Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer

Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer

First Farmers Bank & Trust has been proudly serving families, farms, and businesses since 1885, building relationships rooted in trust and community. With over 140 years of experience, we've grown to become one of the largest community banks in Indiana and Illinois, offering a full range of financial services—from personal and business banking to agricultural lending and mortgage solutions.

Our mission is simple: deliver personalized financial services while fostering strong relationships that help our communities thrive. We believe in combining today's digital banking convenience with the traditional values of integrity, perseverance, and customer care.

With 37 branches in Indiana and Illinois, we remain deeply committed to the communities we serve. Through initiatives like financial education programs, scholarships, volunteerism, and local partnerships, we invest in what matters most—people.

At First Farmers, we also invest in our employees. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values collaboration and community engagement. When you join our team, you're not just starting a job—you're joining a company built on heart and grit.

Position Summary:

The CRA Officer is responsible for overseeing and administering First Farmers Bank & Trust's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Program in accordance with Regulation BB (12 CFR Part 228). This role ensures the Bank effectively meets the credit needs of its assessment areas, including low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and geographies, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations and supporting safe and sound operations. The CRA Officer serves as the primary advisor to management and business lines on CRA performance, exam readiness, and community development opportunities.

Program Oversight & Governance

• Administer and maintain the Bank's CRA program, including policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Provide regular reporting to executive management and the Board/Audit Committee on CRA performance, trends, and risk.
• Ensure alignment with related regulatory areas, including Fair Lending (ECOA/Reg B) and HMDA, while maintaining clear program distinction.

Performance Monitoring & Assessment Area Management

• Monitor CRA performance across lending, investment, and service activities.
• Conduct periodic assessment area analysis and recommend changes as appropriate.
• Identify performance gaps and partner with business lines to support improvement.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of CRA-related data.
• Utilize CRA systems and mapping tools (e.g., RATA) to monitor performance and identify opportunities.
• Prepare management reports, dashboards, and exam support documentation.

Regulatory Exam & Audit Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for CRA examinations and regulatory inquiries.
• Coordinate data requests, submissions, and documentation to ensure complete and accurate exam readiness.
• Support internal audit and independent reviews; track and remediate findings.

Business Line Support & Training

• Provide guidance to lending and retail teams on CRA expectations within the Bank's assessment areas.
• Deliver targeted training on CRA requirements and performance objectives.
• Supply market and demographic insights to help business lines identify opportunities within LMI areas.

Community Development Support

• Support the Bank's efforts to develop and maintain relationships with nonprofit and community development organizations.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating qualified CRA loans, investments, and services.
• Represent the Bank in community meetings or initiatives, as needed.

All other job duties as assigned

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 or more years of experience supporting CRA-related activities and initiatives
• Demonstrated experience partnering with nonprofit and community development organizations that serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) or underserved individuals, supporting CRA-related activities and outreach
• Strong knowledge of CRA (Regulation BB – 12 CFR Part 228) and related regulations
• Familiarity with HMDA, Fair Lending, and CRA data analysis tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related area of study
• 3-5 years of experience in banking with a focus in compliance, ending, and/or community development programming
• CRACP (Certified Community Reinvestment Act Professional) designation

Skills

• Exceptional organizational skills with a strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Ability to analyze geographic, demographic, and lending data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas of risk
• Skilled in preparing and delivering clear, data-driven reports and presentations to management, committees, and other stakeholders
• Ability to communicate program performance, progress, and strategic insights effectively to a variety of audiences

Work Environment

• Primarily office or branch-based environment with standard business hours. Occasional travel to other branch locations or community events will be required
• Daily extended use of banking software, secure digital platforms, and standard office equipment
• Repetitive hand and arm movements
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed
• Moderate business traveling

Benefits Overview:

At First Farmers Bank & Trust, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance:

Health & Wellness

• Medical Insurance (eligible on date of hire) with options for High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Co-Pay Plan
• Vision Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Prescription Plan
• Wellness Incentive – earn up to $25 per pay period toward premium reduction

Financial Security

• Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance – 100% employer-paid
• Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance – 100% employer-paid
• 401(k) Plan
• Profit Sharing Stock Option
• Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions for HDHP participants

Paid Time Off

• Vacation time
• Sick Time
• Personal Day
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Bereavement

Additional Benefits

• Paid time to volunteer (when representing FFBT and supervisor approved)
• Voluntary Donated PTO Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance Program
• Corporate Discounts
• Employee Referral Program
• Stock Purchase Loan Option
• Retirement Plan Counseling
• Wellness Program
• Gym Reimbursement
• Employee Quarterly Recognition Program
• AFLAC supplemental benefits
• Cincinnati Life supplemental coverage
• Family Medical Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Maternity Leave Policy