ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, WEALTH AND TRUST SERVICES

About Cresset

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized**—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s among the nation’s top multi-family offices,* Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived.

Job Description

Cresset is seeking an Associate Director, Wealth and Trust Services to join our Michigan trust operations with 3+ years of experience with client relationship management and trust administration or similar financial services experience. The Associate Director facilitates and manages information and operational aspects regarding trust relationships, working closely with internal team members, clients, and their individual advisors within the Cresset Trust Company platform. The ADTS provides comprehensive support to our high-net-worth clients by working closely with experienced Wealth Advisors. At times, the ADTS may serve as the primary Advisor for some relationships. A successful candidate will be entrepreneurial, able to operate both independently and collaboratively, and must be comfortable independently driving relationships and projects. This role is ideal for those who wish to further their client advisory skills under the guidance and mentorship of experienced Wealth Advisors, while also overseeing a subset of lower complexity clients.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationships

• Proactively support the Wealth Advisors (WA) in relational and strategic planning for clients and prospects by providing excellent client service, while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction.
• Possess strong wealth management and / or trust acumen, along with an understanding of Cresset’s investment philosophy and ongoing general market outlook, goals-based financial planning, risk management, alongside estate, tax and philanthropic planning considerations.
• Oversee the preparation of client meeting materials and attend client and / or prospect meetings.
• Manage the completion of deliverables with the client service team and/or various internal and external parties as needed.
• Help build and maintain long term relationships with clients, prospects, third party service providers, and centers of influence.

Trust Relationships

• Proactively identify planning needs
• Supports high touch relationships through monitoring project timelines and communicating with team members
• Monitors and follows up on execution of transactions and completion of projects
• Coordinates financial information with clients, attorneys, CPAs, etc.
• Assists in maintaining client communications with trust officers in Michigan
• Compiles financial information and prepares presentations for meetings
• Monitors trust accounts to cover cash flow needs of trust and partners with advisors to cover cash needs

Financial Planning

• Lead the production and maintenance of net worth statements, financial plans, cash flow projections, and wealth forecasting models.
• Attend prospect and client meetings to gather information to create financial plans.
• Review and understand estate documents (entity structures, estate plan, wills, beneficiaries, trustees) and tax returns; collaborate with other internal teams (Wealth Planning, Wealth Strategy, Tax) and external providers as needed.
• Discuss core estate plan documents with clients, and their relevance to a client’s unique goals and circumstances.
• Remain current on wealth planning trends, legislative developments, and techniques; identify opportunities and partner with the Wealth Advisor to enhance client planning.

Operations

• Partners with the client service team to coordinate the onboarding of trusts
• Maintains a high level of compliance standards at all times
• Document client notes, investment changes, and activities in Salesforce.
• Provide oversight and development to Associate teammates as applicable.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelors in related degree
• 3+ years of experience in financial services, trust administration, or related industry
• Advanced certification, or willingness to successfully pursue one, preferred (ex: CTFA, CFP®, CPA)
• Willingness to learn and comply with SEC licensing requirements where applicable and other company required rules and regulations.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and demonstrate the highest level of client service, ethics, and integrity
• Initiative, problem solving ability, adaptability, and flexibility.
• Effective speaking and presentation ability.
• Excellent writing proficiency and communication skills.
• Strong numerical aptitude.
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance.
• Coachable with the ability to work in a team environment and independently when necessary.
• Learning and development mindset and drive for continuous improvement.
• Personal commitment to continuing education for professional development and growth.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite; knowledge of eMoney, Salesforce, Addepar, and custodial platforms is a plus.

What We Offer:

At Cresset, we focus on people first. As a service business, our people are our assets. Engaging our clients and employees is our highest priority. Starting base salary is $110,000 - $140,000. Salary will be based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, licenses/certifications, industry knowledge, and geographic location. Cresset offers a competitive compensation package including an annual incentive and a benefits package to all full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, health savings accounts, short and long-term disability insurance, voluntary critical and accident insurance, and pre-tax parking and transportation programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is the policy of Cresset to ensure equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, or related conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, uniformed servicemember status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a parent, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is Cresset’s policy to comply with applicable laws concerning the employment of persons with disabilities, including reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Everything Starts With Culture.

Our Vision

We exist to optimize wealth and elevate life—giving clients the time, clarity, and trusted partnership to pursue what matters most.

Our Values