Summary: The Trust Administrator is responsible for representing First Foundation Bank in its fiduciary capacity as Trustee, Executor, or Agent under various forms of agreement. Has responsibility for the overall administration of assigned accounts, comprising generally of a varied mix of a complex nature. May supervise one or more trust associates.

Salary Range: The salary range budgeted for this role is $110,000 to $150,000 and represents the Company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate may vary outside of this range depending on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience, and location. 

The Company also offers a full range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401K match. Other rewards may include annual performance-based bonuses and wellness days. 

Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a First Foundation Inc. position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an Employment Visa.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understands and complies with requirements of all laws and regulations applicable to the position
• Administers assigned accounts, which may include but are not limited to, revocable and irrevocable trust accounts, agency accounts, IRAs, custody, and escrow accounts, per the terms specified in the trust instrument or agreement.
• Resolves problems with assigned accounts as well as assisting others in account administration.
• Ensures assigned accounts comply with bank audit and security standards, policies, and procedures.
• Manages personal trust accounts of special significance according to instructions of principals, donors, and descendants by fulfilling requests for distributions, answering questions, providing tax information, setting investment objectives, and acting as probate administrator.
• Maintains contact with customers to discuss and advise on problems, explain terms and specifications of the will and/or trust, and arrange for payments acceptable under the terms of the trust.
• Sets up estates, trusts, agency accounts, and guardianships as assigned.
• Provides recommendations to the appropriate trust committee on a course of action for non-routine matters.
• Participates in the development of new business from existing or prospective customers and cross-selling opportunities within the firm.
• Work with the Trust Real Estate Team on real estate and specialty assets held in assigned trust accounts.
• Monitor daily account activities to ensure proper entries for each client’s assets and the Bank’s control over these assets.
• Performs data entry of approved account transactions including recurring/non-recurring bill payments and discretionary distributions to ensure dual control of account activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: May lead one or more employees performing similar work.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of training and experience, including CTFA Certification
• A minimum of 5 to 7 years experience in a trust function. 
• Complete knowledge of estates, trusts, agency accounts, and guardianships including legal, financial, and tax issues.

Skills:

Analytical and research skills, as well as computer skills, are preferred.

Compose letters/memoranda. Coordinate meetings. Negotiation skills. Presentation skills. Written and verbal communication. Use of personal computer.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 

First Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.