Appraisal and Environmental Manager
Job Summary
The Appraisal and Environmental Manager (AEM) oversees the Bank’s appraisal and environmental review processes, ensuring they support safe lending practices, comply with regulations, and mitigate risk.
Key Responsibilities
Direct and manage appraisal and environmental review lifecycles, including ordering, engagement, monitoring, review, and final acceptance of reports.
Ensure alignment of collateral analysis and environmental due diligence with loan structures and risk profiles.
Serve as a liaison between lending staff and external parties, including appraisers and environmental consultants.
Monitor timelines and deliverables to ensure timely completion of appraisals and environmental reviews.
Support the Environmental Review Officer (ERO) in determining appropriate report scope and managing environmental assessments.
Complete collateral valuation reviews as needed.
Oversee performance and quality of contracted appraisers and reviewers, maintaining their independence and timeliness.
Maintain and enforce Bank’s appraisal and environmental review policies and procedures.
Participate in internal audits and regulatory examinations, assisting with issue remediation.
Administer and optimize appraisal and environmental review workflows, providing training and support to lending personnel.
Identify opportunities for process improvement and risk reduction.
Provide direct leadership to assigned staff, fostering a culture of compliance and quality.
Comply with all applicable banking regulations and internal policies, including BSA/AML, OFAC, CIP, Fair Lending, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, Information Security, Privacy, and Sexual Harassment policies.
Required Knowledge
Advanced knowledge of appraisal laws, regulations, and professional standards, including USPAP and FIRREA.
Extensive expertise in commercial real estate appraisal methodologies and practices.
Working knowledge of residential real estate appraisal practices.
Strong understanding of regulatory requirements impacting appraisals, such as Fair Housing Act, RESPA, HMDA, UDAAP, and related guidance.
Strong knowledge of environmental due diligence concepts, environmental report types, and risk considerations affecting commercial real estate collateral.
Skills and Abilities
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple deadlines.
Elevated level of customer service orientation and professional diplomacy.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook, Visio).
Ability to research and navigate the Bank’s core systems (e.g., JHA).
Familiarity with commercial and/or residential loan underwriting preferred.
Ability to manage difficult conversations and interact professionally with challenging stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Finance, Real Estate, or a related field.
Certified General Real Estate Appraiser license required; MAI designation strongly preferred.
10+ years of commercial real estate appraisal experience.
5+ years’ experience managing an appraisal and/or environmental review function or related third-party risk process within a financial institution, preferably a regional bank organization.