Job Description

Who We Are

Join a team that puts its People First! First American's Direct division provides comprehensive title insurance protection and professional settlement services for real estate purchases, refinances and equity loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for ten consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.

What We Do

Senior Escrow Assistant | First American Title - Santa Cruz, CA (Onsite)

At First American Title, we don’t just close transactions - we help create certainty and confidence for our clients at every stage of the real estate process.

We’re seeking a Senior Escrow Assistant to join our Santa Cruz office - someone who brings deep experience in residential transactions, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and takes ownership of both the details and the client experience.

This role is a key partner to Escrow Officers and plays a critical role in ensuring smooth, accurate, and timely closings.

What You’ll Do

• Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to Escrow Officers

• Prepare and review closing documents, including settlement statements, closing disclosures, assignments, and specialized transaction documents (e.g., mobile homes, wraps)

• Manage escrow files from open to close—ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance

• Monitor pipelines, track key milestones, and proactively follow up to keep transactions on schedule

• Serve as a point of contact for clients and partners, responding to inquiries and resolving issues with professionalism and efficiency

• Coordinate and communicate with buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, and internal teams

• Maintain organized records, reports, and transaction documentation

• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members as needed

• Support customer service efforts and contribute to business development initiatives

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• 4+ years of directly related escrow experience

• Strong proficiency handling more complex residential transactions

• Broad knowledge of escrow processes, policies, and industry practices

• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple files simultaneously

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and escrow/operating systems

• A professional, client-first mindset and positive service attitude

What Sets You Apart

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Sound judgment and decision-making in handling complex or sensitive transactions

• Recognized as a resource or subject matter expert across escrow processes

• Ability to train or support less experienced team members

Why First American Title

• Join a trusted, industry-leading organization with a strong local presence

• Work alongside a collaborative, high-performing team

• Play a vital role in delivering a seamless closing experience for clients

• Build a long-term career with opportunities for growth and development

If you’re a seasoned escrow professional who values precision, teamwork, and exceptional service, we invite you to bring your expertise to First American Title in Santa Cruz.

Pay Range: $23.37 - $31.14 HourlyThis hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **

First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).

First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant’s criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

What We Offer

By choice, we don’t simply accept individuality – we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First Culture celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion not simply because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.