JOB OPENINGS

Community Lending Specialist

Remote, Full-time

In this role, you will find yourself in a nonprofit unlike many others, we’re entrepreneurs at heart and we operate as such. We take risks, we work fast, and we’re working to be Colorado’s most efficient and impactful small business support organization including both funding and technical assistance. You will play a crucial role as we execute this vision and we hope to find someone looking to grow with us.

The Community Lending Specialist evaluates and approves loan applications for small businesses while offering financial counseling and technical assistance to enhance their creditworthiness. They build and maintain strong relationships with borrowers and community partners, ensuring timely loan repayments and fostering a growing pipeline of loan applicants. In this crucial business development role, they seek opportunities to expand the applicant pipeline through strategic partnerships with technical assistance providers, banks, and other community organizations.

Responsibilities & Tasks:

Loan Origination and Evaluation (40%):

• Evaluate loan applications for small businesses, including analyzing financial status, credit, and property evaluations via Loanwell.
• Recommend approval and present loans to the Loan Review Committee based on thorough analysis.
• Conduct detailed interviews with loan applicants to understand their financial needs and objectives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with loan applicants, providing ongoing support and guidance.

Loan Application Support (30%):

• Assist applicants in completing loan applications and gathering necessary documentation.
• Provide clear and timely communication to applicants regarding the status of their applications.
• Work closely with the underwriting team to ensure accurate and efficient processing of loan applications.
• Offer financial counseling and technical assistance to help applicants improve their creditworthiness and business plans.

Community Engagement and Outreach (20%):

• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners, technical assistance providers, and other stakeholders to expand the pipeline of loan applicants.
• Participate in community events and outreach activities to promote the organization’s lending programs.
• Collaborate with marketing and business development teams to identify opportunities for new partnerships and outreach initiatives.

Portfolio Management (10%):

• Monitor and manage a portfolio of approved loans, ensuring timely collection of payments and addressing any delinquencies.
• In partnership with the CEO and team, develop and implement strategies to manage and mitigate loan risks.
• Conduct regular follow-ups with borrowers to assess their financial health and provide ongoing support.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of loan applications, approvals, and repayments.

Qualifications:

• Worked previously with either a CDFI or other forms of small business lending.
• Strong loan underwriting experience, 5+ years.
• Community/ecosystem development and partnership management.
• You must be bilingual in English and Spanish.

Qualities We Hope You Have:

• You’re an innovative thinker, when you see a problem you are restless until you can fix it!
• Kind and warm in working directly with borrowers and volunteers alike.
• A strong communicator, clear about where you need support, potential issues, and in engaging with borrowers.
• Passionate about growth (personal and professional), always seeking to learn and improve yourself but also looking to find leverage points for us to grow our program.
• You’ve got integrity and inclusion in your DNA.

Compensation:

• $70,000 – $85,000 per year, based on experience
• Full health and dental coverage
• Unlimited PTO
• Fully Remote
• Phone stipend

We value the contributions of our team members and are committed to ensuring a mutual fit for long-term success. New hires will undergo a 90-day introductory period. During this time, you will have the opportunity to learn about our company, demonstrate your skills, and ensure that our organization aligns with your career goals.

At the end of the 90-day period, we will conduct a performance review. Following a satisfactory review, we will transition you to full-time employee status.

About Energize Colorado

Energize Colorado exists to foster resilient business communities across Colorado by innovatively addressing capital gaps. Founded in 2020 to support the state’s small business ecosystem, we have deployed more than $60M in grant and loan funding to small businesses across the entire state. We are a small but mighty team working fully remotely and do get together in-person at least once a quarter for planning sessions, team outings, and retreats. As we all live in different parts of the state we welcome applicants from anywhere inside of Colorado.