Arvest Opportunity Fund Sr Mgr of Special Lending

Pay is based on a number of factors including the successful candidate’s job-related knowledge and skills, qualifications, and prior experience. Arvest offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including a full range of health and life, financial, and wellness benefits. For more information about benefits, please visit www.arvest.com/careers/benefits .

Position is based at 75 N East Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701, however location is flexible and will be determined upon hire. Incumbent should reside within the Arvest 4 State Operational Footprint (AR, KS, MO, OK).

Hours are typically Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with ability to work extra hours as needed.

Starting salary is $87,070 per year with ability to negotiate based on the successful candidate's job-related knowledge, skills and prior experience.

The story of Arvest is one of commitment, started by our founders in 1961, with an intense dedication to focusing on our customers. We will always be active and involved members of the communities we serve, and we will always work to put the needs of our customers and associates first as we continue to fulfill our mission - People helping people find financial solutions for life.

Job Title: Arvest Opportunity Fund Senior Manager of Special Lending

The Arvest Opportunity Fund Senior Manager of Special Lending manages a specialized portfolio of asset-secured or asset-based credit loans and working capital lines of credit, frequently collaborating with Arvest Commercial Lending teams. Working closely with the Executive Director, the incumbent develops lending programs beyond standard commercial relationships, including New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), to benefit the Arvest Opportunity Fund customer base. The incumbent leverages bank assets to maximize revenue, profits, deposits, and cross-selling opportunities, aligning with the mission of the Arvest Opportunity Fund. This position ensures the Arvest Opportunity Fund adheres to state and federal compliance, fosters effective working relationships and open communication with internal and external clients to enhance knowledge of economic development opportunities and potential portfolio risks.

What You'll Do at Arvest: (Other duties may be assigned.)

Work closely with Arvest leadership and lending teams to develop a best-in-class New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) Program. This includes managing the application process, regulatory reporting, internal processes, and cultivating relationships within Arvest's footprint to identify potential high-impact projects.

Manage consultants required to establish a safe, sound, best-in-class lending program that delivers necessary benefits to communities served by Arvest.

Collaborate with Arvest commercial bankers to provide guidance and advice in matters related to identifying, underwriting, closing and servicing specialized lending products including projects utilizing NMTC or LIHTC.

Build relationships with internal departments such as Treasury Management and Payment Solutions, International Banking, Wealth Management and Equipment Finance to enhance the overall banking relationship ensuring the client's business objectives are met.

Support the Senior Manager of Lending Programs with underwriting commercial loans outside of Small Business Underwriting parameters. Work within the underwriting authority and exercise appropriate discretion daily to analyze loan prospects.

In partnership with the Senior Manager of Lending Programs, and in collaboration with various departments (such as finance, analytics, and compliance), formulate, review, and implement lending policies and procedures. Ensure comprehensive program compliance, including compliant internal and external regulatory reviews, and verify that loan origination and maintenance meet all policy and regulatory requirements.

Contribute to charting the strategic course for Arvest Opportunity Fund's special credit and lending programs by developing contacts, gathering and analyzing relevant information and data, and evaluating opportunities.

Actively participate in civic and public relations efforts to generate new business for the Arvest Opportunity Fund, Arvest, and further expand relationships with existing customers.

Partner with the Arvest Opportunity Fund Communication and Education team to develop outreach and marketing materials to distribute to potential internal and external partners, clients, investors, funders, and allies.

Coordinate and oversee various Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) lending activities within the Arvest Opportunity Fund, such as partnerships with Federal Home Loan Bank Programming. Support the bank in meeting its CRA goals and fair lending objectives.

Collaborate with the Arvest Opportunity Fund Lending Team and local bank markets to ensure associates understand specialty lending products and have the necessary knowledge and tools to engage potential customers. Coordinate any required training for the Arvest Opportunity Fund Loan Assistant with the Senior Manager of Lending Programs to ensure preparedness for closing, loan onboarding, and other servicing needs.

Serve on the Arvest Opportunity Fund Loan Working Group, prepare bi-annual special lending board reports and attend bi-annual board meetings. Regularly report programmatic outcomes and performance to leadership.

Proactively manage the department's budget and resource requirements to ensure operational success and achievement of business objectives. Collaborate with other Bank departments to leverage available operational resources to minimize investments in separate technology systems and staffing.

Manage all aspects of the Arvest Opportunity Fund Specialized Lending Portfolio, including responding to and resolving customer complaints, ensuring appropriate risk metrics are met, and analyzing current financial information on existing loans to conduct periodic reviews to determine clients' ongoing creditworthiness.

Explore creative lending programs to better serve customers through partnerships with local community development organizations or Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Understand and comply with bank policy, laws, regulations, and the bank's BSA/AML Program, as applicable to your job duties. This includes but is not limited to completing compliance training and adhering to internal procedures and controls; reporting any known violations of compliance policy, laws, or regulations; and reporting any suspicious customer and/or account activity.

Responsibilities:

Toolbox for Success:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or related field or equivalent related work experience required.

7 years of commercial lending experience or related experience with emphasis in specialty loan programs such as New Market Tax Credit or Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

Direct experience developing and implementing effective, specialty-related lending programs.

Must have the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and the ability to work successfully with the current Arvest Opportunity Fund team.

Proven ability to lead and engage with all levels of management required.

Must demonstrate critical thinking, time management, and the ability to prioritize client needs and customer service.

Relevant military experience is considered for veterans and transitioning service members.

Physical Demands:

Regular attendance is an essential function of the job. The associate must be able to travel occasionally by themselves within the US, possibly overnight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits packages, and significant professional growth.

Arvest Bank is committed to providing equal opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, race-based hairstyles and textures, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other basis, which now or in the future may be specified by law.

Along with an excellent benefits package, our associates are engaged, rewarded for performance, and encouraged to grow professionally and personally. Our future is driven by our associates. If you want to be recognized for your results and empowered to reach your potential, we urge you to apply.

Grade 17

Pay Range: $87070 - $103398 per year