Lending Specialist
FSWCF is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports the dedicated entrepreneurial spirit of rural Colorado, by investing in the people, culture and ideas that fuel innovation and financial knowledge in our community, with an emphasis on areas of greatest need. FSWCF was founded in 2015 by First Southwest Bank (FSWB), one of Colorado’s two CDFI banks, to be a gap-funder that provides access to capital for those who would not otherwise be able to secure it.
As FSWCF has grown, we have seen the need for more equitable and inclusive access to capital for our rural entrepreneurs and business owners. We strive to provide a range of innovative financial services including loan and grant programs to enable them to succeed and improve quality of life for our communities. Currently, FSWCF serves all of rural Colorado with a focus on Southern and Southwestern Counties.
This is a full time (40 hours/weekly) remote position with a STRONG preference for candidates located in Southern or Southwestern Colorado, Rural Colorado.
Salary Range: $50,000-$55,000 (DOE)
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.
- 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 supervisors as needed.
- Process: Ensure FSWCF Loan Procedures are up to date and implemented correctly, including updating relevant software.
- Special Projects: Work with the supervisors 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.
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 work load
- Knowledge and/or understanding of key business concepts
- Interest in impact investing, CDFI, or non profit 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) strongly preferred
Minimum Qualifications:
- 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.
- 2-5 years of experience working with business programs and knowledge of or experience with under-banked, low-income, and underserved populations is highly desirable
- Strong knowledge of the Small Business Administration Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) required
- 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.
- Strong analytical, math skills with willingness to use qualitative and quantitative data in decision-making.
- An entrepreneurial work ethic, creativity, and openness to exploring new ideas, systems, and financial tools.
- Strong analytical skills and understanding of economics and accounting as it relates to the lending and business environment preferred.
- Understanding of credit analysis, accounting and finance principles.
- Knowledge of commercial and agricultural lending, credit and appropriate banking laws and regulations
- Experience in credit structuring and prudently accommodates customer credit needs.
- 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.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of customer and credit information.
- Demonstrated proficiency in organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines, with the ability to adapt within a changing environment.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
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.
Please submit your resume, 3 professional references, and cover letter to Azarel Madrigal, [email protected]
This positions is OPEN UNTIL FILLED.