CRA Program Lead & Community Development Strategist

Civista Bancshares, Inc.; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Civista Bank is seeking an experienced CRA Officer to lead our CRA strategy and strengthen the communities we serve. This role combines CRA regulatory expertise with relationship building and strategic thinking to identify opportunities for individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods across Civista’s footprint.

The CRA Officer will oversee the program, ensure regulatory compliance, monitor performance, prepare reports, and collaborate across lines of business to promote community impact and

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in CRA, regulatory compliance, or related area within financial services preferred.
• Experience supporting or managing a financial institution’s CRA program, including monitoring CRA performance and preparing for regulatory examinations.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with community organizations and external partners preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement short- and long-term CRA strategies aligned with the Bank's strategic plan and community development objectives.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of CRA initiatives and recommend enhancements to improve performance and community impact.
• Monitor changing regulatory requirements, industry trends, and best practices related to CRA compliance and community development.
• Coordinate the Bank's overall CRA program and ensure activities are aligned with regulatory expectations and organizational goals.
• Support the Bank's commitment to serving low- and moderate-income individuals, neighborhoods, and underserved markets.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with the CRA and related regulatory requirements.
• Maintain CRA policies, procedures, and documentation to support regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and submit required CRA reports and analyses for regulatory agencies, executive management, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage CRA examinations, audits, and regulatory reviews.
• Monitor and assess CRA performance data and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulators regarding CRA-related matters.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, nonprofit agencies, government entities, economic development groups, and other community stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for community development investments, services, partnerships, and outreach initiatives.
• Represent the Bank at community events, meetings, public forums, and industry associations.
• Promote the Bank's community development efforts and increase awareness of available financial services and programs.
• Maintain documentation of community contacts, development activities, and outreach efforts for CRA purposes.
• Partner with Compliance, Lending, Retail Banking, Marketing, Mortgage, and other units to support CRA objectives.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among departments involved in community development and reinvestment activities.
• Provide guidance to management and business partners regarding CRA opportunities and regulatory expectations.
• Assist lines of business in identifying products, services, and activities that support CRA goals.
• Support the integration of CRA considerations into strategic and operational planning.
• Develop and deliver CRA training programs for employees and management.
• Provide ongoing guidance regarding CRA regulations and documentation requirements.
• Promote awareness of CRA responsibilities across the organization.
• Ensure employees understand their role in supporting the Bank's CRA program.

Skills

CRA knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, community development, or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Civista Bank is seeking an experienced CRA Officer to lead our CRA strategy and strengthen the communities we serve. This role combines CRA regulatory expertise with relationship building and strategic thinking to identify opportunities for individuals, businesses, and neighborhoods across Civista’s footprint.

The CRA Officer will oversee the program, ensure regulatory compliance, monitor performance, prepare reports, and collaborate across lines of business to promote community impact and