Fair Lending Program Manager

Title: Fair Lending Banking Specialist / Program ManagerLocation: Sewell, NYJob Type: Direct hireWork Week: 8:15 am – 5 pm, in officeWork Mode: 100% onsiteSalary 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 ResponsibilitiesFair Lending Program Ownership & GovernanceDesign, 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 modelServe as the primary subject matter expert and owner for Fair Lending risk management across all lending products and business linesAdvise Senior Management and the Board of Directors on emerging Fair Lending risks, regulatory expectations, and program effectivenessRisk Assessment & MonitoringDevelop and execute the Bank’s annual Fair Lending risk assessment, evaluating underwriting, pricing, marketing, steering, redlining, and product riskDesign and oversee a robust Fair Lending monitoring framework, including:Comparative file reviewsRedlining analysisMarketing and outreach reviewsException and override testingQuality of assistance reviewsIdentify root causes of Fair Lending issues and ensure timely remediation and control enhancementsReporting & Regulatory EngagementPrepare clear, concise, and data-driven reports for Senior Management and the Board of Directors on Fair Lending risk, trends, and remediation effortsServe as the primary owner for Fair Lending regulatory examinations (OCC, FDIC, CFPB, state regulators), including preparation, issue management, and response developmentMaintain comprehensive documentation, workpapers, and evidence supporting program effectivenessPolicies, Controls & TrainingDevelop and maintain all Fair Lending-related policies, procedures, and program documentationReview credit policies, pricing structures, underwriting criteria, marketing strategies, new products, and third-party activities to proactively identify Fair Lending riskDesign and lead Fair Lending training programs for employees, Senior Management, and the Board of Directors, including customized training as neededCross-Functional LeadershipPartner with the CRA Officer, Lending teams, Compliance, Risk Management, Audit, and Operations to integrate Fair Lending controls throughout the organizationLead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen preventative and detective controlsManage special compliance projects as assignedRequired QualificationsImportant 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 ProgramsDemonstrated experience designing and managing Fair Lending risk assessments, monitoring frameworks, and regulatory examinationsExtensive hands-on experience with:Comparative file reviewsRedlining analysisUnderwriting and pricing risk reviewsFair Lending remediation effortsExpert knowledge of Fair Lending laws and regulations, including ECOA, FHA, HMDA, and regulatory guidanceProven ability to present complex Fair Lending risk information to Senior Management and Board-level audiencesStrong analytical and data interpretation skillsProven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage multiple complex projects simultaneouslyExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational skills and ability to work independentlyPreferred QualificationsCertified Compliance Professional (CRCM, CAFP, or similar)Experience leading Fair Lending programs within community banks, regional banks, or credit unionsExperience working directly with regulatory agencies on Fair Lending mattersAdvanced data analytics or statistical analysis experience related to Fair Lending risk