Family Office Director of Estate Planning in Brighton Jones in Washington

Director of Estate Planning

The Client

Brighton Jones is a purpose-driven wealth management firm redefining what it means to manage wealth. Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest and with 18 offices nationwide, we advise over 4,000 clients and more than $26 billion in assets. Guided by our mission of Wealth Alignment, we help clients, teammates, and communities align their resources with their values and passions—empowering them to live more purposeful and fulfilled lives.

Built around a culture that thinks big, cares deeply, and celebrates each other proudly, Brighton Jones fosters growth through mentorship, meaningful relationships, and initiatives like Compassion in Action. Recognized repeatedly as a Best Place to Work, we go beyond traditional wealth management by offering teammates a path to ownership, rich learning opportunities, and the chance to make an impact that extends far beyond financial success.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estate planning professional to lead and expand Brighton Jones’ estate planning services. As Director of Estate Planning, you will help clients live richer lives by aligning their lifetime financial planning goals with the legacy they wish to leave behind. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor, provide thought leadership, and collaborate closely with internal specialists and external partners to integrate estate strategies into comprehensive wealth plans. This role combines technical depth in tax and wealth transfer strategies with a deep commitment to client service and education.

Location

Seattle, WA or another Brighton Jones office (with flexibility for hybrid arrangements)

Reports to

Executive Leadership at Brighton Jones

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 counsel on estate and wealth transfer strategies, including tax efficiency, charitable giving, trust structures, asset protection, and business succession planning.

• Produce estate plan summaries and visual flowcharts to support client understanding and decision-making.

• Engage and educate clients on techniques to preserve wealth across generations while aligning plans with personal and family goals.

• Collaborate closely with internal teams—including the Director of Financial Planning, Director of Tax, and in-house law firm—to address client-specific needs.

• Support and maintain relationships with corporate trustees, helping clients evaluate and select trustee solutions.

• Lead the implementation of estate strategies, ensuring plans are actionable and integrated with broader financial goals.

• Stay abreast of estate tax laws, regulatory changes, and industry trends; proactively advise clients and teams on potential risks and opportunities.

• Develop, refine, and implement estate planning tools and processes to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

• Train and mentor Brighton Jones teammates on estate planning best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

• Contribute to business development by participating in prospect meetings and partnering with marketing to deliver educational content.

• Represent Brighton Jones at industry events, conferences, and networking engagements to elevate the firm’s estate planning expertise.

The Ideal Candidate

Qualifications

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

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

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

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and external partners including attorneys, accountants, and trust officers.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and confidently.

• Strategic, proactive thinker with a track record of creative problem-solving and practical implementation.

• Collaborative leadership style; comfortable working across teams and mentoring others.

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

• Client-centric mindset combined with strong professional integrity, maturity, and sound judgment.

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $200,000 – $250,000 per year
Additional benefits include: medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement benefits; PTO; holiday and summer flex-days; unlimited volunteer time off; professional and personal wellbeing stipend; transportation benefits; and a clear path to ownership for all team members.

The Hiring Process

Brighton Jones is committed to a values-driven and transparent hiring process. Candidates can expect:

1. Values in Action Self-Assessment: Align your strengths with our core values.

2. Initial Interview: Learn about us and share your background.

3. Role Alignment Interview: Deeper discussion with the hiring manager and peer.

4. Full Loop Interviews: Meet with team members to discuss skills, values, and experience.

5. Reference Calls: Speak with prior managers you select.

6. Decision: We communicate promptly and respectfully at every stage.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At Brighton Jones, diversity enriches both our team and the clients we serve. We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture where every team member can bring their authentic self to work, feel valued, and realize their potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and ensure nondiscrimination in all employment practices.

If you’re passionate about redefining wealth management and making a positive impact, we invite you to join our growing #OneTeam. In your application, please tell us why this role resonates with your career aspirations and personal values.