Community Development Specialist

Sunwest Bank•Irvine, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The AVP, Community Development Specialist supports the development, execution, administration, and documentation of Sunwest Bank’s community development activities. The role leads employee volunteer and community engagement programs, develops relationships with nonprofit and community organizations, coordinates Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)-eligible service opportunities, and supports community development grantmaking and charitable initiatives. The specialist independently manages assigned programs, community relationships, nonprofit partnerships, and internal stakeholder relationships. The role has no direct supervisory responsibilities and works closely with the CRA and Fair and Responsible Banking Officer to implement the Bank’s broader CRA strategy. The position is onsite in Irvine, California, with travel within the Bank’s markets as needed for partner meetings, events, site visits, volunteer activities, and Bank-location support. The schedule is Monday through Friday. Compensation is $110,000–$135,000, plus bonus and benefits. The role involves light physical demands, including office work, standing, walking, sitting, some lifting, bending, stooping, or kneeling, and the ability to travel to community activities and Bank locations as required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals. The position is subject to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; an employment offer is contingent on the Bank’s review of criminal conviction history, including pretrial diversions or program entries.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, public administration, nonprofit management, community development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
At least five years of relevant experience in community development, nonprofit relations, corporate philanthropy, employee volunteerism, banking, CRA compliance, community engagement, or a related field.
Ability to independently manage multiple programs, relationships, projects, and deadlines.
Ability to evaluate information from nonprofit organizations and community partners and translate it into clear recommendations and supporting documentation.
Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and attention to detail, particularly in recordkeeping and documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and related business applications.
Ability to travel within the Bank’s markets as needed.
Compliance with Bank Secrecy Act laws and regulations and the Bank’s applicable policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Responsibilities

Conduct ongoing reviews of community development needs and opportunities within the Bank’s CRA assessment areas through relationships with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, public-sector organizations, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders.
Develop, administer, and continuously improve employee volunteer and community service programs, with emphasis on activities supporting CRA objectives.
Build nonprofit and community partnerships that create volunteer, technical assistance, financial education, leadership, grant, and other community development opportunities.
Participate in community development forums, nonprofit events, community meetings, and industry networks to stay current on emerging needs and opportunities.
Partner with business line leaders and internal stakeholders to promote, recruit, and coordinate employee participation across the Bank’s footprint.
Serve as an internal resource for employees seeking involvement with nonprofit and community organizations.
Maintain complete and accurate records of qualifying community development service activities, including the connection between Bank activities and identified community needs.
Establish procedures for collecting service information and documentation from employees, monitor participation, identify programming gaps, and recommend enhancements.
Coordinate meetings, site visits, volunteer activities, and other engagement between nonprofit partners and Bank employees.
Guide employees on CRA community development service requirements and documentation, and assist with related training and communications.
Participate in Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation initiatives, including nonprofit outreach, grant-related activities, community events, and other assigned programs.
Work closely with the CRA and Fair and Responsible Banking Officer to implement the Bank’s broader CRA strategy.
Independently manage assigned programs, community relationships, nonprofit partnerships, and internal stakeholder relationships.
Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, reliable attendance, quality work, and appropriate workplace appearance; follow company policies, safety regulations, applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and perform other related duties as assigned.
Attend and complete required classroom, computer-based, web-based, and seminar training; maintain awareness of and comply with the Bank’s Code of Ethics and Conduct and applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.