Trust and Estates Associate

(Chicago-Hybrid) The purpose of the Philanthropy Associate, Trust and Estates is to administer probate and trust related matters to generate timely estate distributions and according to The Fellowships standard operation procedures. This position will oversee the life-income gifts program and the Gift Planning Department monthly reporting. The Philanthropy Associate reports to the Director of Gift Planning and will foster cross-department partnerships with colleagues in Transformational Giving, Leadership Giving, Finance and Analytics. This position is based in our headquarters located in downtown Chicago. 

We are seeking an individual with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. Legal experience with experience in wills, estates, and trusts is required. Specifically legal secretary experience is preferred. Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with planned gifts vehicles including wills, trusts, charitable gift annuities, estate and trust administration is preferred. 

Essential Job Responsibilities Include:

Documentation Management:

• Monitor the flow of legal documents related to post-mortem gifts and determine the proper sequence and prioritization of next actions.
• Execute next actions in a timely manner, or determine which matters require legal intervention and make appropriate recommendations to colleagues.
• Ensure IFCJ receives all legal paperwork required in post-mortem administration in a timely manner as may be required under respective state and local laws.
• Monitor and handle all matters relating to split-interest gifts and perpetual trusts, including drafting contracts. Review account statements received on bequests, perpetual trusts and split interest trusts.

Partnership Management:

• Coordinate with attorneys, executors, brokers, and trust officers to ensure IFCJ receives correct estate distributions as quickly as possible.

Reporting:

• Prepare annual financial reports for Fellowship endowment and quasi-endowment gifts.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports of all gift planning activities including trusts and estate maturities, marketing inquiries, pledges and Cornerstone of Zion Society membership.

Standard Operating Procedures and Administration: 

• Maintain inventory of Gift Planning Standard Operating Procedures, oversee back-office administrations, actively participate in team meetings.

Technical Skills & Abilities:

• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, Teams, Power BI.)
• Proficiency in non-profit Client Relationship Manager software.
• Proficient in engaging an array of online federal, state and local governmental databases to research court filings and property records.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to express self effectively and concisely.
• Ability to simultaneously prioritize and manage multiple projects with strict deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal direction.
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
• Knowledge of estate and gift planning vehicles, probate and trust administration processes and command of related legal terminology

The Fellowship is an organization of bridge builders whose vision is that Jews and Christians will reverse their 2,000-year history of discord and replace it with a relationship marked by dialogue, understanding, respect and cooperation. Together we are able to help more than a million Jews in need each year.  Our success is built on a culture that celebrates the differences in who we are, what we have experienced, and how we think. 

Experience all The Fellowship has to offer and make an impact in a global nonprofit.  We offer medical, vision and dental, retirement saving, paid time off and many other benefits. We are located on Wacker Drive, across from the Chicago Riverwalk. Please submit your resume and salary requirements.   

Key words: Probate, Estates, Reporting  

We are an equal opportunity employer (EOE).