Director of Estate Planning

The Client
Brighton Jones is one of the nation’s largest registered investment advisory (RIA) firms, recognized for aligning wealth, passion, and purpose to help clients thrive. With over $30 billion in assets under advisement, 300+ teammates nationwide, and 15 consecutive “Best Places to Work” awards, Brighton Jones has built a culture of growth, collaboration, and community. The firm has also received national recognition for its community impact and commitment to helping individuals live richer lives.

The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Estate Planning to lead and expand our estate planning services. This leader will help clients align their lifetime financial goals with the legacy they desire to leave for family and community. The Director will provide expert guidance on estate, tax, and wealth transfer strategies, collaborating closely with our Personal CFOs and other specialists to integrate estate planning seamlessly into clients’ overall wealth management strategies.

This role offers an opportunity to serve as a thought leader, drive innovation in estate planning, mentor colleagues, and represent Brighton Jones in the broader marketplace.

Location
Seattle, Washington

Reports to
Managing Director of Wealth Strategy (or appropriate senior leadership title)

The Position

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estate planning function, developing and implementing innovative strategies for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

• Provide expert guidance on estate planning topics, including tax-efficient wealth transfer, charitable giving, trust structures, asset protection, and business succession planning.

• Produce estate plan summaries and flowcharts to illustrate planning techniques for clients.

• Educate clients on wealth preservation and transfer strategies that minimize taxes while reflecting their personal and family goals.

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Financial Planning, Director of Tax, and in-house law firm for Multi-Family Office and Single Family Office clients to address specific client needs.

• Maintain trustee services and help clients identify appropriate trustee solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners.

• Communicate complex estate planning concepts clearly and effectively, ensuring strategies are fully implemented.

• Stay current on estate and transfer tax laws, regulations, and industry trends to proactively advise clients and colleagues.

• Enhance estate planning processes, tools, and resources to improve efficiency and service delivery.

• Train and mentor Brighton Jones team members on estate planning best practices to foster a culture of continuous learning.

• Provide strategic and creative guidance to help clients design personalized estate plans.

• Support business development by participating in prospect meetings and collaborating with marketing to create educational content.

• Represent Brighton Jones at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen relationships and showcase expertise.

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications

• J.D., LL.M. in Taxation, CFP®, or other relevant credentials preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in estate planning, wealth management, or a related field.

• Deep understanding of estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax laws.

• Strong client service orientation with excellent relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys, accountants, trust officers, and other partners.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; able to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner.

• A proactive, strategic thinker with strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Passion for helping clients align wealth with values and long-term goals.

Compensation

• Pay: $250,000–$350,000 per year

• Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical/dental/vision, retirement benefits, PTO, company-paid holidays, holiday and summer flex days, parental leave, transportation benefits, unlimited volunteer time off, professional and personal wellbeing stipend, and other fringe benefits. All team members have a clear path to ownership.