SVP, Chief Fiduciary Officer

Job Description Summary

Chief Fiduciary Officer (CFO–Fiduciary) is the senior‑level officer responsible for the design, governance, and execution of all fiduciary activities across the trust company. The role ensures the organization consistently fulfills its fiduciary duties in accordance with applicable law, regulatory expectations, and the highest standards of prudence, loyalty, and care. As a member of the leadership team, the CFO partners closely with the CEO, senior compliance, investment officers, administration, operations, and other business‑line leaders to align fiduciary oversight with strategic growth while safeguarding the firm’s reputation and mitigating risk.

The CFO also manages and administers a book of business and supports new business development as needed.

• Review governing documents and assess fiduciary risk in the pre‑acceptance process.
• Examine trust agreements for interpretation issues or conflicts and advise trust officers promptly.
• Present findings to the Discretionary Committee, Trust Administration, and Management Committee.
• Maintain consistent application of fiduciary standards across all trusts, estates, guardian ships, and agency relationships.
• Act as final escalation point for complex fiduciary matters and discretionary decisions.

• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and Risk to ensure adherence to fiduciary laws (Prudent Investor Rule, Uniform Trust Code, ERISA).
• Oversee the fiduciary risk‑management framework, including account reviews, exception tracking, and mitigation strategies.
• Participate in regulatory exam readiness and responses (OCC, state banking regulators, internal audit).
• Monitor and mitigate litigation, reputational, and operational risks associated with fiduciary activities in conjunction with the Compliance team.

• Develop, implement, and maintain fiduciary policies, procedures, and best practices across the enterprise.
• Ensure scalability and consistency as the firm grows in complexity and geography.
• Drive modernization of fiduciary processes, including integration of technology and data governance.

• Administer and oversee high‑complexity trusts (Irrevocable, Dynasty, Charitable, SLATs, Private).
• Maintain deep expertise in fiduciary income tax, estate & gift tax considerations and stay updated on industry trends.
• Ensure appropriate discretionary distribution practices aligned with governing instruments and client intent.
• Oversee acceptance and onboarding standards for new fiduciary relationships.
• Manage unique assets (closely held businesses, real estate, concentrated positions).
• Serve as main client contact, navigating sensitive family dynamics with discretion and authority.
• Partner with external advisors on complex tax and estate planning issues.
• Promote Wintrust services and present to prospective clients, supporting business development in high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth situations.

• Act as a strategic advisor on fiduciary implications of new products, services, and markets.
• Support business development efforts with fiduciary expertise.
• Ensure alignment between fiduciary duty and portfolio management practices.

• Identify and lead initiatives to improve consistency in account coding, processing, documentation, and reporting.
• Collaborate with technology colleagues to develop and enhance administrative and reporting systems for efficiency.

• Build and lead a high‑performing fiduciary organization, including senior trust officers and specialists.
• Establish training programs to elevate fiduciary acumen across the firm.
• Promote a culture of fiduciary excellence, accountability, and client‑first decision making.
• Raise the profile of Wintrust Wealth Management through community involvement.
• Provide mentorship within WPT and participate in broader Wintrust mentorship programs.

• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree (PhD or J.D.).
• CTFA and/or CFP preferred or equivalent experience.

The estimated salary range for this role is $117,000 – $158,000, along with eligibility to earn an annual bonus and incentive compensation.

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) plan with generous company match.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Wintrust Financial Corporation, including community banking and financial services subsidiaries, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected categories.