AVP - CRA and Fair Lending Officer

Bank First Co.; Manitowoc (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Bank First in Manitowoc, WI is seeking an AVP – CRA/Fair Lending Officer to lead the Bank's CRA and Fair Lending programs, ensure HMDA and LAR compliance, and support regulatory examinations. The role blends practical compliance leadership with cross‑functional collaboration to strengthen governance and risk management.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in bank regulatory roles, deep CRA/HMDA knowledge, and a track record of partnering with lines of business to advance community development

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, law, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years in bank compliance, risk management, audit, or related regulatory role.
• Experience with HMDA/CRA data collection, validation, and LAR submission processes.
• Strong knowledge of CRA, HMDA, Regulation B, Fair Housing Act, and related fair lending laws.
• CRCM designation preferred but not required.
• Experience working with regulators during examinations preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to present findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Maintain HMDA LAR and CRA LAR data and ensure timely filings.
• Oversee data integrity and year-end reporting.
• Prepare materials for CRA and Fair Lending programs, including assessment area analysis and public file materials.
• Serve as subject matter expert on CRA and Fair Lending regulations and support examinations.
• Partner with lines of business to identify community development opportunities and CRA-related initiatives.
• Monitor processes and technology supporting CRA/Fair Lending and recommend enhancements.
• Report findings and trends to senior management and applicable committees.

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.

AVP - CRA and Fair Lending Officer

Manitowoc, WI, US

13 days ago Requisition ID: 1017

Why Work at Bank First

At Bank First, we’re not just a bank— we’re a community. Consistently ranked among the top-performing banks in the U.S. and Wisconsin, and recognized by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For”. We combine professional excellence with a culture that truly values people. When you join Bank First, you’re joining a team that invests in your growth, supports your well-being, and celebrates your contributions.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Imagine a workplace where:

• Your career growth is supported through training, mentoring, and advancement opportunities
• Flexibility allows you to balance work and life without compromise
• Your contributions directly impact guests and communities you care about
• You’re part of a culture built on respect, collaboration, and empowerment

At Bank First, you don’t just fill a role—you make a difference. Every interaction matters, and every team member helps shape the experience our guests love.

About the Role: AVP – CRA/Fair Lending Officer

The VP – CRA/Fair Lending Officer is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and execution of the Bank's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and Fair Lending compliance programs. This role ensures the Bank meets its regulatory obligations under CRA, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), and Fair Lending laws while supporting the Bank's mission to serve the credit needs of its communities, including low-to-moderate income areas. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who combines technical compliance expertise with a genuine commitment to maintaining and enhancing a strong culture of compliance across the organization.

This role is central to maintaining a strong, independent compliance function and supporting the Bank’s commitment to regulatory compliance, risk management, and ethical operations. The VP – CRA/Fair Lending Officer has meaningful exposure to senior leadership, diverse business lines, and evolving regulatory expectations, making it an excellent opportunity for a compliance professional ready to step into a broader, enterprise impact role.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Reporting

• Maintain and subject the Bank's annual HMDA Loan Application Register (LAR) and CRA LAR, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely filing in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee data integrity processes throughout the year to support accurate year-end reporting.
• Review, prepare, and maintain materials in support of the Bank's CRA and Fair Lending programs, including assessment area analysis, performance context documentation, and public file materials.
• Serve as the Bank's subject matter expert on CRA and Fair Lending regulations, staying current on regulatory changes and emerging guidance.
• Support examination readiness and serve as a primary point of contact during CRA and Fair Lending regulatory examinations.
• Partner with lines of business to identify community development opportunities, lending initiatives, and investment/service activities that support CRA performance.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring of the processes, procedures, and technology that support the CRA and Fair Lending programs, identifying gaps and recommending enhancements.
• Perform fair lending risk assessments and analyses (e.g., pricing, underwriting, redlining, marketing, etc.) using statistical and comparative file review methodologies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of monitoring tools and systems, working with technology and data partners to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Report findings, trends, and risk indicators to senior management and applicable committees.

Leadership & Relationship Development

• Provide training and guidance to staff and business lines on CRA and Fair Lending requirements and expectations.
• Foster a team environment focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Promote and reinforce a strong culture of compliance throughout the Bank.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, law, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in bank compliance, risk management, audit, or a related regulatory role.
• Demonstrated experience with HMDA/CRA data collection, validation, and LAR submission processes.
• Strong working knowledge of CRA, HMDA, Regulation B, Fair Housing Act, and related fair lending laws and regulations.
• CRCM designation preferred but not required.
• Prior experience working directly with regulators (OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, or state banking department) during examinations preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify patterns, trends, and control weaknesses.
• Intermediate to advanced analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to assess risk and evaluate complex regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and professionally to various audiences.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic regulatory environment.
• High degree of professionalism, integrity, and discretion when handling sensitive information.

About Bank First

Headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Bank First serves communities across Wisconsin and the Illinois Stateline region. Our growth is built on relationship-based banking—getting to know our guests personally and helping them create lasting value.

Our Culture & Vision

We foster curiosity, creativity, and responsiveness while embracing individual differences. Employees are empowered with tools to succeed and supported in their careers. Our vision is to remain the top-performing, independent provider of financial services, delivering personalized solutions and value to guests and communities alike.

Our Values

Relationship Based | Community Focused | Innovative Solutions | Value Driven

Join Bank First and build a career where your contributions matter, your growth is supported, and your work makes a difference every single day.