Director of Tax and Estate Planning
Director of Tax and Estate Planning – Private Wealth Manager | West Michigan
Our client, a highly respected and rapidly growing private wealth manager in West Michigan, is seeking an accomplished Director of Tax and Estate Planning to lead all tax strategy, estate planning, and wealth-transfer initiatives for an elite portfolio of affluent and high-net-worth families. This is a rare, career-defining opportunity for a polished, experienced professional who wants to step into a visible, influential role with a clear Partnership track.
Position Overview
As the sole in-house tax expert, the Director of Tax and Estate Planning will oversee all aspects of individual, corporate, and business tax planning; estate and gift tax strategy; trust planning; wealth-transfer design; and entity structuring. This role requires a strategic thinker who can blend technical expertise with exceptional client-facing skills. The Director of Tax and Estate Planning will collaborate closely with attorneys, investment advisors, and external partners to deliver sophisticated, holistic solutions tailored to multi-generational families.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary Director of Tax and Estate Planning responsible for all individual, corporate, and business tax planning
Lead estate, gift, trust, and wealth-transfer planning for high-net-worth families
Conduct advanced tax modeling, scenario analysis, and long-term planning projections
Oversee entity structuring, restructuring, and optimization for tax efficiency
Coordinate directly with attorneys, CPAs, and external advisors to ensure seamless execution of complex strategies
Provide guidance on trust administration, fiduciary considerations, and multi-generational planning
Develop and implement proactive tax-saving strategies aligned with family goals and legacy objectives
Act as the internal expert and strategic partner to leadership as the Director of Tax and Estate Planning
Support business owners with succession planning, liquidity events, and transition strategies
Maintain deep knowledge of evolving tax laws and regulatory changes impacting affluent families
Represent the firm with professionalism, discretion, and the highest level of client service
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field; advanced degree, CPA or JD/LLM in Tax highly preferred
10+ years of progressive tax and estate planning experience, ideally within a private wealth manager, family office, trust company, or public accounting environment
Demonstrated success advising high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families
Strong technical expertise in individual, corporate, estate, gift, and trust taxation
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to simplify complex concepts for clients
Highly polished, professional presence with the maturity to serve as the firm’s Director of Tax and Estate Planning
Ability to work independently as the sole tax authority while collaborating effectively with internal and external partners
Compensation Based on experience, package up to $300k potential.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is not a typical tax role. The Director of Tax and Estate Planning will step into a trusted-advisor position with direct access to families, decision-makers, and firm leadership. You’ll shape long-term strategies, influence generational outcomes, and build deep relationships that go far beyond compliance work. For the right person, this role offers a clear path to Partnership, long-term stability, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives and legacies of the families served.
If you want a role where your expertise is valued, your voice matters, and your career trajectory accelerates, this Director of Tax and Estate Planning position represents a truly transformative opportunity. #INMAY2026 #LI-EG2