Who We Are
We have the fundamental belief that we, as an organization, can and will improve lives. Rooted in the centuries-old credit union philosophy of people helping people, we maintain a simple premise. Those we interact with will receive equal and just treatment, devoid of intolerance, false judgment, racism, or discrimination of any kind. We must not accept less if we are to fulfill our mission, "We Improve Lives." This mission empowers us to serve the greater good and to make a difference in our world. Our cooperative structure creates a cycle of mutual assistance towards the common goal of the financial well-being of members.
At BHFCU, we’re committed to improving the lives of our members every day, and we look for people who share that passion. Don’t have a ton of financial industry experience? No problem. Our onboarding includes an orientation program with ongoing training to help staff further their career at BHFCU by building on their existing strengths.
General Purpose: Responsible for establishing business relationships with commercial borrowers by providing lending and product expertise while ensuring loan quality and deposit growth for the Credit Union. Responsible for ensuring the business credit operations are in accordance with established policies and result in maximum volume and profit for the Credit Union.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Approve, reject, and process business loan applications; verify applications for completeness; conduct credit investigations; determine value and status of collateral (if any); establish a signature limit (if applicable); and document business loans as per Credit Union policy and procedures.
- Participate in the Credit Union’s business development program by identifying member needs, developing individual calling programs, and conducting outside member calls to attract new business and ensure profitable usage of financial products and services.
- Counsel members on business management and financial matters where possible.
- Facilitate business lending by seeking potential clients and effectively explaining Credit Union business products and services.
- Cross-sell a full range of Credit Union products and services to present and potential members and recommend the best way BHFCU may serve them.
- Review and understand the BHFCU business loan policy and procedures and remain current on changes.
- Assist the Business Lending Manager, fellow lenders, and support staff in enhancing employee understanding and commitment to loan growth and quality services of the Credit Union.
- Develop and grow business member relationships using BHFCU’s member service quality goals and philosophy.
- Maintain and seek knowledge of Credit Union products and services, operations systems/processes, member product penetration techniques, industrial trends, etc.
- Organize work, with the direction of the Business Lending Manager, to accommodate walk-in/phone members and proactive contacts with business members.
- Schedule proactive contacts (mail, phone, in person) with members to recognize the value of relationships; assess needs and build rapport; conduct follow-up activities; track contacts and progress on the contact management system.
- Continuously use information (systems, sales reports, etc.) to monitor progress against goals; take needed actions; seek coaching and advice as needed.
- Provide referrals to internal team members, based on the size and complexity of loan requests. Make appointments as necessary.
- Establish ongoing profiles of key members to understand the financial needs of both short and long-term borrowers.
- Service and administrator assigned business loans in accordance with BHFCU business loan policy and procedures.
Other Duties/Responsibilities
- Listen to member inquiries, requests, and problems; resolve issues in a timely manner in accordance with member expectations and guidelines of all policies and procedures.
- Track repetitive member issues and share with appropriate staff to minimize problems and improve efficient processes, making more time for member contact.
- Maintain confidentiality of complex and sensitive issues.
- Document all matters in a business relationship, generally by written loan comments; CRM platform comments; or verbal discussion with the Business Lending Manager.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned.
Job Knowledge
- Working knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing credit union services.
- Working knowledge about the organization’s policies/procedures and Credit Union’s service philosophy.
- Working knowledge of the organization's in-house computer system and internet.
Job Qualifications (Skills)
- Vision: A sighted person to effectively review documents.
- Speech/Hearing: Ability to communicate verbally and in writing with staff, members and vendors.
- Manual Dexterity: Ability to perform necessary computer-related input.
- Physical Mobility: Limited mobility required. Requires the ability to work flexible hours.
- Time Management: Ability to independently meet and set deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and use appropriate authority.
- Research skills: examine loan applications, credit reports, loan structures and provide review/analysis.
Job Qualifications (Ability)
- Understand and follow complex written and oral instructions.
- Comprehend complex functions and procedures and disseminate that knowledge in a clear and understandable format to others.
- Express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Prepare and maintain confidential records and reports.
- Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze research data and develop solutions.
- Analyze statistics and financial data.
- Ability to use related software.
- Possess the ability and desire to learn and improve member relations skills, interpersonal skills, delegation skills, team player skills, and good organization skills.
Job Qualifications (Education/Experience) - Job Levels:
Business Lender I
- Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Bachelor’s degree focused on business, credit analysis, accounting, or other relevant degree.
OR
Two to three years’ of lending experience, preferably in commercial lending, credit analysis or business lending is acceptable. Formal training should be supplemented with continuing education.
- Must have experience in analyzing business financial statements and assessing the viability of businesses.
- Must have excellent communication and PR skills.
- The ability to motivate or influence others is a material part of the job, requiring a significant level of diplomacy and trust.
- Must demonstrate characteristics of a highly motivated, high-energy, and positive person that is self-motivated and a team player.
- Ability to obtain cooperation (internally and/or externally) to meet business goals.
Business Lender II
- Meets all requirements/experience for a Business Lender I
- Three to five years of commercial lending experience is required. Formal training should be supplemented with continuing education.
- Ability to recommend changes in business lending policies and operational procedures consistent with overall Credit Union policies and operating objectives.
- Assist managers in training employees in commercial lending subjects, as appropriate.
Senior Business Lender
- Meets all requirements/experience for a Business Lender II
- Five years of commercial lending experience is required. Formal training should be supplemented with continuing education.
- Act as a peer mentor within the department.
- Cross train fellow lenders, as appropriate.
- Review and update internal procedures as appropriate.
Working Conditions
Material and Equipment Involved
- In-House Computer System
- Various Software Applications
- Scanners
- WebEx
Work Environment/Physical Activities
Occasional travel to one of BHFCU’s branch locations or attendance at community events may be required.
Physical Requirements
Perform primarily sedentary work with limited physical exertion and occasional lifting of up to 10 lbs. Must be capable of climbing / descending stairs in emergency situation. Must be able to operate routine office equipment including telephone, copier, facsimile, and calculator. Must be able to routinely perform work on computer for an average of 6-8 hours per day, when necessary. Must be able to work extended hours whenever required or requested by management. Must be capable of regular, reliable and timely attendance.
Working Conditions
Must be able to routinely perform work indoors in climate-controlled shared work area with minimal noise.
Mental and/or Emotional Requirements
Must be able to perform job functions independently or with limited supervision and work effectively either on own or as part of a team. Must be able to read and carry out various written instructions and follow oral instructions. Must be able to speak clearly and deliver information in a logical and understandable sequence. Must be capable of dealing calmly and professionally with numerous different personalities from diverse cultures at various levels within and outside of the organization and demonstrate highest levels of customer service and discretion when dealing with the public. Must be able to perform responsibilities with composure under the stress of deadlines / requirements for extreme accuracy and quality and/or fast pace. Must be able to effectively handle multiple, simultaneous, and changing priorities. Must be capable of exercising highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.
Notice: This job description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, a contract or guarantee for employment. BHFCU adheres to all federal and state labor laws regarding termination and probationary periods. This position is also subject to all the personnel policies of the Black Hills Federal Credit Union. Changes may be made to this job description at any time by the President. Black Hills Federal Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer.
