Mechanics Bank is currently searching for a Community Development Finance Officer to join our team. Here at Mechanics Bank, we value connection, partnership, long term relationships and working together in person. This role can work onsite in one of our local offices or remote within the United States.
The Community Development Finance Officer plays a key part in advancing the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) strategy through lending, and investments that support low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. Responsible for collaborating with the Bank’s Director of CRA/CRA Officer and other business stakeholders to achieve CRA lending and investment goals. The Community Development Finance Officer will monitor performance against CRA targets and support strategic initiatives to enhance community impact.
What you will be doing:
Community Development Lending
Identify and originate CRA-eligible loans that support affordable housing, community services, small business development, and revitalization/stabilization efforts in LMI neighborhoods.
Develop and maintain relationships with nonprofit organizations, community development corporations (CDCs), CDFIs, housing developers, and local government agencies.
Structure loan terms to meet both borrower needs and CRA eligibility requirements, including flexible underwriting for mission-aligned projects.
Translate complex CRA regulatory requirements into actionable insights for lending teams.
Community Development Investments
Identify, evaluate, and recommend CRA-qualified investment opportunities that align with the Bank’s CRA strategy and regulatory expectations.
Track and report on the Bank’s investment portfolio, including equity equivalent (EQ2) investments, LIHTC, NMTC, and other community development vehicles.
Maintain relationships with CDFIs, community partners, and other stakeholders to source impactful investment opportunities.
Collaborate with Finance and CRA teams to ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and regulatory compliance of all CRA investments.
CRA Program Governance
Work closely with the CRA Officer to track, report, and analyze community development lending and investment performance and impact for CRA exam preparation.
Prepare reports for the CRA Committee, senior management, and regulators.
Track and evaluate community support programs and recommend strategies to expand their reach and effectiveness.
Product and Program Development
Assist in the development and enhancement of lending and investment products tailored to meet the needs of LMI communities.
Propose new community development initiatives aligned with the Bank’s asset size, assessment areas, and regulatory expectations.
Community Engagement
Represent the Bank in virtual and in-person events and build relationships with community organizations and stakeholders to support outreach initiatives.
Who you are:
3 years of progressive experience in CRA lending, investments, reporting or community development is required.
3 years of financial lending experience is required.
Bachelor’s Degree in business, finance, economics, accounting or related field preferred.
30-40% travel required.
Advanced knowledge of CRA regulations, including investment and lending requirements, reporting standards, and examiner expectations at the Large Bank level.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify data gaps and interpret loan and investment performance.
Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and collaborate across departments.
Prior experience representing a financial institution in community development activities.
Skilled communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels, including regulators, board committees, and community partners.
Strong writing skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, actionable language.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); CRA Wiz training provided if needed.
#LI-DNI
Salary: $145,000 - $200,000 annually
AIP/Bonus: up to 20%
Our comprehensive employee benefits program is designed for you to live your best life at work, home, and everywhere in between. Employees working 25 hours or more per week are eligible for health benefits effective the first day of the month following or coinciding with their date of hire.
Benefits package includes[1]:
Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible family members
Employer paid Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability benefits
Health Savings Account with employer contribution
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter/Parking Benefit
401(k) and Roth 401(k) with company contribution
529 Education Savings plan, Tuition Reimbursement Program and Student Loan Assistance Program
Supplemental Health plans, Voluntary Legal and Identity Theft Services
11 paid holidays, paid Sick days (accrual of one hour for every 30 hours worked), up to 25 paid vacation days, and 16 hours of paid volunteer time throughout the calendar year
Free personal checking and savings account; Discounted rates on primary residence loan with $0 origination fees (restrictions apply)
Final compensation package will be determined by the work experience, education, and/or skill level of the applicant along with internal equity and alignment with geographic market data.
Mechanics Bank is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or other bases prohibited by applicable law.
Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
To learn more about Mechanics Bank’s California privacy and security policies, including your right to a Notice At Collection as a California Resident, please visit
California Privacy Policy for Prospective Employees | Mechanics Bank
[1] The benefits listed in this job posting reflect the Bank’s most reasonable and genuinely expected benefits offered for this position.