Fair Lending Program Manager

Seneca Resources; Mantua Township (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company is seeking a Fair Lending Banking Specialist to oversee the Fair Lending Compliance Program, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in banking compliance and be responsible for risk assessments, regulatory examinations, and training initiatives within the organization. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for this role, offering a salary range of $80,000 - $135,000. The position requires hands-on experience in a banking environment and operating onsite in Sewell, NY.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of banking compliance experience with ownership of Fair Lending programs.
• Expert knowledge of Fair Lending laws and regulations, including ECOA, FHA, HMDA.
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing Fair Lending risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the Fair Lending Compliance Program.
• Prepare reports for Senior Management and the Board of Directors.
• Partner with teams to manage Fair Lending controls and initiatives.

Skills

Fair Lending Compliance

Regulatory examination preparation

Risk assessment methodologies

Strong analytical skills

Verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

Location: Sewell, NY

Job Type: Direct hire

Work Week: 8:15 am – 5 pm, in office

Work Mode: 100% onsite

Salary Range: $80,000 - $135,000 per year.

Job Overview: The Fair Lending Banking Specialist will lead the design, implementation, and ongoing management of the Bank’s Fair Lending Compliance Program to ensure full compliance with federal and state regulations and maintain a strong fair lending risk profile. This role serves as the program owner for all Fair Lending governance, risk assessment, monitoring, reporting, training, and regulatory examination readiness activities.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience establishing and leading a Fair Lending Compliance Program within a banking or financial institution environment — including developing risk assessment methodologies, building monitoring frameworks, conducting redlining and comparative file reviews, managing remediation, and presenting results to Senior Management and the Board of Directors.

This position partners closely with Senior Leadership, Compliance, Risk, CRA, Lending, and Audit teams to proactively identify Fair Lending risk and continuously strengthen the Bank’s compliance posture.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and oversee the Bank’s enterprise-wide Fair Lending Compliance Program, ensuring it is risk-based and aligned with the Bank’s size, complexity, and business model
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and owner for Fair Lending risk management across all lending products and business lines
• Advise Senior Management and the Board of Directors on emerging Fair Lending risks, regulatory expectations, and program effectiveness
• Develop and execute the Bank’s annual Fair Lending risk assessment, evaluating underwriting, pricing, marketing, steering, redlining, and product risk
• Design and oversee a robust Fair Lending monitoring framework, including:
• Comparative file reviews
• Redlining analysis
• Marketing and outreach reviews
• Exception and override testing
• Quality of assistance reviews
• Identify root causes of Fair Lending issues and ensure timely remediation and control enhancements

Reporting & Regulatory Engagement

• Prepare clear, concise, and data-driven reports for Senior Management and the Board of Directors on Fair Lending risk, trends, and remediation efforts
• Serve as the primary owner for Fair Lending regulatory examinations (OCC, FDIC, CFPB, state regulators), including preparation, issue management, and response development
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, workpapers, and evidence supporting program effectiveness
• Develop and maintain all Fair Lending-related policies, procedures, and program documentation
• Review credit policies, pricing structures, underwriting criteria, marketing strategies, new products, and third-party activities to proactively identify Fair Lending risk
• Design and lead Fair Lending training programs for employees, Senior Management, and the Board of Directors, including customized training as needed

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Partner with the CRA Officer, Lending teams, Compliance, Risk Management, Audit, and Operations to integrate Fair Lending controls throughout the organization
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen preventative and detective controls
• Manage special compliance projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

Important Note: This role requires hands-on leadership and ownership of a Fair Lending Compliance Program within a banking environment. Experience limited to loan origination, underwriting, or participation in Fair Lending reviews without program design and management responsibility will not meet the requirements of this position.

• Bachelor’s Degree (required)
• 5+ years of banking compliance experience with direct ownership of Fair Lending Compliance Programs
• Demonstrated experience designing and managing Fair Lending risk assessments, monitoring frameworks, and regulatory examinations
• Extensive hands‑on experience with:
• Comparative file reviews
• Redlining analysis
• Underwriting and pricing risk reviews
• Expert knowledge of Fair Lending laws and regulations, including ECOA, FHA, HMDA, and regulatory guidance
• Proven ability to present complex Fair Lending risk information to Senior Management and Board-level audiences
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Compliance Professional (CRCM, CAFP, or similar)
• Experience leading Fair Lending programs within community banks, regional banks, or credit unions
• Experience working directly with regulatory agencies on Fair Lending matters
• Advanced data analytics or statistical analysis experience related to Fair Lending risk