Community Development Planner Jobs in Buffalo, NY

Overview

At Community Financial System, Inc. (CFSI), we are dedicated to providing our customers with friendly, personalized, high-quality financial services and products. Our retail division, Community Bank, N.A., operates more than 200 customer facilities across Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vermont and Western Massachusetts. Beyond retail banking, we also offer commercial banking, wealth management, investment management, insurance and risk management, and benefit plan administration.

Just as our employees are committed to helping our customers manage their finances, we’re committed to our employees. After all, they make it happen for our customers every day.

To ensure our people can enjoy long and successful careers here at CFSI, we offer competitive compensation, great benefits, and professional development and advancement opportunities. As an equal-opportunity workplace and affirmative-action employer, we celebrate and support a diverse workplace for the benefit of all: our employees, customers and communities.

Responsibilities

The Branch & Community Development Manager drives strategic business development initiatives that foster branch growth and profitability. This role is responsible for identifying and securing new business opportunities, strengthening customer acquisition and retention, and building impactful partnerships with both internal teams and external business partners. A key focus of the position is developing a high‑performing branch team committed to growth, exceptional service, and strong relationship-building.

This role leads by example in community engagement, proactive calling efforts, and superior customer service, while executing the Bank’s strategy to achieve annual goals and objectives related to Loan Growth, Deposit Growth, Financial Services, Credit Administration, and Business Development. As the manager of the branch, this individual ensures full compliance with all operational policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, maintaining a culture of accountability and excellence.

Essential Responsibilities:

Sales and Business Growth

• Develop and implement strategies and calling efforts to promote the Bank’s product and service solutions, with emphasis on deposit growth.
• Time spent outside the branch varies based on branch maturity and market needs, and includes external meetings, community engagement, and pre call planning activities.
• Actively participate in the community to enhance the Bank’s visibility and reputation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Maintain strong knowledge of bank policies, procedures, loan products, and pricing; educate prospects on the advantages of Community Bank.
• Refer applicable loan opportunities to Bank business partners.
• Collaborate with business partners and Bank affiliates to identify referral opportunities.
• May oversee a loan portfolio consisting of business customers.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Lead in the selection of new branch personnel.
• Support scheduling to ensure adequate branch coverage.
• Ensure staff are trained and motivated to meet customer sales and service needs as well as branch objectives and team goals through supportive leadership style.
• Discuss individual employee performance to include sales goals and service performance with appropriate supervisors on a frequent basis.

Performance and Operational Oversight

• Monitor progress and results throughout the year with District and Regional Managers to ensure the branch is performing at a level consistent to achieve growth, sales, and profit objectives.
• Address customer complaints and issues promptly, working to exceed customer expectations and maintain high satisfaction levels.
• Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to pertinent policies, procedures, and internal controls, and meet all job-specific training requirements in a timely fashion.

Other Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned or directed to support branch and Bank objectives.

Ancillary Duties:

As an integral member of Retail Banking, this position actively participates in the community in a manner that reflects favorably on the Bank and is responsible to provide assistance wherever necessary to help the Branches and the Bank in achieving their annual goals. This may include supporting transactions, customer inquiries, or traveling to other branches or districts to provide support as needed and to ensure proper staffing and service levels.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field preferred
• Reliable transportation

Skills:

• Proficient reading, writing, grammar, and interpersonal communication
• Strong negotiation and sales abilities
• Demonstrates effective leadership qualities
• Sound judgment and reasoning
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities
• Thorough knowledge of the features and benefits of financial products and services
• Working knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures regarding financial products and services
• Proficient PC knowledge
• Must be able to consistently demonstrate the Company’s core values: Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Humility

Experience:

• Six (6) years of sales/business development experience, including three (3) years of experience in related banking and/or lending positions preferred
• Minimum two (2) years supervisory experience required
• All applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Other:

• This position may require National Mortgage Licensing System (“NMLS”) registration under the terms of The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (The SAFE Act).
• This position may require Notary Public licensing.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on branch needs, including Saturdays
• Ability and willingness to travel to training sessions, meetings, professional development programs, and company-sponsored events, as required.