The posting
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.
Job Profile Summary:
The Senior Investment Director - Family Office Solutions helps UHNW clients navigate complex family wealth needs through sophisticated investment guidance, customized portfolio advice, and coordinated implementation. Work is characterized by a high degree of complexity and sophistication and is delivered in a manner consistent with Northern Trust’s investment philosophy and service standards. As a key contributor to client engagement and growth, this role helps deepen relationships, generate new business and relationship expansion opportunities, advance the One Northern Trust strategy, and support broader organizational growth objectives. The role also contributes to a high-performing team culture by sharing expertise, mentoring junior colleagues, modeling our core values, and demonstrating an outward mindset that promotes collaboration, accountability, and partnership in alignment with the One Northern Trust strategy. The Senior Investment Director is expected to advise across a broad range of Family Office Solutions capabilities and maintain required certification and continuing education standards to support sustained proficiency against role-specific skill and knowledge expectations.
Job Description:
- Advises and coordinates investment activity for clients served by the Family Office Solutions team, with a focus on complex family enterprises, multigenerational wealth, and integrated advisory needs.
- Maintains consultative relationships and provides advice on clients’ broader portfolio programs, including assets for which Northern Trust does not have investment discretion.
- Develops, recommends, and directs the execution of investment programs designed to achieve objectives for complex accounts and family relationships. Strategies are developed within Wealth Management’s investment philosophy and process and aligned with Northern Trust Investment Policy Committee guidance. May develop specialized managed account portfolios based on client needs and specifications.
- Uses available tools and resources to maintain a deep understanding of the investment universe, including alternative asset classes, and advises on the full spectrum of investment strategies.
- Manages accounts requiring complex decision making or special handling due to relationship size, asset complexity, sensitive client matters, and/or shared authority with outside attorneys, consultants, or other advisors.
- Engages appropriate internal partners to ensure the purpose and intent of any trust/agency agreement are aligned with the proposed strategy and that the level of investment authority granted to the trustee or agent is understood.
- Advises on overall investment strategy for trust/agency accounts and continuously reviews account objectives in the context of evolving client needs.
- Maintains extensive contact with personal trust advisors, wealth advisors, lead relationship managers, clients, co-trustees, consultants, and outside attorneys to ensure clear communication of trust/agency requirements and coordinated portfolio management.
- Collaborates effectively with partners to deliver Family Office Solutions capabilities and support integrated client outcomes.
- Contributes to growth and relationship expansion by identifying opportunities, supporting prospect engagement, and partnering with relationship teams to deliver integrated, enterprise wide solutions aligned with the One Northern Trust strategy.
- Leads and develops external client, advisor, and COI forums that bring Northern Trust’s investment insights and Family Office Solutions capabilities to HNW/UHNW audiences, with measurable outcomes tied to engagement and business growth.
- Demonstrates leadership by sharing investment expertise, mentoring junior colleagues, and fostering an outward mindset that promotes collaboration, accountability, and coordinated solutions across teams and disciplines.
- Models Northern Trust’s core values through integrity, service excellence, collaboration, accountability, and a client-first approach in all internal and external interactions.
- Maintains current awareness of new investment strategies and instruments through regular engagement with product and portfolio research teams and active participation in internal educational forums.
- Maintains strong connectivity with the National Investment Practice to communicate evolving client needs and remain informed of investment policy changes, enhancements, and strategic priorities.
Knowledge and Skills:
- 20+ years of direct investment management experience, with deep advisory experience serving UHNW clients and families across complex investments, planning, governance, and family enterprise needs.
- Advanced degree and/or relevant professional designation preferred, such as MBA, CFA, CFP, CPWA, CAIA, or similar credentials.
- Deep knowledge of investment and portfolio management theory, accounting and financial principles, investment strategies and instruments, and marketplace dynamics, developed through formal education and extensive direct experience.
- Strong understanding of investment terminology, trust investment laws and regulations, taxation considerations, as well as investment policies, procedures, and strategies required to operate effectively within the framework of trust documents.
- Advanced analytical and advisory skills to align client objectives, family circumstances, asset complexity, and broader planning considerations to appropriate investment strategies and solutions.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with clients, advisors, outside professionals, and internal partners in pursuit of shared objectives.
- Sound judgment, negotiation, and influence skills to navigate complex decision making and build alignment among stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority, develop talent, and advance cross functional collaboration in support of clients, team effectiveness, and enterprise growth priorities.
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.
