Relationship Associate III

Washington Trust brings more than 120 years of investment management, estate settlement and trust administrative expertise to individuals, families, companies and organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have more than $8 billion in combined assets under management between our fiduciary and brokerage platforms, with growth in managed fiduciary assets of 8% year over year. We are sought out by our clients and their professional advisors for stability, expertise and unparalleled client service levels.

As a member of the Wealth Management & Advisory Services (WM&AS) team, the Relationship Associate provides paraprofessional, paralegal and administrative support to client relationships as directed by the assigned Relationship Manager or Managers ("RM") or other WMAS team members within Wealth Management & Advisory Services ("WM&AS"). Responsible for client service, complex administrative requirements to ensure the highest level of customer service and accuracy to established controls and procedures. Directly supports RM in all responsibilities including the development of new business.

Candidates with significant Estate Settlement and Trust Administration experience are strongly preferred and encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions:

Administrative

• Proactively provides paraprofessional support to RM, serving as front line for most client service requests and tasks. Works under direction of RM, including assuming portions of administrative workload.
• Provides paralegal type support under RM supervision for all assets under WTB management, including but not limited to, assets owned by trusts and estates.
• Manages, prioritizes and tracks communications to all client requests and inquiries.
• Tracks appropriate date specific requirements for client service, including birthday/Holiday Correspondence/Flowers for various occasions as well as family life achievement/benchmarks.
• Takes proactive approach to identifying possible problems and inefficiencies in account administration and workflow and initiate solutions as appropriate.
• Participates in audit and risk management procedure requirements; supports completion of Annual Administrative Reviews for RM's.

Account Management

• Provides client and administrative support for specific accounts assigned to the RM. Acts as the direct contact for most clients involving the RM as appropriate to ensure continuity of service.
• Works within processes established in assisting the management of the relationship portfolio; coordinates daily workflow to ensure that all administrative requirements are timely complete, and in compliance with all requirements.
• Manages documentation retention through electronic file system to ensure the required and current information is up-to-date and as required by WM&AS policy.
• Monitors all opening and closing processes with WMAS Resources to ensure process is completed consistent with legal requirements and WM&AS policy.
• Provides oversight to all non-security assets as appropriate and assigned by RM: site visits, maintenance issues, rent and tax payments, appraisals, monitor lease agreements for real estate.
• Supports administration of client budgeting and other recordkeeping.
• Coordinates preparation of appropriate documents as assigned by Relationship Manager.
• Monitors daily cash balances for accuracy. Process cash updating through appropriate channels as required.
• Supports collection and/or generation of tax-related documentation.
• Researches and resolves routine operational issues related to simple- to moderately-complex accounts or across varying degrees of technical complexity; leveraging resources as appropriate (online, in office and using staff resources).
• May monitor scholarship funds for assigned accounts, complete court accountings accurately and in a timely manner, administrate end-of-year gifting and charitable distributions.

Client Service

• May travel on client business and training opportunities as appropriate.
• Maintains quality service for all clients and assist in monitoring fee reporting, collection and other profitability.
• Attends joint client meetings and phone conferences with RMs with current and/or prospective clients to increase relationship management.
• Cultivates relationships with clients, anticipate needs, solve problems in a timely and accurate manner, and handle urgent and confidential matters to ensure continued goodwill.
• Serves as a trusted service manager by answering client questions promptly and effectively, suggesting expert solutions where appropriate; requests feedback and assistance from Relationship Manager as needed for solving unique or difficult problems.
• Assists clients with questions related to WM&AS online and source appropriate assistance within team with little or no client disruption.
• Provide referral support to bank services and follow-through for client requirements.
• Dependably support RM with prompt, timely and accurate information as needed to support client relationships, as well as the overall goals of the department and bank.

Related duties

• Assists other Relationship Associates as needed to promote team environment and ensure appropriate work levels are maintained.
• Performs other duties or special projects as assigned.
• Perform compliance and risk management duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• College-level course work, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business or Wealth Management specific training.
• At least 3 years of experience within a Relationship Associate role or equivalent, including relevant Wealth Management, financial services, or paralegal experience, preferred.
• Above-average knowledge of investment, trust administration, bank products and services.
• Ability to multi task and manage interruptions.
• Experience with complex desktop entry and analysis with demonstrated competence in computer and technical skills.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and handle multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of service to both internal and external clients.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with and work effectively with diverse team.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills supporting high quality and accurate output.
• High degree of PC based technical skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Suite of products.

Compensation:

Relationship Associate III - $82,893 to $124,340 per year

The compensation range represents the low and high end of the base compensation range for this position located in Seattle, Washington. Actual compensation will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. This position is eligible to participate in an applicable annual bonus plan.

What Our Culture Can Offer You

Our benefit philosophy is to provide you with a comprehensive package to secure your overall wellness and help you become and remain a fulfilled and productive employee. Our benefits include Health, Financial, Retirement and Work/Life Benefits. We are proud to share an overview of our benefits HERE as part of your total compensation.

Washington Trust Bank celebrates diversity in the workplace and actively recruits talent to help reflect the unique communities where we live and work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information and any other protected characteristics outlined by state, federal and local laws. We believe strength comes from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our team, and we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.