Director of Banking Operations

Description

WHO WE ARE

City First Bank N.A. is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) principally focused on a transformative impact in underserved, urban markets with the highest needs to drive equitable economic development. Our credit activities are purely commercial and focused on the following segments: Multifamily Affordable Housing, Not-for-Profit Finance, and Small Business Finance. As a depository and commercial lending provider with over $1.5 billion in bank assets as of September 30, 2026, our unified organization has over 100 employees in Washington DC and Los Angeles/Inglewood, CA.  

ROLE SUMMARY

The Director of Banking Operations provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of the Bank's operational functions, including Deposit Operations, Digital Banking, Treasury and Cash Management Services, Wire and ACH Operations, Real-Time Payments, Data Management, Loan Servicing, Loan File Management, and associated operational support functions. This position is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, process optimization, and exceptional customer service across both deposit and lending operations.

The Director of Banking Operations develops and executes strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency, scalability, and service delivery while ensuring accurate and timely servicing of the Bank's loan and deposit portfolios. The role serves as a key liaison between Operations, Credit Administration, Technology, Compliance, and Finance to support organizational growth and operational effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and oversee all Banking Operations functions to ensure efficient, accurate, and scalable service delivery. 
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support the Bank’s strategic objectives and growth initiatives. 
• Manage Deposit Operations, including account maintenance, transaction processing, and operational support activities. 
• Oversee ACH, wire transfer, real-time payments, and digital banking operations. 
• Ensure the accurate administration and servicing of the Bank’s loan portfolio. 
• Direct loan servicing activities, including payment processing, payoff administration, lien releases, escrow management, and customer servicing support. 
• Oversee collateral tracking, flood insurance monitoring, force-placed insurance programs, and related servicing requirements. 
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and maintenance of operational and loan servicing data within core banking systems. 
• Establish, monitor, and enhance operational policies, procedures, internal controls, and risk management practices. 
• Ensure compliance with all applicable banking regulations, audit requirements, and internal policies. 
• Partner with Compliance, Risk Management, Finance, Technology, Credit Administration, and business line leaders to support organizational objectives. 
• Develop, monitor, and report key operational performance metrics and service-level standards. 
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and operational efficiencies. 
• Recruit, develop, coach, and lead high-performing operations teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operational management experience in a regulated banking environment across pertinent technical disciplines: Commercial Loans, Deposit Operations, and Payment Solutions (i.e. ACH, wire, mobile, remote deposit, online banking, etc.).

Preferred Education/Experience:

• 5+ years FIS Horizon Core system knowledge.
• Project Management certified

CERTIFICATIONS

• Not applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets customer information firsthand and uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect;
• Strategic mindset: Can anticipate and prepare for various outcomes that may or may not occur and eventualities that might unfold as a strategic initiative is executed. Inclined to think strategically often anticipate obstacles before they arise;
• Innovation & Creativity: Leverages design thinking to use technology to enhance operational processes, improve customer experience, and enhance business value across the lending value chain. Demonstrates critical thinking skills in developing innovative solutions; is a creative problem solver.
• Business Process Optimization: Increases organizational efficiency by improving processes. Follows the discipline of business process management (BPM), driving optimized processes to lead to optimized business goals;
• Decision Quality: Makes good decisions, quickly when necessary, based upon a mixture of analysis, input, research, wisdom, experience, and judgment. Is sought out by others for advice and solutions. Is willing and able to make tough decisions; most of their solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time;
• Change Leadership: Is a change leader, creating effective plans to promote change and knows how to manage in changing circumstances. Strongly advocates an independent point of view but can be counted on to execute company decisions and strategies. Understands the need for change before being told; seizes opportunities;
• Stakeholder Management Aptitude and a High Emotional Quotient: Demonstrates self- awareness, strong emotional intelligence and communicates effectively across interactions; gets work done through collaboration, positive influence, and effective communication. Is a role model for peer relationships. Reinforces and reward positive performance; provide constructive feedback for improvement.
• Results-driven Mindset: Can be counted on to set goals and objectives and clearly communicate these to the organization. Holds oneself and others accountable for results;
• Provides Recognition for achievements. Is self-confident but not egotistical; maintains an open mindset
• Strong Ethics and Values: Speaks truthfully; admits mistakes and does not misrepresent facts or events; protects confidential information. Actions and decisions reflect Guiding Principles and positive individual values, including commitment to combating systemic racism.