Director of Appraisal

NBT Bank•Schenectady, NY

23d

About The Position

The Director of Appraisal is responsible for directing the oversight of the Bank’s appraisal and evaluation process to ensure credibility, adequacy, accuracy and ethical consideration of all valuations. This role also ensures that superior customer service commitments to all customers are being met while also ensuring that all appraisal, evaluation, review and consulting assignments are completed in compliance with USPAP, FIRREA and Interagency Guidelines. Director of Appraisal will maintain a master list of approved appraisers and review qualifications and demonstrations of work for new third-party vendors. Position will monitor performance of all fee appraisers, including Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) and approve both the inclusion and exclusion of external fee appraisers and AMCs, and negotiate pricing for all outsourced appraisal services. He/she will assist the Bank in identifying market trends and establish the Scope of Work for appraisal assignments. The position also requires oversight of the Bank’s Environmental Assessment Policy and Procedures, and familiarity with American Society for Testing & Material (ASTM) Standards for the interpretation of Environmental Risk Assessments prepared by third party vendors. Position will also be responsible for departmental budgets and expenses, staffing, training, reviewing and counseling appraisal staff as necessary and be responsible for writing and maintaining appraisal policy, procedure and business practices, and provide interpretation and clarification in their understanding.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Business Administration or Economics and/or equivalent experience preferred
MAI designation is required
General Real Estate Appraisal Certification is required within footprint of NBT Bank, NA with eligibility of reciprocal agreements within other states as required
Minimum 7 years of commercial appraisal experience with 2+ years of supervisory experience
Strong knowledge of Federal and State Banking Regulations related to real estate lending
Ability to train, mentor and develop appropriate staff.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
Knowledge of American Society for Testing & Material Standards for Environmental Risk Assessments and flood insurance regulations.
Complete understanding of Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP)
Driver’s License Required
Reliable transportation required

Nice To Haves

Experience with YouConnect appraisal platform would be desirable

Responsibilities

Directs workflow to ensure independence of the persons ordering, performing and reviewing appraisals or evaluations is maintained, including persons responsible for the compliance function to be insulated from any influence by loan production staff.
Directs appropriate selection and competence criteria procedures to evaluate and periodically monitor the ongoing performance and quality of work of vendors who complete appraisals or evaluations, including a rating system for evaluating performance of said vendors including AMCs. Negotiates pricing for all outsourced appraisal services.
Researches, compiles, and analyzes information regarding appraisals, work methods and techniques to determine and establish the need for new programs, policies, procedures and guidelines; analyzes existing or proposed legislation to determine the impact on valuation and appraisal functions; develops and implements new or revised appraisal procedures and systems to ensure compliance with technical standards and legal requirements; assists the Appraisal Department Manager in the review of appraisals prepared by external appraisers for consistency, accuracy, and reliability. Establishes procedural standards, including criteria for accepting/rejecting appraisals that are consistent with Appraisal and Loan Policy. Prepares reports and makes recommendations to senior management regarding new or revised operational procedures or automated systems; writes department policies and procedures and updates manuals and other technical documents.
Manages department personnel to include administrative support, review appraisers, and third-party vendor panel. Complete employee performance evaluations and provide continuous training and mentoring.
Provides information on market trends of specific markets in support of general appraisals or specific loan applications to senior management, credit administration, and internal asset review committees and Bank examiners. Maintains the master list of approved appraisers and reviews qualifications and demonstrations of work for new appraisal firms. Approves both the inclusion and exclusion of external fee appraisers on the master list of approved appraisers.
Reviews existing policies and procedures and makes recommended changes, as necessary, to ensure that the Bank maintains a safe and sound Appraisal and Evaluation Compliance Program that is commensurate with the risk of the Bank's overall real estate lending activities, including a system of adequate controls, verifications and tests to ensure that appraisals and evaluations provide credible results including market values.
Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off: At least 22 days annually, prorated in the year of hire.
Parental Leave: Six weeks of paid leave at 100% of your salary.
Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Includes employer contributions to HSA for High Deductible Health Plan participants.
Dental and Vision Coverage: Ensuring your overall health and well-being.
Flexible Spending Accounts: For healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Employer-Paid Disability Coverage: Both short-term and long-term, with an option to purchase additional long-term coverage.
Life Insurance: Employer-paid basic life insurance, with an option to purchase supplemental coverage.
Voluntary Benefits: Including hospital, accident, and critical illness coverage.
Retirement Plans: Benefit from a 401(k) plan with employer matching, an optional Roth 401(k), and a pension plan to help secure your future.
Adoption Assistance: Supporting your growing family.
Tuition Reimbursement: Invest in your education and career growth.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to support and resources.
Pet Insurance: For all your furry friends.
Financial and Banking Services: Various banking services benefits and financial planning assistance.