Lending Specialist

Organization Summary

WomenVenture is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower women to achieve their economic goals by building profitable and sustainable businesses that transform communities. We execute on this mission through providing clients access to business capital, coaching, and community. Our core values are to make meaningful change, to engage with empathy, and to persist boldly, and we seek out candidates who exemplify these characteristics.

Position Summary

The Lending Specialist (LS) supports WomenVenture's lending operations across the full loan lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and compliance from initial inquiry through post close transition. The LS manages applicant intake, pipeline tracking, documentation control, underwriting support, loan closing coordination, and collateral perfection. The LS provides reporting, data insights, and process improvement recommendations to strengthen efficiency and reduce risk. This position does not originate loans but serves as a key operational and compliance hub for the lending function. Working cross functionally with the Finance department, the LS ensures smooth operational handoffs, supports modifications and servicing needs, and contributes to a strong, client focused lending experience.

Core Duties

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective loan applicants via email, phone, and referrals.
• Maintain the loan pipeline from initial inquiry through closing and transition to servicing.
• Monitor stage progression, SLAs, aging files, and reconciliation of dashboards and trackers; generate weekly/monthly pipeline reports.
• Pull due diligence reports and gather supplemental documentation for Loan Officers.
• Upon approval, manage the pre closing process, including notification of closing and document preparation.
• Coordinate all aspects of loan closings, including preparation of loan documents, scheduling, e signing, and in person signings.
• Manage disbursement and ensure proper perfection of collateral (UCCs, liens, mortgages, etc.).
• Update and monitor the Loan Process Checklist.
• Collect and file post closing documents, including Proof of Use of Funds.
• Support loan modifications and revolving line of credit draw requests.
• Process collateral releases, manage UCC continuation reporting, and support annual data collection.
• Represent the organization at meetings and events; provide public facing communication as needed.
• Support ensuring internal policy and regulatory documentation standards.
• Support funder reporting and written notice compliance.
• Track collateral perfection and post close compliance requirements.
• Maintain lending scorecards and provide data insights and trend analysis.
• Report service hours and client interaction notes.
• Identify workflow gaps and recommend operational improvements to reduce risk and enhance efficiency.
• Maintain and update SOPs.
• Provide an exceptional client experience by consistently using established client experience tools, processes, and communication practices to support responsive, accurate, and client-centered service.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills

• Excellent customer service.
• Capable of maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Attention to detail, ability to follow complex tasks through to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write, generate and update reports, as well as manage tracking with the use of various tools as applicable across platforms.
• Ability to make reasonable, supported decisions and employ problem solving skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing database programs, Excel spreadsheets and other standard Microsoft Office software. Ability to learn new software/ systems & stay up to date on computer skills.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with internal and external partners, complex systems, and workflows.
• Flexible and adaptable team player.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines with high accuracy.
• Excellent cultural competencies and ability to collaborate across diverse perspectives, ideas, and people with diverse backgrounds.
• High level of commitment to issues of gender equality and the social mission of the agency.

Preferred Experience

• 2 or more years of loan administration, pipeline, or case management experience preferably in a financial institution.
• 1 or more years of a client facing or customer service role.
• Experience in CDFI or nonprofit lending and familiarity with SBA or regulated loan programs.
• Experience using loan management systems.
• Experience using CRM platforms.
• Active MN Notary Commission in Good Standing a plus.

Benefits

• 18 paid holidays and 18 PTO days starting first year.
• Office closed annually between Christmas Day and New Years Day (paid time off not counted toward PTO).
• Medical, dental, vision, short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance.
• Paid paternity leave.
• Health savings account, flexible spending account, pre tax transportation, and employee assistance program.
• Retirement plan with employer match.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit for extended periods and may be required to stand for an extended period. The employee may occasionally move items weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an entire list of all activities, tasks, and skills required of people in the position.