Associate Development Trainee

Columbia Bank (NJ); Fair Lawn (NJ); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Bank is launching an 18-month Associate Development Trainee program in Fair Lawn, NJ. The role offers hands-on banking experience across divisions with guidance, feedback, and leadership exposure.

The program emphasizes collaboration, customer focus, and skill development in operations, compliance, and sales training, with a hybrid work arrangement and strong growth potential.

Qualifications

• College graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.5.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in student organizations, internships, community service, athletics, or relevant work experience.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical and presentation skills.
• Customer-centric mindset with ability to collaborate across the Bank.

Responsibilities

• Build hands-on banking experience via rotations across Bank divisions.
• Participate in projects and complete training within the program timeframe.
• Develop relationships and represent the Bank professionally in internal and external settings.
• Meet with Program Manager to review progress and feedback.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Customer focus

Education

College degree with GPA 3.5+

Tools

MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams)

Virtual collaboration tools

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Associate Development Trainee

Learning and Development Regular Full-Time Fair Lawn, NJ, US 1 Attachments

2 days ago Requisition ID: 2881

Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

Columbia Bank is a full-service consumer and commercial bank serving individuals, businesses, and communities across New Jersey, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Through our banking, title, insurance, and wealth management businesses, we provide a broad range of financial solutions tailored to our customers’ needs. We are also committed to strengthening the communities we serve through employee volunteerism, community partnerships, and the Columbia Bank Foundation.

Launch and Grow Your Banking Career : Build on your degree with our 18-month rotation program, designed to accelerate your development and lay the foundation for a long-term career at Columbia Bank. Gain hands-on experience across the Bank, understand community banking operations, and build the knowledge, skills, and professional mindset needed for future placement. Guidance, regular feedback, and connections with colleagues and leaders will help you move forward with confidence.

Your Development and Impact

During the program, you will:

• Build hands-on banking experience . Complete short - and long-term assignments across the Bank’s divisions to learn each department’s job functions , front - line and staff responsibilities , operations, management, policies , and practices . Observe experienced employees to understand the methods, procedures , and standards required to perform duties.
• Contribute to projects and complete training. Participate in assigned special projects and committees. Complete all required internal Core Curriculums, compliance courses, credit training, sales training, and other assigned courses within the program’s time frame.
• Build relationships and represent the Bank. Develop effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels. Present a positive, professional image in internal and external relationships, consistent with Columbia’s ethical standards, Creed of Shared Values, Service Guidelines, and commitment to the community.
• Review your progress and share feedback. Meet regularly with the Program Manager to review your progress, receive feedback, and discuss your successes, opportunities, and achievements.
• Actively foster and model Columbia Bank’s culture by promoting collaboration, accountability, and a high-performance, client-centric mindset.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

• College graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.5;
• Strong desire to pursue a career in local community banking, financial services, and leadership;
• Leadership experience in student organizations, internships, community service, athletics, or relevant work experience;
• Strong written, verbal, analytical and presentation skills;
• Adaptable to change;
• Customer-centric mindset with the ability to collaborate and build relationships throughout the Bank;
• Demonstrates Columbia’s Three C’s: Customer, Community, and Co-workers;
• Results oriented with proven track record to motivate self and others to accomplish objectives;
• A strong positive attitude and the ability to communicate effectively;
• Strong commitment to customer service and community support;
• Ability to represent the Bank in the community to develop and promote additional business;
• Dedicated, enthusiastic, and driven; possesses a strong work ethic.

Technology Qualifications

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams.
• Comfortable using multiple systems and digital tools in a fast-paced banking environment.
• Strong computer skills, including virtual collaboration, document management, and reporting tools.
• Exposure to or willingness to learn emerging workplace technologies is highly desired.

How We Take Care of You:

Build a stronger future for yourself, your family and the communities we serve. At Columbia Bank, meaningful work comes together with a collaborative and rewarding culture, opportunities to learn and grow, and a total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security and overall wellbeing. Benefits include healthcare choice, retirement savings with company support, employee ownership, wellness resources, education and student loan programs, paid time off and financial protection. Join a company where your contribution is valued, your growth is supported and your career can make a meaningful impact.

The hours that you will dedicate to work

This position currently follows a hybrid schedule of 4 in-office days and 1 remote day per week. Hybrid work arrangements are subject to business needs and may change.

Attachments (1)

Columbia Bank 2026 Benefits Guide FINAL 01.01.2026.pdf