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 administrative support to client relationships in coordination with partner Relationship Managers (RMs). Responsible for white-glove client service and complex administrative requirements, Relationship Associates 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. Works with other team members within WM&AS to ensure efficiency, accuracy and satisfaction to client base with other complex tasks as assigned in a fast-paced environment.

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

Location: 760 SW Ninth Avenue, Portland, OR 97205, USA

Essential Functions:

Administrative

• Proactively provides paraprofessional support to RM, serving as front line for most client service requests and tasks. Works functionally under direction of RM, including assuming portions of administrative workload.
• 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 consistent processes established in assisting the management of the relationship portfolio; coordinates daily workflow to ensure that all administrative requirements are complete, timely and in compliance to 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 closing processes with applicable WM&AS teams and areas to ensure process is completed consistent with legal requirements and WM&AS policy.
• Provides oversight to real estate assets as appropriate and assigned by RM: site visits, maintenance issues, rent and tax payments, appraisals, monitor lease agreements. May complete real estate reviews meeting compliance and WM&AS policy requirements.
• Supports administration of client budgeting and other recordkeeping.
• Coordinates preparation of appropriate documents as assigned by Relationship Manager, which may include deeds, notes, assignments, trust documents or any other specialized documents as needed.
• Monitors daily cash balances for accuracy. Process cash updating through appropriate channels as required.
• Supports collection and/or generation of tax-related documentation; understanding and knowledge of tax codes, process and accounting system where appropriate.
• 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 and farm accountings accurately and in a timely manner, administrate end-of-year gifting and charitable distributions.
• Coordinate with other departments and lines of business to ensure effective collaboration for project and task completion

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; request feedback and assistance from Relationship Manager as needed for solving unique or difficult problems.
• Communicates effectively at many levels for the benefit of client.
• 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.
• Delegates where appropriate to other applicable areas and teams of WM&AS.
• 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 the Relationship Associate role or equivalent in Wealth Management Industry work related 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.

Pay Range:

Relationship Associate III - $66,564- $99,847

The compensation range represents the low and high end of the base compensation range for this position located in Spokane, 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.