Chief Banking Officer
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Job Description
Chief Banking Officer (CBO)
$135K–$150K Base + ~10% Bonus | Full Relocation OfferedComprehensive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO)Location: (Western Illinois – ~2 hours west of Chicago)
About the Opportunity
We are representing a growing, community-focused bank seeking a Chief Banking Officer (CBO) to join its executive leadership team. This is a newly created role driven by growth and succession planning, offering the opportunity to shape the future of a well-established regional institution.
The bank has approximately 150 employees across 9 locations and has built a strong reputation for relationship-based banking, customer service, and deep community involvement.
Why This Role
- Executive leadership role with direct impact on strategy and growth
- Full relocation package offered
- Strong financial performance and momentum:
- ~$696M in assets (+ 5% YoY)
- Net income up ~20% year-over-year
- Loan growth of ~8% YoY
- Stable, engaged workforce — average employee tenure ~5 years
- Community-driven culture — employees actively involved in local events, nonprofits, and outreach
The Role
The Chief Banking Officer will provide strategic leadership across core business lines, including:
- Retail Banking
- Marketing
- Private Banking / Wealth
- Future Treasury Management expansion
This individual will oversee approximately half of the organization and play a key role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategies to drive deposit growth and market expansion
- Partner with executive leadership on annual goals and performance targets
- Lead and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations
- Strengthen a relationship-driven, customer-first culture
- Oversee branch operations, customer experience, and sales performance
- Partner with commercial lending to deepen client and treasury relationships
- Lead growth of private banking / wealth services
- Build strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations
- Ensure strong operational discipline, compliance, and risk management
Market Coverage
This role supports a 9-location footprint across:
- Core markets in Sterling, Dixon, and Rock Falls
- Additional locations in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin
The position requires a visible leadership presence, with travel across a regional footprint (~75–100 mile radius).
What We’re Looking For
- 10+ years of leadership experience in banking or financial services
- Proven success in strategic growth, team leadership, and business development
- Strong understanding of retail and commercial banking operations
- Experience leading across multiple branches or regions
- Executive presence with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style
- Strong relationship-building skills internally and externally
Culture Fit (Critical)
This is a community banking environment:
- Relationship-driven vs. transactional
- High visibility in the local community
- Collaborative, family-oriented culture
- Leaders are expected to be present, engaged, and involved
Candidates from larger institutions are welcome but must be able to adapt to a relationship-focused, community-first approach.
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