Community Development Officer, NY Market

Columbia Bank • Rahway, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Development Officer, NY Market, fosters and maintains relationships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, housing developers, small business owners, and other partners to advance Columbia Bank’s involvement in affordable housing and economic development, primarily within the Bank’s CRA New York Assessment Area. The officer connects and refers partners to the Bank’s CRA Account Executive, Commercial Lenders, Branch Managers, Nonprofit Officers, and others to increase lending, investment, and service opportunities.

The role anticipates and analyzes community needs and proactively identifies affordable housing and economic development opportunities. It researches and recommends programs for the Bank’s participation, maintains knowledge of federal, state, and local programs, and connects with councils of governments to support the Bank’s initiatives. The officer also represents the Bank at civic and community functions and prepares and presents financial education seminars.

The position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home, based on business needs; this arrangement may change without notice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 5 years of affordable housing, small business development, and community development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to affordable housing and economic development under the CRA.
• Experience with public-sector affordable housing and economic development programs that support CRA lending, investment, and services, and understanding of the benefits of public-private partnerships.
• Ability to travel to and participate in civic and community functions and events within the metropolitan area.
• Strong verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-starter able to work independently.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Foster and maintain relationships with community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to advance the Bank’s affordable housing and economic development work, primarily in its CRA New York Assessment Area.
• Build trusting rapport with community members and conduct check-in calls with housing agencies and small business owners.
• Meet with councils of governments, counties, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to learn about current and future housing projects and economic development needs.
• Connect or refer nonprofit organizations, housing developers, small business owners, and other partners to appropriate Bank teams and personnel to increase lending, investment, and service opportunities.
• Anticipate and analyze community needs and proactively seek affordable housing and economic development lending, investment, and service opportunities.
• Research and recommend special lending programs for housing, construction, purchase, rehabilitation, industrial development, and small businesses, particularly in low- and moderate-income areas.
• Identify, recommend, and support community development projects and outreach opportunities in community development target markets in New York.
• Support the development and implementation of the Bank’s housing initiatives, including low-income housing tax credits, and small business initiatives, including new market tax credits.
• Represent Columbia Bank at civic and community functions to network with community leaders, developers, nonprofit organizations, and other partners involved in affordable housing and economic development.
• Prepare and present financial education seminars to communities and nonprofit organizations.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding and application of CRA laws and regulations and knowledge of federal, state, and local programs.
• Attend in-person and online training, outside seminars, and conferences as required.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Contributory medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Bonus programs.
• Employee Stock Option Program (ESOP).
• Life insurance, long-term disability, and accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Paid time off, including personal and vacation time.
• Paid sick time.
• Bank holidays.
• 401(k) program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level