language.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of Northern Trust resources and partner as appropriate to identify opportunities to enhance and deepen client relationships.

Fiduciary Expertise & Risk Management

  • Demonstrate deep knowledge of governing documents, account agreements, fiduciary duties, and applicable laws, including trust and tax law, estate planning techniques, prudent investment principles, asset management, and financial planning.
  • Apply fiduciary judgment and Northern Trust fiduciary standards to administer accounts prudently while identifying, escalating, and resolving fiduciary and risk matters appropriately.
  • Adhere to internal policies, processes, and procedures to ensure effective risk management and compliance with regulatory and fiduciary requirements.
  • Pursue continued development of fiduciary and advisory expertise through training and experience.

Regional Fiduciary Leadership (Senior Fiduciary Officer)

  • Provide regional oversight of fiduciary, compliance, and risk matters, including ongoing monitoring, consultation, and resolution.
  • Serve as a resource to Relationship Advisors on day‑to‑day fiduciary, trust administration, risk management, and compliance matters, including aspects of Goals Driven Wealth Management implementation.
  • Engage trust counsel and Regional CFO and Advisory Practice Leader, as appropriate, on fiduciary and risk matters.
  • Support implementation of national initiatives and programs and provide fiduciary expertise in business development efforts.
  • Participate in hiring processes for Relationship Advisors and contribute input to performance, compensation, and development discussions, with a focus on fiduciary expertise and adherence to best practices.
  • Participate, as requested, on fiduciary oversight committees, including account acceptance and discretionary action committees.
  • Maintain a balanced, cross‑functional perspective across disciplines and regions to reduce risk and improve operational effectiveness.

Leadership & Business Development

  • Contribute to the development of fiduciary strategic plans, establishing goals and priorities aligned with business unit direction and ensuring execution of objectives.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to staff, fostering an environment that promotes collaboration, teamwork, communication, and employee development.
  • Cultivate relationships with referral sources and centers of influence to support new business development.
  • Represent Northern Trust in community and professional organizations, identifying opportunities to showcase fiduciary expertise and thought leadership.

What Will Make You Successful in the Role

  • Strong fiduciary judgment combined with advanced relationship management and advisory skills.
  • Ability to lead complex client conversations and regional fiduciary initiatives with credibility and influence.
  • Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills across client, advisor, and risk stakeholders.
  • High degree of professionalism, adaptability, and accountability in a regulated fiduciary environment.

Knowledge

  • Broad knowledge of fiduciary and financial products and services, typically acquired through substantial related experience, required to manage complex client relationships.
  • Technical knowledge of investments, tax, legal, and operational considerations, generally acquired through formal education or relevant experience.
  • Thorough understanding of fiduciary standards, principles, and applicable laws and regulations, developed through experience, training, seminars, or formal legal education.
  • Proven skills in negotiation, problem resolution, delegation, and leadership.
  • Strong organizational and leadership capabilities to establish priorities, allocate resources, and assess and develop staff.

Experience

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience as a lead relationship manager in trust administration, estate administration, estate planning, or related fiduciary disciplines.
  • Legal background or commensurate fiduciary experience strongly preferred.

Work Authorization


Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).


Working with Us


As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.


Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.


Reasonable Accommodation


Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com, or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.