Senior Relationship Advisor

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Sr Relationship Advisor 

The Sr Relationship Advisor is a senior client-facing professional responsible for managing sophisticated wealth management relationships and serving as a trusted advisor to clients and their families. The role has primary responsibility for developing a deep understanding of each client’s goals, circumstances, and governing documents and coordinating the resources of Northern Trust to deliver integrated, advice-driven solutions. 

The Senior Relationship Advisor assumes responsibility for overall client satisfaction, partnering closely with investment, banking, wealth planning, fiduciary, and other specialists to provide exceptional service, resolve issues, anticipate client needs, and deepen relationships. The position also plays an important role in developing new business, cultivating centers of influence, and mentoring less experienced colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of sophisticated wealth management relationships, developing a comprehensive understanding of clients’ financial circumstances, family dynamics, goals, and priorities.
• Serve as a primary point of contact and trusted advisor, coordinating the broader client service team and Northern Trust resources.
• Deliver proactive, responsive service with sound judgment, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Build strong relationships with clients’ attorneys, accountants, family office professionals, and other external advisors.
• Translate complex financial, fiduciary, tax, investment, and planning concepts into clear, understandable client conversations.

• Lead holistic, goals-based wealth management conversations.
• Maintain strong knowledge of wealth planning, estate and financial planning, investments, banking, capital markets, and fiduciary matters.

• Understand governing documents, account agreements, fiduciary responsibilities, and applicable trust and tax considerations.
• Apply established fiduciary standards, policies, and processes in overseeing client relationships.
• Recognize potential fiduciary and relationship risks and engage appropriate internal resources to resolve issues.

• Identify opportunities to deepen existing relationships and introduce Northern Trust capabilities.
• Develop new business through relationships with prospects, referral sources, professional advisors, and centers of influence.
• Represent Northern Trust in appropriate professional and community organizations and help showcase the firm's expertise and thought leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• 10+ years of experience in wealth management, relationship management, personal trust, estate administration, estate planning, investment management, or related disciplines.

• Experience in working with ultra-high net worth (UHNW) clients is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of fiduciary principles, financial products, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Working technical knowledge across investments, tax, legal, fiduciary, and operational matters.
• Demonstrated ability to develop trusted client relationships, solve complex problems, exercise sound judgment, and communicate sophisticated concepts clearly.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organization, negotiation, and business-development skills.
• Professional credentials such as CFP, CTFA, JD, CPWA, CPA, MBA, or similar designations are highly valued.

Salary Range:

$189,290 - 331,200 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [email protected], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.