Loan Operations & Administration Manager

About the role

We're hiring a Loan Operations & Administration Manager to own the closing and post-closing process. This role splits its time roughly evenly between two connected functions: Loan Operations and Loan Administration.

Loan Closing & Operations

• Manage the end-to-end closing process for approved loans
• Ensure borrowers and loans are properly entered in our digital loan management system and maintain complete, accurate loan files
• Prepare settlement statements and coordinate the flow of funds at closing
• Work with title companies and outside counsel to execute loan agreements and perfect our collateral position, including liens, mortgages, deeds of trust, and UCC filings
• Ensure all conditions precedent are met at closing
• Strengthen, document, and improve loan operations procedures and internal controls as our portfolio and product mix grow

Construction Lending

• Serve as the primary point of contact with our third-party construction management firm, coordinating the review of draw requests through our internal approval process
• Manage the movement of construction funds once draws are approved, both internally across Steward entities and externally to borrowers and vendors

Portfolio Monitoring & Reporting

• Maintain portfolio tracking systems and exception reports, including tracking of all recurring deadlines and expirations
• Support portfolio-level reporting to leadership
• Support review of covenant waiver and loan modification requests
• Support annual audits and investor reporting, including preparation of loan files and portfolio data

Servicing & Delinquency Management

• Serve as the first point of contact for late payments, reaching borrowers promptly, professionally, and in keeping with our relationship-first approach
• Manage our loan servicing and workout process for extended delinquencies, keeping the process on track and coordinating the leadership and counsel who make workout decisions
• Process payoffs, lien releases, and post-closing loan changes
• Resolve documentation exceptions identified after closing

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in commercial loan operations, loan closing, loan administration, or commercial loan servicing
• Bachelor's degree
• Working knowledge of secured lending documentation and collateral perfection (mortgages, deeds of trust, UCC filings, title work)
• Experience coordinating with third parties (title companies, attorneys, insurers) to hit closing deadlines
• General understanding of business financial statements
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced, fully remote environment
• Exceptional organization and attention to detail; you catch the missing signature and the expired insurance certificate
• Strong, empathetic communicator who is comfortable making a difficult phone call to a borrower while preserving the relationship and protecting the lender
• Proficiency with loan management systems and comfort learning new software

Preferred

• Experience with USDA-guaranteed lending programs (or other government-guaranteed programs such as SBA), including their documentation, servicing, and reporting requirements
• Construction lending or construction draw administration experience
• Project finance, commercial real estate, or equipment finance experience
• Experience at a small or growing lender where you wore multiple hats
• Familiarity with loan workouts, forbearance, or special assets

Nice to have

• Passion for regenerative agriculture and local food systems

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $85,000 to $105,000, depending on experience
• Fully remote company; work from anywhere in the US
• Paid time off: Four (4) weeks per year, plus federal holidays
• Employer-sponsored health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Employer-sponsored retirement savings plan with 401(k) matching
• Annual, in-person team retreat

Company Values

• Steward values a diverse workplace and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
• We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous and people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented communities to apply.