Citizens State Bank is opening its Durango branch in August 2026 and is seeking a Community Lender to help establish our commercial lending presence in Southwest Colorado. This is a relationship-first lending role designed for someone with genuine Durango community ties, strong credit experience, and the drive to build something meaningful in a market they know well.
You'll originate and manage commercial loan relationships, support deposit growth, and serve as a trusted financial partner to local businesses and organizations — all as CSB's first lending presence in this community. This is a ground-floor opportunity for a seasoned lender who is energized by the idea of building a portfolio from the ground up.
Position Summary
The Relationship Manager is a community-focused banking professional responsible for building and deepening customer relationships in the Durango market as Citizens State Bank establishes its presence in Southwest Colorado. This is a new market for CSB — the Relationship Manager will serve as the bank's first point of contact and a visible, trusted face in the Durango community from day one. This role drives business development, deposit growth, and broad banking relationships. The Relationship Manager is not a formal Loan Officer; rather, they bring foundational lending knowledge to serve as a trusted connector — identifying lending needs and partnering closely with CSB's lending team for more complex credit structures and loan origination. This individual represents Citizens State Bank's values of ownership, grit, and true north in a market where relationship trust will be everything.
Responsibilities
Relationship & Portfolio Management-
Develop, manage, and grow a portfolio of commercial lending relationships within the Durango market and surrounding Southwest Colorado area.
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Serve as a trusted advisor to business customers, taking time to understand their operations, goals, and long-term banking needs.
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Focus on relationship depth, credit quality, and long-term partnership rather than transactional volume.
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Proactively manage loan renewals, portfolio reviews, and ongoing client communication.
Loan Origination & Credit Oversight-
Originate, structure, and close commercial loan relationships including C&I, owner-occupied CRE, and local business credits.
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Gather and analyze financial information to assess credit risk and ensure loan requests align with internal policy and regulatory standards.
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Partner with the CLO to ensure accurate, timely, and well-structured credit decisions.
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Maintain lending authority within established limits and support sound risk management practices.
Deposit & Relationship Growth-
Facilitate deposit relationships alongside lending activity, collaborating with branch teams to support core deposit growth.
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Identify opportunities to deepen relationships through treasury services, operating accounts, and other banking solutions.
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Support a holistic banking relationship that strengthens long-term customer loyalty and stability for CSB.
Business Development & Community Engagement-
Actively represent Citizens State Bank in the Durango community through civic involvement, networking, and local events — helping establish CSB as a trusted, committed community partner from day one.
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Build relationships with business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders across the Durango market.
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Identify opportunities to expand CSB's presence and reputation as a community-focused financial partner in Southwest Colorado.
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Collaborate with the CBDO on targeted business development efforts, referrals, and community-based initiatives.
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Serve as an ambassador for Citizens State Bank's mission, values, and long-term commitment to the communities it serves.
Collaboration & Internal Partnership-
Partner with branch teams, Operations Specialists, and leadership to deliver a seamless client experience.
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Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent communication, follow-through, and service excellence.
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Support a culture of collaboration, shared accountability, and relationship ownership across the organization.
Key Performance Indicators
➢ Portfolio Quality & Growth: Sustainable growth of a well-managed commercial loan portfolio in the Durango market.
➢ Relationship Depth: Expansion of full-relationship banking, including deposits, services, and ongoing engagement.
➢ Deposit Growth Support: Contribution to core deposit growth through relationship-led banking activity.
➢ Credit Quality & Compliance: Adherence to lending policies, regulatory standards, and sound risk management practices.
➢ Community Engagement: Active and visible participation in Durango civic, business, and nonprofit organizations.
➢ Collaboration: Strong partnership with the CLO, CBDO, branch teams, and support functions.
➢ Customer Experience: Consistent delivery of thoughtful, personalized, and responsive service that reflects CSB's values.
Qualifications
Required-
Minimum 3–5 years of commercial lending experience, including loan origination, structuring, and portfolio management.
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Working knowledge of commercial credit analysis, underwriting standards, and regulatory requirements.
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Demonstrated success building and managing business banking relationships.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across diverse audiences.
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Established presence or meaningful ties to the Durango community and Southwest Colorado market strongly preferred.
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Self-directed, organized, and comfortable operating with the initiative required in a new market environment.
Preferred-
Prior experience at a community bank or regional financial institution.
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Familiarity with C&I, owner-occupied CRE, and small business lending structures.
About Citizens State Bank:
Citizens State Bank — an Altitude Bank™ — has served Western Slope Colorado since 1913. We're a community-rooted institution with a bold vision for growth, and we're proud to be expanding into Southwest Colorado. We value employees who bring vision, initiative, and a genuine passion for the communities they serve.
Our Values
Citizens State Bank is a community-rooted financial institution serving the Western Slope and Southwest Colorado since 1913. We value employees who bring vision, initiative, and a passion for serving their communities. Our work is guided by five core values:
1. Ownership – Your success is our success. We take responsibility for outcomes and act with care, initiative, and accountability.
2. Grit – Challenges sharpen us. We persevere through obstacles with resilience and determination.
3. Transparency – Clarity builds trust. We communicate openly, honestly, and consistently.
4. Constant Improvement – Getting better never stops. We are committed to learning, growth, and continuous progress.
5. True North – We serve the long-term benefit of our customers, our bank, our communities, and our employees by staying aligned with what matters most.
Citizens State Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CSB is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CSB are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. CSB will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. CSB encourages applicants of all ages.
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