Director, Estate Administration

DEPARTMENT:  GIFT SERVICES

TITLE:  DIRECTOR, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION

STATUS:  EXEMPT - Full time

 

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Responsible for the oversight of all trust, estate and probate administration matters, including files handled by outside vendors. Develop, administer and interpret policies and procedures related to trust, estate and probate administration matters. Provide training and assistance to staff and field personnel on issues pertaining to trust and estate administration. Responsible for the oversight and management of trusts and estates for which the Army serves as executor/successor trustee and has fiduciary responsibility.

Plan, assign and review the work of subordinate supervisory and administrative staff. Assist Executive Director in the handling of management details and performing highly specialized and technical activities pertaining to trust, estate and probate administration.

Responsible for the proper performance of assigned supervisory and technical activities and independent work decisions.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Degree from an accredited college or university preferably in Public Administration, Law, Business Administration, Finance or related field
• Juris Doctor Degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years experience in a supervisory position, with emphasis on training, policy and procedure development and implementation
• Minimum 5 years experience in estate planning, trust or estate administration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to manage staff
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong public presentation skills
• Customer service experience and mindset
• Understanding of trust, estate and probate administration
• Understanding of various investment vehicles
• Understanding of accounting methods and procedures
• Understanding of Revised Uniform Principal and Income Act as it pertains to investment of trust assets
• Ability to direct the handling of non-cash assets, such as real property, promissory notes, mineral interests, business interests and complex transactions
• Ability to simplify complex issues to increase effectiveness of communication
• Ability to develop internal controls and performance measurements
• Ability to develop effective office procedures and training programs
• Ability to prepare operating and statistical reporting
• Knowledge of business practices and procedures
• Ability to maintain good public relations with subordinates, supervisors, professional advisors, vendors and field staff
• Excellent research skills
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and manage multiple projects
• General knowledge of business protocols

SOFTWARE RELATED SKILLS:

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Power Point is desirable. Ability and willingness to learn new software programs and databases.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the first point of escalation on complex issues and/or litigation matters.
• Oversee the timely handling of all assets including real property.
• Fiduciary responsibility for the management of trusts and estates for which The Salvation Army serves as successor trustee and executor.
• Develop policies and procedures pertaining to trust, estate and probate administration.
• Oversee vendor activities.
• Oversee the collection and liquidation of Pay on Death (POD) accounts.
• Ensure the accuracy of distribution items and lead the weekly Pre-GSC meeting.
• Work in collaboration with department attorney handling litigation matters.
• Provide oversight for proactive file management to ensure that targets are met.
• Perform reviews to ensure that all trusts and estates are properly administered in accordance with trust agreements and in compliance with fiduciary policies and procedures.
• Conduct audit of estate and trust files, identify and resolve issues.
• Improve efficiency in the handling of trust, estate and probate matters.
• Review and identify appropriate investment objectives and strategies for trust account portfolios.
• Develop and implement training programs on trust, estate and probate administration.
• Provide on-site training to field staff and THQ staff on trust, estate and probate administration.
• Responsible for data integrity. • Develop proce