LEAD Program Associate – Leadership Development

Job Description

LEAD Associate | TowneBank

The Tone:
This is a full-time leadership and management development program at TowneBank, located in Suffolk, VA for initial training, with subsequent on-the-job training in regional locations. TowneBank is a financial institution deeply committed to delivering exquisite service for its members, which in turn leads to a reasonable rate of return for shareholders, a bright future for its dedicated bankers, and a leadership role in promoting the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the broader community. The organization fosters a hometown banking philosophy, where its family members, directors, and employees actively embody this commitment by serving on numerous boards and generously donating their time and talents to local organizations. This specific LEAD program is crucial for cultivating future leaders, designed to equip individuals with the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary to drive success within a top-performing financial institution.

The TL;DR
• Role: Leadership Development Program
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Suffolk, VA
• Pay: $60000–$80000 yearly
• Mission: Develop future leaders with the skills and knowledge essential for success within a top-performing financial institution.
• Tech Stack: Spreadsheets, documents, presentations

What You’ll Actually Do
• Program Participation: Actively engage in the comprehensive LEAD (Leadership Exploration and Development) program, starting with structured onsite training at the bank’s headquarters in Suffolk, VA, from July 2027.
• Rotational Learning: Immerse yourself in the first half of the program through specific job rotations across various departments within the headquarters in Hampton Roads, gaining broad exposure to banking operations.
• Specialized Training: Dedicate the second half of the program to in-depth, on-the-job training in a pre-selected Career Track, such as Retail and Private Banking, Commercial Banking, Mortgage, Insurance, Audit, Accounting, Technology, or Risk Management, within one of Towne’s regions.
• Skill Development: Acquire and refine essential leadership competencies through diverse learning opportunities, including presentation skills, advanced communication, business etiquette, ethics, and financial management.
• Networking & Mentorship: Build valuable professional networks, receive ongoing mentoring from previous program graduates and senior executives, and actively participate in employee resource groups and community volunteerism initiatives, reinforcing the mission of serving others and enriching lives.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Must possess a completed bachelor’s degree; this is an entry-level role designed for developing future leaders within a financial institution.
• Experience: Demonstrate proven initiative, a strong work ethic, and verifiable leadership experience, often gained through significant community involvement or extracurricular activities.
• Skills: Proficiency in core educational coursework including Financial and Managerial Accounting, Economics, and essential computer skills for business applications such as spreadsheets, documents, and presentations.
• Bonus: Preference given to candidates with educational coursework in Intro to Finance, Commercial Banking or Money & Banking, Statistics, Business Information Technology, or Marketing; strong consideration will also be awarded to applicants who have participated in a university leadership or honors program.