Executive Director, Real Estate Banking

Busey Bank•Dallas, TX

About The Position

The Executive Director, Real Estate Banking provides strategic and operational leadership for the bank’s commercial real estate (CRE) platform. This role is responsible for driving profitable growth, portfolio quality, and market expansion while leading relationship management, portfolio oversight and team development. The Executive Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and key clients and plays a critical role in aligning real estate banking activities with the bank’s overall growth objectives, risk appetite and community presence.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of commercial banking products and services.
In-depth knowledge of banking laws and regulations with an emphasis on Real Estate lending.
Effective communication, results oriented, demonstrates the ability to excel in high-pressure situations.
Exhibit strong interpersonal skills with the ability to cultivate long term relationships and influence others internally and externally.
Collect and analyze data, draw sound conclusions, and formulate recommendations that address critical variables.
Exhibit board level presentation skills.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and/or work experience.
12 or more years of progressive experience in commercial or real estate banking, with significant exposure to complex CRE transactions

Nice To Haves

Formal credit training, an advanced degree and/or ongoing AIB seminars and other resources is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the strategic vision for the bank’s real estate banking business, aligned with enterprise goals and market opportunities.
Drive new business development, market expansion, and relationship acquisition across commercial real estate segments.
Represent the bank in the community and industry organizations to strengthen brand presence and referral networks.
Serve as a senior relationship officer for complex and high- ‑ value real estate clients.
Structure and negotiate sophisticated real estate financing solutions, including construction, development, investment, and owner ‑ occupied properties.
Maintain strong partnerships with internal teams including credit, treasury, capital markets, deposit services, and risk management.
Serve as liaison and support between the sales teams and credit underwriting structuring for real estate loans.
Cross sell products and services across all internal teams, including but not limited to treasury and wealth management
Ensure adherence to the bank’s credit policies, risk appetite, and regulatory expectations.
Monitor portfolio performance, concentration limits, and market trends to proactively manage risk.
Drive portfolio profitability, pricing discipline, and balance sheet optimization.
Manage performance metrics, forecasts, and budgeting for the real estate banking function.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, audit, and internal control requirements.
Mentor and develop real estate bankers and relationship managers across Busey’s footprint.
Foster a high ‑ performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and client service excellence.
Support recruiting, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
Partner with executive leadership to support enterprise ‑ wide initiatives, policy development, and strategic planning.
Contribute subject ‑ matter expertise to board reports, risk committees, and senior leadership discussions.