Lending Specialist

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Lending Needs Identification: Coordinate with the Entrepreneur Success Coordinator and Program Manager to support the capital needs of the organization’s customers across all stages of FSWCF’s programming. Support customers in identifying the appropriate capital amounts and programs to support the defined business needs. Interviews applicants to determine financial eligibility and feasibility of granting loans.
  • Process and Underwrite Loan Applications: Assess customers eligibility and fit, provide training on completing loan application, as needed, and track applicant and progress information. Evaluates credit worthiness by processing loan applications and documentation, including screening packages against product guidelines within specified limits. Organize loan information, review application for thoroughness and accuracy, determine additional information needs and perform the necessary due diligence. Analyze and score the loan package in terms of business viability, credit/character, collateral, owner’s equity and skill to operate business. Coordinate with internal and external resources to support the above activities. . Establishes and negotiates the terms under which credit will be extended, including cost, repayment methods and schedules, collateral, requirements, profitability to the Bank and risk assessment and management.
  • Liaison: Works closely with First Southwest Bank Specialized lending department. Works with RM/PM/LA, Other Specialized Lending Department Staff, Credit Analysts and Loan Operations to properly prepare for approval or denial and, loan closing and servicing. Fosters an atmosphere of cooperation and collaboration among department staff and with other departments with FSWB and FSWCF. Reports to FSWB Chief Development Officer.
  • Portfolio Management: Leads the management of the FSWCF loan portfolio.
  • Federal/State Loan Packet Presentations (i.e. USDA): Coordinate submission packages for review and approval.
  • Outreach: May be called upon to represent FSWCF in community outreach events, including hosting a table or trade booth at festivals or forums. Present information on FSWCF and explain our products to targeted stakeholders to develop customers and the brand.
  • Business Support: Provide guidance and/or training, either in groups or one-to-one sessions, to potential borrowers on issues related to small business management, such as capital needs, financial strategy, and/or cash flow management.
  • Report Preparation & Submission: Prepare and submit required reports to funders and Executive Director and Chief Development Officer.
  • Process: Ensure FSWCF Loan Procedures are up to date and implemented correctly, including updating relevant software.
  • Special Projects: Work with the Executive Director and/or Chief Development Officer on special organizational projects as the need arises.
  • Other Duties: Perform other duties as assigned. Be a supportive team member to the Programs Team and other departments in the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities
Ideal Candidate

  • Experience (domestic or international) in commercial underwriting, impact investing, or finance
  • Financial analysis skills including understanding the linkages between the various financial statements and a proficiency in Excel
  • Knowledge of state and federal lending/business development programs
  • Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
  • Knowledge and/or understanding of key business concepts
  • Interest in impact investing, CDFI, or nonprofit lending, experience preferred
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to think about diverse and multiple perspectives when working
  • Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
  • Bi-lingual (Spanish / English) preferred

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, finance or economics or equivalent work experience of two (2) to five (5) years’ experience in business lending, loan underwriting, credit granting, credit analysis, or other type of financing can substitute.
  2. 2-5 years of experience working with business programs and knowledge of or experience with under-banked, low-income, and underserved populations is highly desirable
  3. Strong knowledge of the Small Business Administration Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) required
  4. Passion for microfinance and the organizational mission of providing credit to small businesses that do not have access to capital from other commercial sources preferred
  5. Strong analytical, math skills with a willingness to use qualitative and quantitative data in decision-making
  6. An entrepreneurial work ethic, creativity, and openness to exploring new ideas, systems, and financial tools
  7. Strong analytical skills and understanding of economics and accounting as it relates to the lending and business environment preferred
  8. Understanding of credit analysis, accounting and finance principles
  9. Knowledge of commercial and agricultural lending, credit and appropriate banking laws and regulations
  10. Experience in credit structuring and prudently accommodates customer credit needs
  11. Track record of demonstrating accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Applies feedback to improve performance and monitors own work to ensure quality
  12. Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer and credit information.
  13. Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines, with the ability to adapt within a changing environment.

Salary Range

$50,000 – $55,000

Reports to the Chief Development Officer (FSWB) and Executive Director (FSWCF).

This is a full time (40 hours/weekly) remote position with a STRONG preference for candidates located in Southern or Southwestern Colorado, rural Colorado.

Working Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Required to talk and hear; frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Ability to stand and sit, reaching with hands and arms, kneeling, crouching. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Depending on location and time of year, extreme high and low temperatures within the building will be experienced. This is a remote position with some travel required.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume, references, and cover letter to Rosy McDonough with the subject line “Lending Specialist – [insert your name]”.

Your cover letter should explain your reason for wanting to work for FSWCF, an example of how you demonstrated success in a similar position, and a description of how this position fits into your long-term career plan.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.