SVP, Community Development and CRA Officer

Summary: : Ensures compliance with banking regulations established as part of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). Analyzes and reports required data to the federal government and examiners. Initiates, prepares and executes grant applications through the Federal Home Loan Bank. Regularly reviews progress of bank in Lending, Investment and Service Test as it relates to CRA. Develops new business and maintains effective relationships with community leaders in targeted markets. Chairs and prepares for CRA Committee Meetings.

Job Responsibilities:

Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)

• Maintains proficiency in the use of the Bank’s compliance software to track and evaluate all HMDA lending, small business lending and community development activity.
• Conducts quarterly analysis to monitor and present on the Bank’s CRA performance and compliance.
• Conducts self-exams to determine level of compliance as it relates to lending, service and investment performance.
• Researches and recommends special lending programs for housing, construction, purchase, rehabilitation, small and minority businesses and industrial development, particularly in low/moderate areas.
• Develops and monitors the Bank’s CRA strategy.
• Annually reports HMDA and Small Business data to federal government.
• Chairs the CRA Committee Meetings.
• Prepares CRA reports and presents them directly to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.
• Annually updates the Performance Context with the latest market conditions and trends.
• Serves as a direct liaison to OCC CRA examiners and provides direct assistance as required. Ensures the CRA examination is carried out in a timely and accurate manner.

Community Development

• Develops new business in community development target markets.
• Represents Columbia at various civic and community functions for the purpose of enhancing the Bank’s image in the community.
• Identifies opportunities for the Bank to provide low-cost housing in low to moderate income areas through special grants and low-rate loan programs.
• Works with Commercial Lenders, Business Development Officers, Branch staff, and others to increase visibility in targeted markets.
• Oversees the Columbia Bank employee volunteer program “Team Columbia” community events.
• Promotes financial literacy throughout the Bank.
• Maintains records and documentation on all community development activities and programs.
• Analyzes addition of proposed branch locations and the impact of growth on assessment areas.

Regulatory/Industry Knowledge and Training

• Keeps up to date with changes in federal and state banking laws and regulations pertaining to CRA.
• Reviews and interprets changes in CRA laws and regulations and keeps management informed. Ensures changes are implemented accurately and on a timely basis.
• Ensures Bank personnel are adequately trained and aware of applicable laws and regulations. Assists the Training Department with the development of training curriculums.

Oversight of Staff and Resources

• Supervises team members supporting the development and implementation of the Bank’s CRA program.
• Establishes clear goals for the staff, ensuring accountability for performance.
• Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and diversity.
• Exercises the usual authority of a Department Head concerning staffing, performance evaluations, salary recommendations, promotions, demotions, transfers, and terminations. Communicates performance to executive management.

Grant Program Management

• Works directly with Federal Home Loan Bank and prospective grantees to complete application packages for submission. Conducts periodic reviews on outstanding grants as required.
• Measures the performance of the Bank’s down payment and closing cost assistance programs and makes recommendation for change as needed.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and ten or more years CRA and community development experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Thorough knowledge of federal regulations pertaining to CRA
• Experience in the preparation and execution of a CRA Strategic Plan
• Experience with public sector financing programs that support the CRA lending and investment products and understanding of the benefits of the public-private partnership
• Experience in evaluating credit facilities to ensure CRA eligibility
• Ability to travel to and participate in frequent civic and community functions and events within the metropolitan area
• Strong verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Exercise sound judgment, leadership, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills
• Must be a self-starter and able to work independently
• Must be well-organized, accurate and have a high attentive to detail

Columbia Bank offers the following benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx which are contributory.
• Bonus programs.
• Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
• Life Insurance, Long Term Disability and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (LTD&AD&D).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) which includes Personal and Vacation Time.
• Paid Sick Time.
• Bank Holidays.
• Employees may participate in the 401k program.

Schedule:

This role is eligible for a hybrid schedule; 3 days in the office and 2 days work from home based on business need.

Columbia Bank and its affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.