The VP/CRA Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and administering the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Fair Lending compliance programs. This role ensures strategic alignment with regulatory requirements and community development goals while leading the CRA & Fair Lending team. The VP/CRA OFficer collaborates with senior and executive leadership to drive community-focused initiatives, oversee CRA data analysis, and serve as the bank’s primary liaison during regulatory examinations.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
Program Leadership & Strategy
- Design and execute the bank’s CRA and Fair Lending programs in alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and the bank’s strategic objectives.
- Lead the development of CRA-related policies, procedures, and training programs to ensure consistent and compliant operations.
- Monitor and interpret regulatory changes, providing timely updates and guidance to relevant business units.
Data & Performance Analysis
- Analyze CRA, HMDA, and Small Business Lending data to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities for community engagement.
- Prepare and present CRA dashboards, performance metrics, and risk assessments to executive leadership and the Board.
- Coordinate timely and accurate CRA public file maintenance, regulatory reporting, and related disclosures.
Regulatory Examination & Compliance
- Serve as the bank’s point of contact for CRA and Fair Lending regulatory examinations and audits.
- Coordinate examination preparation, including response to data requests and examiner inquiries.
- Track and implement corrective actions and recommendations stemming from regulatory reviews.
Community Engagement & Internal Collaboration
- Partner with business units to develop community development lending, investment, and service strategies.
- Lead or co-lead the bank’s CRA Committee or Working Group.
- Provide guidance on product development, branch strategy, and marketing efforts to enhance CRA impact.
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise CRA & Fair Lending Analysts; provide mentorship, set performance goals, and conduct regular check-ins.
- Foster a culture of compliance, learning, and accountability across the CRA team.
- Oversee team training, workflow prioritization, and professional development planning.
Bell Bank Culture, Policy and Accountability Standards:
- Know by name and face as many customers and employees as possible, calling them by name as often as possible.
- Know and practice LOCBUTN, our Golden Rules, and Bell Bank Customer Service Standards.
- Know, understand, and live the company values and bottom line.
- Conduct activities consistent with established Bell Bank policies, procedures and systems, the Bell Bank Employee Conduct policies, the Bank Secrecy Act and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
- All employees are responsible for information security, including compliance with policies and standards which protect sensitive information.
- Prompt and reliable attendance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education, Experience, and Other Expectations
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Law, Public Policy, or related field.
- 6-8 years of relevant experience in financial services or regulatory agencies, including CRA and Fair Lending compliance.
- At least 2 years of people management or supervisory experience
- Experience in leading CRA regulatory exams or audit readiness initiatives, preferred.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong knowledge of ECOA, HMDA, FHA, UDAAP, and related banking regulations.
- Familiarity with CRA tools and software (e.g., CRA Wiz, ArcGIS, or Fair Lending platforms).
- Detail oriented and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal, collaboration and advocacy skills.
- Strong problem-solving, project management, and research skills.
- Due to the nature of the risk management function, must maintain a high level of confidentiality at all times.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, including proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present to executives and regulators.
- Strategic thinking paired with strong project management and organizational abilities.
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, and ethical integrity.
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