Real Estate Trust Officer

Location:

66 South Pearl Street, Albany New York

Job Summary
The Key Private Bank Trust Officer is responsible for delivering expert trust administration and fiduciary counsel to high-net-worth clients and their beneficiaries. This role is integral to the relationship management team, providing strategic insights and solutions to help clients protect, grow, and transition their wealth. The Trust Officer manages complex trust and agency accounts, ensures compliance with fiduciary standards, and contributes to client retention and revenue growth through proactive relationship management and business development.

Essential Functions

• Maintain advanced knowledge of fiduciary, investment, tax, and estate planning issues.
• Design and implement sophisticated fiduciary strategies for clients with complex financial needs.
• Advise internal partners on fiduciary matters and ensure the bank’s fiduciary responsibilities are fulfilled.
• Administer complex fiduciary and agency accounts in accordance with legal documents and internal policies.
• Interpret legal instruments to determine the bank’s responsibilities.
• Identify and resolve trust and estate tax-related issues using sound fiduciary judgment.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers and Investment Specialists to retain and expand client relationships.
• Review estate planning documents and provide strategic recommendations.
• Anticipate client needs and provide proactive financial guidance aligned with their evolving goals.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies, regulatory standards, and legal requirements.
• Mitigate risk across assigned accounts and maintain accountability for delegated tasks.
• Meet or exceed individual and team sales goals.
• Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships and generate new revenue.
• Participate in client meetings and presentations as a fiduciary subject matter expert.
• Represent the bank in professional associations to build credibility and expand referral networks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, attorneys, accountants, and other key influencers.
• Promote a collaborative, professional team environment and support business objectives.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives to enhance the bank’s reputation.
• Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice
• Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance or Accounting (preferred)

• OR equivalent experience (required)

Work Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in personal trust administration or a related fiduciary role. (required)
• Experience working with high-net-worth clients and complex estate planning strategies (preferred)

Licenses and Certifications

• Progress toward or completion of Cannon Trust Schools I, II, and III or equivalent industry training (required)
• Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) (preferred)

Skills

• The ability to uphold legal and ethical responsibilities in managing client assets, ensuring all actions align with fiduciary standards and regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in structuring wills, trusts, and other legal instruments to help clients manage and transfer wealth efficiently and according to their wishes.
• Managing the daily operations of trust and agency accounts, including interpreting legal documents, distributing assets, and maintaining accurate records.
• Understanding and applying tax regulations to minimize liabilities and proactively identifying and mitigating risks associated with fiduciary responsibilities.
• Knowledge of financial markets and investment vehicles to support client goals and ensure trust assets are managed prudently.
• The ability to interpret financial data and reports to make informed decisions and provide strategic advice to clients and internal teams.
• Building and maintaining long-term, trust-based relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty through consistent, high-quality service.
• Providing personalized financial and estate planning guidance to clients, helping them navigate complex wealth management decisions.
• Effectively conveying information, both verbally and in writing, to clients, colleagues, and external partners with clarity and professionalism.
• Staying informed about current laws, regulations, and industry standards that impact trust and estate administration.
• Identifying opportunities to expand client relationships and generate new business through strategic outreach and consultative selling.
• Overseeing client portfolios, ensuring service delivery meets expectations, and coordinating with internal teams to address client needs.
• Using specialized software to manage trust accounts, track transactions, and generate reports with accuracy and efficiency.
• Enhancing operational workflows to increase efficiency and reduce exposure to legal, financial, or reputational risks.

Core Competencies

• All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and abide by Key’s Code of Conduct.

Physical Demands

• General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.

Driving Requirements

• Ability to occasionally operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license.

Work Location Category

• Hybrid (3+ days)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $71,000.00 - $125,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.

Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.

Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.

Job Posting Expiration Date: 12/27/2026

KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing [email protected].

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