Small Business Advocate

About the Role

The Small Business Advocate serves as a critical connector between field leadership and local communities, with a focus on supporting small businesses in low‑to moderate‑income neighborhoods. The role promotes sustainable economic growth by ensuring business owners have access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities needed to thrive. This position supports the Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) objectives by advancing small business development, expanding community outreach, and promoting equitable access to financial solutions.

• Community Engagement: Build strong, trust‑based relationships with small business owners in low‑to moderate‑income neighborhoods, serve as a dedicated advocate, and collaborate with Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to broaden access to capital and technical assistance.
• Collaboration with Field Leadership: Partner with regional and local leadership to identify outreach opportunities, expand support through Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs), provide insights that strengthen program design, coordinate place‑based initiatives, and support leadership in identifying, documenting, and communicating activities aligned with CRA goals.
• Resource Connection: Connect small businesses with financial solutions, educational tools, and networking opportunities; promote programs that enhance access to capital, mentorship, and operational guidance; ensure outreach activities reinforce equitable access to credit in alignment with CRA expectations.
• Advocacy &
  
  Education:
  
  Facilitate workshops, seminars, and events that equip small business owners with practical knowledge and best practices; advocate for fair and consistent access to financial products and services tailored to small businesses; participate in activities that may qualify for CRA service hours when applicable.
• Performance & Impact Tracking: Track engagement, program participation, and overall impact across key initiatives; identify gaps and trends to inform strategic improvements; support documentation and reporting of CRA‑related activities in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned, adapting to evolving business needs and organizational priorities.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Community Development, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years in small business development, community outreach, advocacy, or similar fields; exposure to CRA or community development is advantageous.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of challenges and opportunities specific to small businesses operating in low‑to moderate‑income areas.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Exceptional relationship‑building, communication, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Agility: Ability to work effectively across teams and adapt to dynamic business environments.

• Direct experience supporting small businesses in low‑to moderate‑income communities.
• Working knowledge of financial products and services used by small businesses.
• Familiarity with CRA community development concepts and industry best practices.
• Multilingual abilities, which support broader engagement and inclusion.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs include physical, financial, emotional and social well‑being options. For additional details, please visit the benefits page.

Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.