Lending Specialist

Overview

Organization:
Women Venture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Mission: empower women to achieve their economic goals by building profitable and sustainable businesses that transform communities. We provide clients access to business capital, coaching, and community. Our core values are to make meaningful change, to engage with empathy, and to persist boldly.

Position:
Lending Specialist
Supervisor:
Lending Compliance Manager
FLSA Status:
Full Time, Exempt

Location:

Hybrid
Must be in Twin Cities area
Department:
Lending
Salary: $55,000 - $63,000 per year

The Lending Specialist (LS) supports Women Venture'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.

• Applicant Intake & Pipeline Management:
  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.

• Underwriting & Pre-Closing Support:
  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.

• Loan Closing Support:
  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.

• Post Close & Lending Team Support:
  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.

• Compliance & Documentation:
  Support ensuring internal policy and regulatory documentation standards.
• Support funder reporting and written notice compliance.
• Track collateral perfection and post-close compliance requirements.

• Reporting & Performance Insights:
  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.

Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Preferred
  
  Skills:
  
  Excellent customer service; ability to maintain strict confidentiality; strong attention to detail; effective written and verbal communication and reporting; problem-solving and decision-making with supported judgment; proficiency in database programs, Excel, and Microsoft Office; ability to learn new software; strong organization, prioritization, and time management; ability to work with internal and external partners and across complex systems; flexible and adaptable team player;
  
  strong analytical and reporting skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines with high accuracy; strong cultural competencies and collaboration across diverse backgrounds; commitment to gender equality and the organization’s social mission.

• Preferred Experience:
  
  2+ years of loan administration, pipeline, or case management experience (preferably in a financial institution); 1+ year in a client-facing or customer service role; experience in CDFI…