Director of Lending Operations

Vision & Strategy

The Director of Lending Operations collaborates with the Chief Lending Officer to develop and execute the strategic vision for consumer lending, underwriting, portfolio management, and member solutions. They communicate a compelling and inspired vision for credit and lending solutions to staff, fostering alignment with the credit union’s mission and values. They serve as a change agent and champion of Verity’s culture, ensuring lending strategies align with organizational goals.

Lending Operations

Oversees all consumer and mortgage lending programs, ensuring sustainable growth and risk management. Ensures efficiency and consistency in originating, underwriting, processing, funding, servicing, and member communications. Develops and implements strategies to meet lending production goals and enhance loan product offerings. Leads new product development initiatives and collaborates with key stakeholders for successful implementation. Partners with the Marketing Department to design and execute lending-focused marketing and sales initiatives. Attends industry and community events to promote Verity and establish external partnerships. Recommends loan pricing, ensuring risk is aligned with strategic objectives and benchmarks.

Compliance & Credit Risk Management

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of consumer lending regulations, economic trends, and industry best practices. Assesses and enhances the efficiency and quality of underwriting, collections, documentation, and account maintenance processes. Documents, recommends, or approves within granted authority changes to lending guidelines, policies, and procedures. Ensures compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations, mitigating risks and ensuring operational excellence. Reviews and approves exceptions to established guidelines. Oversees and manages regulatory reporting and departmental internal and external audits, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

Operations & Vendor Management

Oversees lending systems, technology, and operational workflows to drive efficiency and performance. Manages the department budget, ensuring financial alignment with credit union goals. Maintains strong relationships with vendors, indirect lending partners, and mortgage service providers to optimize lending operations.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

Fosters a positive and engaged work culture within lending and the organization. Designs and executes staffing strategies to support departmental and organizational goals. Attracts, retains, and develops high-performing employees, positioning them as future credit union leaders. Conducts regular performance reviews, one-on-one meetings, and professional development initiatives. Provides ongoing training to staff on lending products, services, and compliance requirements. Supports team members with escalated member service issues and credit reporting disputes as needed.

Accountability

Holds Verity’s mission, values, and commitment to exceptional member service. Achieves strategic goals related to lending growth and operational excellence. Develops and supports employees to enhance team and organizational effectiveness. Establishes and maintains strong vendor and partner relationships in alignment with corporate culture. Serves as a role model and leader in fostering Verity’s positive workplace culture.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Sets and confidently communicates a clear strategic direction for Verity’s lending services, guiding the growth of diverse lending portfolios.
• Communication and Change Management: Skilled at leading change and building consensus across diverse teams to foster collaboration and alignment. Influences others using high emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills, effectively managing transitions to align teams with strategic objectives.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Proactively develops and implements effective strategies to manage loan portfolio risk. Ensures full compliance with state and federal regulations while driving quality in underwriting processes through robust credit policies, all rooted in a strong commitment to ethical standards.
• Innovation: Innovatively drives product development that addresses member needs and enhances community impact. Utilizes technology and data analytics to optimize lending processes, elevate member experiences, and expand loan origination capabilities, ensuring that innovative technology is implemented transparently and effectively.
• Community Impact: Actively engages with the community to create lending solutions that reflect Verity’s commitment to social responsibility. Builds and strengthens partnerships and seeks feedback from community members to foster growth and ensure products meet evolving needs.
• Relationship Management: Effectively fosters collaborative relationships across departments to ensure a seamless member experience. Partners closely with marketing, member services, and compliance teams to align lending services with Verity's brand and values.
• Policy Management and Continuous Development: Diligently maintains and updates comprehensive lending policies that support strategic objectives. Collaborates with compliance and legal teams to ensure policies adhere to regulations, leading regular meetings with staff to communicate changes, set performance goals, and promote continuous development within the lending team.
• Market and Industry Insight: Informed about industry trends, market conditions, and consumer behaviors to provide actionable insights that shape Verity's lending strategy. Attends industry conferences and stays updated on best practices to position Verity as a leader in the credit union sector.
• Leadership and Talent Development: Enthusiastically leads, mentors, and develops the lending team to inspire high performance and a positive, member-centric culture. Empowers team members to effectively execute strategic priorities while encouraging their professional growth and development.
• Financial Acumen: Demonstrates a strong understanding of financial principles, including asset-liability management, interest rate risk, and portfolio analytics. Utilizes financial metrics to inform lending strategies and ensure sound decision-making.
• Ethics and Integrity: Embodies strong commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and Verity’s mission of service, with a proactive approach to risk management and compliance.
• Technology Proficiency: Effectively drives technological advancements in lending processes, utilizing various systems with ease and exhibiting a willingness to learn and adapt to new trends.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics or a related field required.
• Minimum of 7 years of lending experience in a financial institution. Credit union or community banking experience preferred.
• 5 years in leadership overseeing lending operations.
• Strong background in consumer and mortgage lending, with regulatory compliance expertise.

Physical Considerations

• Sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• Working on computers for a long period of time in an office environment.