EVP/Chief Administrative Officer

EVP/Chief Administrative Officer

Reports to: CEO/Audit Committee Chair

Location: Corporate - HQ - Fayette

Status: Exempt

Job Summary

CAO plays a key role in the daily management of The Harbor Bank of Maryland and is responsible for the daily support to the organization and its clients. The CAO acts as the central point for Business Management, ensuring all compliance requirements are met. The CAO provides administrative operational support and is responsible for Project Management and Loss Mitigation. The CAO controls and supports these functions across the Bank.

Strategic Planning:

• Assists in the creation of the strategic plan, efficiency, and growth initiatives.
• Responsible for the day-to-day management and measurement of project towards the strategic plan and initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight for enterprise-wide risk and compliance Program, that addresses the requirements of the banks Compliance Management System (CMS) including required policies, procedures, processes, and regulatory requirements that support the Program.
• Establish requirements and oversee enterprise-wide processes for managing issues/findings and corrective actions.
• Develop contingency plans and procedures to address potential crises or adverse events that could impact the Bank's operations or financial stability, including stress testing.

• Review of audit findings, reporting on status of remediation plans
• Key stakeholder in developing a strong risk and control culture; all daily activities associated with improving risk and control are to be supported by the CAO.

• Manage and oversee the activities and duties performed by the Risk Manager, and Compliance department.
• Establish enterprise-wide Compliance Program, that addresses the requirements of the banks Compliance Management System (CMS) including required policies, procedures, processes, and regulatory requirements that support the Program, including BSA/AML.
• Develop or provide direct oversight and input into the development of operational policies that have direct regulatory drivers (e.g., Reg W, Privacy, Flood, HMDA, CRA, etc.).
• Investigate, document, and address issues when compliance violations occur.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to implement corrective actions and prevent future occurrences of compliance violations and other compliance-related weaknesses.
• Coordinates annual risk assessments to include but not be limited to compliance management, fair lending, red-flags identity theft, Community Reinvestment Act and UDAAP.
• Act as a liaison between the Bank and consultants, auditors and regulatory authorities.
• Receive reports and ensure the development, integration and maintenance of all IT systems and applications related to risk management.
• Monitor and review all tools, methodologies, policies, procedures developed by the risk management teams and facilitator of approval by the Board/Executive Risk Management Committees.
• Oversee vendor management program and adherence.

• Provide oversight of Third-Party Risk Management process. And active management of all outsourcing initiatives to internal and external vendors
• Offer clear direction and guidance to Business Management team on initiatives.
• Maintenance and planning for Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) recertification.

Project Management Program Responsibilities:

• Oversight of the organization Project Management Program, ensuring all initiatives align with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Support PMP's through the project life cycle around initiatives throughout the enterprise.
• Provide leadership and guidance to a team of project managers.
• Monitor project portfolios to ensure timelines, budgets, and resource allocations are optimized.
• Act as a liaison between executive leadership and project teams, communicating progress, risks, and solutions effectively.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to identify and prioritize strategic projects that align with business objectives.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors and consultants, to ensure successful project execution.
• Build strong relationships with regulatory agencies to meet compliance requirements effectively.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting professional development, such as PMP certification and training for team members.

Legal & Loss Mitigation Responsibilities:

• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local banking laws and regulations (e.g., FDCPA, UCC, bankruptcy laws).
• Review, and negotiate legal documents, including customer agreements and vendor contracts.
• Manage relationship with outside counsel to provide legal interpretation and guidance to internal teams.
• Represent the bank in small claims or administrative hearings when appropriate.
• Assist in drafting and updating policies related to risk management, credit processes, and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with credit and risk departments to identify and prevent future losses.
• Manage foreclosure proceedings and liaise with attorneys during property repossession.
• Review subpoenas and bankruptcy filings, ensuring timely filing of claims and compliance with court requirements.
• Track and report on loss mitigation efforts, including recovery rates and case outcomes.
• Manage relationships with third party collection agencies.
• Provide insights to senior management on trends, risks, and recommendations for improvement.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and an advanced degree in Business Administration, Information Science, Law or other related field
• Minimum of 10 years of management experience.

• Relevant professional certifications, including: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM) or Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer (CCBCO) required.

• Familiarity or formal training in process management or similar frameworks.
• CDFI industry familiarity a plus
• Experience working with banking industry regulators
• Experience with data management, analytics and management reporting.
• Demonstrated skills in problem assessment and resolution as well as collaborative problem solving in a complex setting required.
• Must possess excellent communications skills with evidence of successful leadership and administrative/supervisory experience.
• Must have ability to detect emerging trends and encourage and make recommendations for innovative change.
• Must be a results-oriented individual with the persistence and patience necessary to work effectively with a variety of internal and external constituents.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with senior level staff, middle management and administrative divisions is required.
• A demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and lead team efforts necessary.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, written, and oral presentations skills a must.
• Strong financial services background, prior work experience in banking a plus.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex business information to stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external counsel.

• Comply with all federal and state regulations and rules impacting this position, meet all risk and compliance obligations, including the completion of required training.