Vice President, Trust Services

Peace Hills Trust
is Canada’s largest and oldest First Nations-owned federally regulated financial institution and is also Canada’s only independent trust company. Driven by a vision to fulfill the unique financial needs of the Indigenous community, their sole shareholder, the Samson Cree Nation, incorporated Peace Hills Trust in 1980. Peace Hills Trust is a full-service, federally-chartered trust company that provides financial services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, businesses, and individuals across Canada. With a network of eight regional offices, the company has $4.43 billion in total combined assets under administration. Peace Hills Trust’s corporate office is located in Edmonton, with its head office on the Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta. The company is widely respected for its relationship-based approach, community focus, and long-term commitment to the communities it serves. Working in partnership with Businesses, Individuals and Indigenous communities, Peace Hills Trust delivers Trust, Credit and Banking services to meet their unique needs.
$4.43 billion
assets under administration
$3.25 billion
trust assets under administration
1980
year incorporated
Reporting to the President & CEO and working with the Trust Services Committee of the Board, the Vice President, Trust Services leads the strategy, growth and overall operations of Peace Hills Trust’s Trust Services business. The division provides customized fiduciary, agency and custody solutions to Indigenous Nations and entities across Canada.
Located in Edmonton, the VP implements the Board’s strategic direction, delivers on the client value proposition and leads a team of trust, investment and financial reporting professionals. With a primary focus on strategy and business development, the VP draws on the team’s expertise to manage daily operations, maintain sound fiduciary practices and build lasting client relationships that reflect each community’s priorities and cultural context.
REPORTS TO :President & CEO
WORK ARRANGEMENT :Primarily in office, with some flexibility;
up to 20-25% travel required
SALARY RANGE :Compensation to be discussed with qualified candidates
The Ideal CandidateAs an experienced trust services leader, you combine deep technical knowledge with the ability to grow a business and guide a capable team. You build lasting relationships through trust, respect and a clear understanding of each client’s unique needs and priorities. You bring confidence and sound judgment to complex trust, governance and financial matters, and translate that expertise into practical advice. You approach work with Indigenous Nations with cultural awareness, curiosity and respect for community priorities. Most of all, you recognize that strong stewardship supports the financial well‑being and self‑determination of communities today and for generations to come.
Primary Roles and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Business Growth
Develop and implement the strategic plan for Trust Services, translating the Board’s current and future directions into clear priorities, goals and performance outcomes.
Identify and pursue business development opportunities that support the growth of Peace Hills Trust and the evolving needs of Indigenous Nations and entities.
Build a network of centres of influence, including trust and estate lawyers and other professional advisers, and generate opportunities through networking and client referrals.
Represent the Trust Services offering with confidence, drawing on a strong understanding of wealth management and Peace Hills Trust’s overall value proposition.
Work closely with the President & CEO and other senior leaders to align divisional plans with the Company’s broader growth and service objectives.
Lead the Trust and Estates team, including the AVP, Trust Performance & Compliance;
Director of Financial Reporting;
Trust Officers and Administrators;
and Accounting Associates, and oversee relationships with external custodians.
Communicate the division’s vision, define goals, manage performance outcomes and establish clear accountability for service delivery.
Coach and develop team members, empowering them to achieve their professional goals and contribute to the division’s success.
Draw on the expertise of key team members to manage operations and deepen client relationships while maintaining a strong executive focus on strategy and business development.
Champion an inclusive, high-performing work environment grounded in integrity, respect, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Take primary responsibility for client engagement and retention, building and supporting productive relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities and other clients.
Ensure that fiduciary, agency and custody solutions are tailored to each client’s circumstances, objectives and the cultural nuances of the communities served.
Bring an informed understanding of Indigenous governance, community wealth models and cultural protocols to client discussions and service decisions.
Translate complex trust, legal, taxation and investment matters into clear, relevant information for clients, the Trust Services team and other stakeholders.
Listen to differing perspectives, identify and manage conflict, and mediate practical solutions in challenging or stressful situations.
Support Peace Hills Trust’s commitment to advancing reconciliation through action, education and community involvement.
Trust Operations & Technical Oversight
Oversee the day-to-day activities of Trust Services, ensuring the credibility, efficiency and effectiveness of services and the integrity of the client value proposition.
Provide expertise and direction on inter vivos trusts, trust and estate administration, taxation and complex account portfolios.
Apply extensive knowledge of trusts, legal requirements, accounting and institutional investments to portfolios of varying sizes and complexity.
Coordinate service delivery across Peace Hills Trust’s branch network and with external custodians, legal counsel, tax professionals and other providers.
Negotiate the terms of agreements of varying complexity to meet client needs and provide appropriate protection for Peace Hills Trust.
Governance, Risk & Regulatory Compliance
Support the mandate of the Board of Directors and work with its Trust Services Committee to maintain sound business, financial and corporate governance practices.
Ensure Trust Services activities reflect applicable fiduciary obligations and regulatory requirements for a federally regulated financial institution.
Apply knowledge of the Indian Act and relevant provincial and federal legislation governing trusts and estates.
Guide the design, development, documentation and review of policies that reflect best practices and regulatory requirements.
Ensure appropriate internal controls are designed and implemented to identify and address risks within Trust Services.
Model the company’s Values, Mission, Credo and Code of Conduct, maintaining the highest standards of integrity in client, colleague and stakeholder relationships.
Qualifications
Extensive knowledge of complex trusts and estates, trust law, taxation, accounting and institutional investments.
Strong understanding of Indigenous governance, community wealth models, cultural protocols and the application of the Indian Act to trusts and estates.
Strategic leadership and business development skills, with the ability to identify opportunities and translate plans into results.
Strong financial and business acumen, analytical ability and critical thinking, including the ability to research complex issues and develop effective solutions.
Knowledge of policy development, regulatory requirements, fiduciary responsibilities and the design and implementation of internal controls.
Ability to lead, coach and empower a professional team, guide change and encourage innovation.
Clear, responsible communication and the ability to explain technical matters to audiences with varied knowledge and perspectives.
Strong relationship management, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, supported by sound judgment, integrity and respect.
Educational & Professional Qualifications
Relevant education and professional qualifications, such as LLB, MBA, CFA, and CPA.
Estate & Trust Professional (MTI) and Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designations.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in Indigenous trusts and estates, trust law and accounting.
A minimum of 10 years of experience in a financial institution or relevant wealth management environment.
Extensive experience with Indigenous governance, community wealth models and/or cultural protocols.
Demonstrated strategic leadership, with contributions directly related to an organization’s growth and success.
Proven ability to develop and maintain productive relationships, including experience working with high-net-worth clients with complex and varied needs.
Experience leading and directing a team to achieve desired outcomes.
Membership in, or a commitment to participate in, NATOA and AFOA.
Key Measures of Success
Achievement of the Trust Services strategic plan and contribution to Peace Hills Trust’s growth and success.
A strong business development network and new opportunities generated through centres of influence, networking and client referrals.
Strong client engagement and retention, with tailored solutions that reflect community priorities and cultural context.
A capable, engaged team with clear goals, effective performance management and opportunities for professional development.
Efficient, credible and effective trust services supported by sound governance, regulatory compliance and internal controls.
Effective collaboration with the President & CEO, the Trust Services Committee, senior colleagues and external providers.
CompensationCommensurate with experience, education and qualifications, the details of the compensation package will be discussed with qualified candidates.
Peace Hills Trust offers an extensive benefits package, including:
Health, Dental and Critical Illness Insurance,
Pay-Direct Drug Insurance, no deductible, portion payable is 100 per cent of covered drugs,
Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer-matched contributions,
Life Insurance, Accidental Death, Short- and Long-Term Disability.
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