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 Manager
The VP – CRA/Fair Lending Manager 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.
CRA & Fair Lending Program Management
- 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.
Monitoring & Risk Management
- 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.
Skills & Competencies
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, law, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- At least 5 years of experience in bank compliance, risk management, audit, or a related regulatory role
- Experience with HMDA and CRA data collection, validation, and Loan Application Register submission processes
- Strong working knowledge of CRA, HMDA, Regulation B, the Fair Housing Act, and related fair lending laws and regulations
- CRCM designation
- Direct experience working with OCC, FDIC, Federal Reserve, or state banking regulators during examinations
What We Do
Bank First is headquartered in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Through a combination of acquisitions and de novo offices, our Bank has expanded to serve the financial needs of those throughout Wisconsin. Our growth has been achieved through our relationship-based model of banking. We take pride in knowing our customers on a personal level and working together to create value for themselves, their families, and the communities in which we live. As a result of our growth throughout the State of Wisconsin, our valued customers have access to an increased lending capacity, a wider range of products and services, an expanded branch network, and a larger team of bankers dedicated to providing superior financial solutions that are value driven. Bank First employs over 300 full-time equivalent staff and has been consistently named one of the best banks to work by American Banker. At Bank First, we strive for excellence, not only for our customers, but for our employees, community, and shareholders as well. Our focus on excellence has resulted in Bank First being recognized as one of the top performing banks in the United States. We are one of 26 banks in the country to be awarded the Raymond James Community Bankers Cup. The award recognizes the top 10% of community banks in the nation based on profitability, operational efficiency, and balance sheet metrics. Additionally, we have been recognized on the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Bank Honor Roll. As Bank First looks to the future, we will continue to focus on our relationship-based model of banking and expanding our reach throughout the State of Wisconsin. Bank First will continue to expand through organic growth and in the form of de novo branches and strategic acquisitions in the coming years and is excited for the opportunity to provide superior products and services to a larger base. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
