CRA Officer (may be remote within the Civista Bank footprint)

Civista Bank•Dublin, OH

10d•Remote

About The Position

The CRA Officer administers, oversees, and executes Civista Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program. The role ensures compliance with applicable CRA regulations, develops and implements community reinvestment strategies, builds relationships with community organizations and stakeholders, and promotes initiatives that address the credit and financial services needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. The CRA Officer is the Bank’s subject matter expert on CRA compliance and community development, collaborating across business lines to support regulatory objectives, strategic initiatives, and community impact goals. The position monitors CRA performance, prepares regulatory reports and examinations, identifies opportunities to enhance CRA activities, and encourages organization-wide community engagement. Duties include coordinating CRA strategy and administration; maintaining compliance policies, procedures, and documentation; preparing reports and analytics; managing examinations, audits, and regulatory reviews; serving as the primary regulatory liaison on CRA matters; and developing community partnerships and outreach. The Officer also supports cross-functional planning, employee training, community development and product innovation, and financial analysis and program management. The role primarily operates in a professional office environment and may be remote within the Civista Bank footprint. It requires frequent use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment, extended periods in a stationary position, occasional movement around the workplace, and occasional transport of office materials weighing up to 15 pounds. Occasional business-related travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, community development, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and relevant banking or financial services experience will be considered.
Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in CRA, regulatory compliance, community development, lending, or a related financial services area preferred.
Experience supporting or managing a financial institution’s CRA program, including monitoring performance and preparing for regulatory examinations.
Experience collaborating with lending, compliance, risk management, and other business areas to support CRA objectives.
Experience analyzing lending, demographic, market, and other CRA-related data to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
Strong working knowledge of the CRA, related banking regulations, and regulatory expectations.
Understanding of CRA examination standards, performance evaluation, documentation, and examination preparedness.
Knowledge of community development activities, including lending, investments, services, and opportunities to address community needs.
Strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
Ability to develop, monitor, and communicate CRA strategies, goals, and performance measures.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including ability to work effectively with senior leaders, business-line leaders, employees, regulators, and community organizations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to explain complex regulatory requirements clearly and practically.
Strong organizational and project-management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn and use CRA and compliance-related systems.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, community development, or a related field.
Professional compliance or CRA-related certification, such as the ABA Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM), preferred but not required.
Experience developing and maintaining relationships with community organizations and other external partners.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement short- and long-term CRA strategies aligned with the Bank’s strategic plan and community development objectives.
Evaluate CRA initiatives and recommend enhancements to improve performance and community impact.
Monitor regulatory requirements, industry trends, and best practices related to CRA compliance and community development.
Coordinate the Bank’s CRA program and align activities with regulatory expectations and organizational goals.
Ensure ongoing compliance with the CRA and related regulatory requirements.
Maintain CRA policies, procedures, and documentation.
Prepare and submit required CRA reports and analyses for regulators, executive management, and internal stakeholders.
Coordinate and manage CRA examinations, audits, and regulatory reviews; monitor performance data and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
Serve as the primary liaison with regulators regarding CRA matters.
Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, nonprofit agencies, government entities, economic development groups, and other stakeholders.
Identify community development investments, services, partnerships, and outreach opportunities; represent the Bank at community events, meetings, public forums, and industry associations.
Promote the Bank’s community development efforts and maintain documentation of contacts, activities, and outreach for CRA purposes.
Partner with Compliance, Lending, Retail Banking, Marketing, Mortgage, and other business units to support CRA objectives and coordinate community development activities.
Guide management and business partners on CRA opportunities and regulatory expectations, and help identify products, services, and activities that support CRA goals.
Support the integration of CRA considerations into strategic and operational planning.
Develop and deliver CRA training; provide ongoing guidance on regulations, community development activities, and documentation requirements.
Identify opportunities to develop or enhance products and services addressing LMI community needs, including programs for affordable housing, small business development, and financial literacy.
Evaluate emerging community needs and recommend strategies to address gaps.
Analyze the effectiveness and impact of community development investments and activities; assist with budgets, monitor resource use, and recommend adjustments.
Prepare performance reports, activity summaries, dashboards, and analytical reports; analyze lending, investment, service, demographic, and market data to identify trends and opportunities.
Develop metrics to monitor program effectiveness and regulatory readiness and present findings and recommendations to executive leadership committees as needed.