Community Development Specialist

Job Title: AVP, Community Development Specialist

Department: Compliance / Community Reinvestment Act
Reports to: CRA and Fair and Responsible Banking Officer

Status: ☒ Exempt • Non-Exempt
About the Role

The AVP, Community Development Specialist supports the development, execution, administration, and documentation of Sunwest Bank's community development activities. This role leads the Bank's employee volunteer and community engagement programs, builds relationships with nonprofit and community organizations, coordinates Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)-eligible service opportunities, and supports community development grantmaking and charitable initiatives.
Work Details

Schedule: Monday - Friday
Work Location: ☒ Onsite • Hybrid • Remote
Travel: Within the Bank's markets as needed for partner meetings, events, site visits, volunteer activities, and Bank-location support

What You'll Do

Conduct ongoing reviews of community development needs and opportunities within the Bank's CRA assessment areas through outreach and relationships with nonprofit organizations, community leaders, public-sector organizations, economic development organizations, and other stakeholders.

Develop, administer, and continuously improve the Bank's employee volunteer and community service programs, with emphasis on activities supporting CRA objectives.

Build nonprofit and community partnerships that create volunteer, technical assistance, financial education, leadership, grant, and other community development opportunities.

Participate in community development forums, nonprofit events, community meetings, and industry networks to stay current on emerging needs and opportunities.

Partner with business line leaders and internal stakeholders to promote, recruit, and coordinate employee participation across the Bank's footprint.

Serve as an internal resource for employees seeking involvement with nonprofit and community organizations.

Maintain complete and accurate records of qualifying community development service activities, including the connection between Bank activities and identified community needs.

Establish procedures for collecting service information and documentation from employees, monitor participation, identify programming gaps, and recommend enhancements.

Coordinate meetings, site visits, volunteer activities, and other engagement between nonprofit partners and Bank employees.

Guide employees on CRA community development service requirements and documentation, and assist with related training and communications.

Participate in Sunwest Bank Charitable Foundation initiatives, including nonprofit outreach, grant-related activities, community events, and other assigned programs.

Work closely with the CRA and Fair and Responsible Banking Officer to implement the Bank's broader CRA strategy.

Independently manage assigned programs, community relationships, nonprofit partnerships, and internal stakeholder relationships; this role has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, reliable attendance, quality work, and appropriate workplace appearance; follow company policies, safety regulations, applicable laws, rules, and regulations; and perform other related duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in business, finance, public administration, nonprofit management, community development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

At least five years of relevant experience in community development, nonprofit relations, corporate philanthropy, employee volunteerism, banking, CRA compliance, community engagement, or a related field.

Ability to independently manage multiple programs, relationships, projects, and deadlines.

Ability to evaluate information from nonprofit organizations and community partners and translate it into clear recommendations and supporting documentation.

Strong written and verbal communication, organization, and attention to detail, particularly in recordkeeping and documentation.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and related business applications.

Ability to travel within the Bank's markets as needed.

Core Competencies

Adaptability • Communication • Community Engagement • Decision Making • Initiative • Innovation • Interpersonal Effectiveness • Organization • Partnership Development • Professionalism • Relationship Management • Results Orientation • Strategic Thinking • Attention to Detail

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Build meaningful partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations.
• Shape employee volunteerism and community engagement across the Bank's footprint.
• Support CRA strategy, charitable initiatives, financial education, and measurable community impact.

Posting Location(s):

• Irvine- 2050 Main St Ste 300, Irvine, CA 92614

Compensation

$110,000-$135,000.00 + Bonus + Benefits
Physical Demands:

In general, the following physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow differently abled individuals to perform the essential functions of the job.

Standing, walking, and sitting during the workday.

Ability to read, analyze, and prepare documentation and reports.

Ability to see, hear, and speak to communicate with employees, customers, nonprofit partners, and other external stakeholders.

Manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment and computer systems.

Ability to travel to community meetings, nonprofit organizations, volunteer activities, and Bank locations as required.
• Sedentary: Limited activity, no lifting, limited walking
• Moderate: Mostly standing, walking, bending, frequent lifting

☒ Light: Office work, some lifting, bending, stooping or kneeling, walking
• Arduous: Heavy lifting, bending, crawling, climbing

Pay Range: $110,000 - $135,000 per year