Loan Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:

Entrepreneur Works is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated and customer-focused Loan Officer to be responsible for originating, underwriting, and servicing small business loans, with a focus on entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional financing. This role involves working closely with applicants to assess creditworthiness, structure loans, and provide guidance on financial management. The Loan Officer will also develop relationships with community partners to generate referrals and expand access to capital. The Loan Officer will ensure that existing and new financial products and business services align with the organization’s mission and serve the market’s needs.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Loan Origination & Underwriting

• Identify and engage potential borrowers, providing guidance on loan products and application requirements.
• Work with the Director of Lending and credit analysts to conduct financial analysis, assess credit risk, and structure appropriate loan terms.
• Prepare credit memos and present loan recommendations to the credit committee.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

Business & Product Development

• Build relationships with referral partners, including banks, community and business development organizations, chambers of commerce, and local government agencies.
• Represent Entrepreneur Works at community events and business training workshops and forums to promote lending programs.
• Work with senior management team to develop and implement loan production goals in accordance with organization’s strategic and annual operating plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve outreach and financial inclusion efforts.
• Contribute to new product development including researching and analyzing market needs and analyzing credit risks of new product opportunities.

Client Support & Portfolio Management

• Assist borrowers throughout the loan origination and closing process.
• Coordinate the loan closing process with the portfolio management team.
• Work collaboratively with lending and entrepreneur service staff to coordinate on-going technical assistance to borrowers.

Other Related Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation of industry and funder surveys and reports.
• Work with the senior management team to prepare proposals for the funding and financing of operations and the loan fund for current needs and anticipated growth.
• Coordinate with staff to ensure that data collection, reporting and filing systems meet the organization’s reporting needs and comply with all contracts, funder and audit requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years in small business or micro lending, banking, economic development, or a related field.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or finance preferred. Professional experience commensurate with the responsibilities outlined will be considered if the candidate’s educational background does not align with the position’s requirements.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a customer-centric approach to interactions.
• Analytical Skills: Strong financial analysis and credit underwriting skills. Understanding small business operations and challenges, particularly for underserved entrepreneurs, is preferred.
• Software proficiency: Comfort using loan management software and the Microsoft Office Suite applications. Experience with relational database applications a plus.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Customer Focus: Dedication to providing exceptional service and support to loan applicant prospects and borrowers.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset and willingness to work closely with colleagues in a small team environment as well as the ability to take the initiative, work independently and manage competing priorities with a modest amount of supervision and direction.
• Adaptability: Ability to multitask, prioritize workload, and adapt to changing priorities. This position requires a high degree of self-motivation, dedication, creativity, and perseverance as well as flexibility with work hours.
• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to handling sensitive borrower information with integrity and confidentiality.
• Commitment to Mission: Demonstrated interest in microfinance, entrepreneurship and working with diverse and underserved populations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Hybrid work options available.