This vital role is responsible for overseeing the lending and the technical services provided to business owners in the Omaha 100 network. The Director of Business Lending leads the policy development that enables products to be created and guidelines to be enforced that serve as the backbone for the community driven services provided by Omaha 100. As Staff liaison to the Business Advisory Committee, this role serves as a key relationship builder and outreach coordinator for the state of Nebraska's entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Responsibilities
Lead Omaha 100's business loan origination and capital deployment efforts to meet organizational goals and objectives.
Develop and manage referral networks through networking, partnership development, public speaking, and outreach.
Assist clients with loan applications, ensuring completeness and accuracy, and educate them on available financial products that fit their needs.
Guide clients in business plan development, financial goal setting, and projections to enhance their loan readiness.
Assess client eligibility for loan products, analyze financial statements, and evaluate debt serviceability.
Conduct interviews, site visits, and assessments of businesses applying for loan consideration.
Oversee loan underwriting and packaging, including credit analysis and financial risk assessment.
Prepare and present loan applications and supporting documentation for underwriting and loan committee review.
Facilitate loan closing processes and provide ongoing loan servicing, including client support and periodic site visits.
Monitor and manage loan portfolio performance, ensuring compliance with terms, identifying risk factors, and managing delinquent or charged-off loans.
Utilize reporting software to track loan-related activities, technical assistance engagements, and portfolio performance.
Work with CDFI consultants and the Business Lending Advisory Committee staff liaison to enhance lending practices.
Identify, manage, and grow strategic relationships with key local partners (developers, consultants, public sector representatives) to expand Omaha 100's market presence.
Collaborate with the Senior Director of Operations/CEO on lending strategies, new financing products, and process improvements.
Mentor and manage origination staff through business development, loan structuring, underwriting, and closing processes.
Support talent acquisition, development, and retention, fostering an environment of creativity, innovation, and equity.
Ensure staff expertise in key impact areas to meet both deployment and impact goals.
Assess the quality and feasibility of business proposals and local Technical Assistance (TA) providers.
Coordinate Technical Assistance programs, identifying borrower profiles and their business counseling needs.
Stay informed on local market trends, lending regulations, and industry best practices to optimize lending operations.
Contact clients regarding missed payments and ensure timely follow-ups to maintain strong portfolio health.
Identify and implement process and system improvements in all aspects of loan originations.
Other duties as assigned.
Physical Duties & Responsibilities
This role is both an office and external facing position that will require light travel within the community. Frequent walking, talking, sitting, and standing is required. This position also requires occasional lifting up to 10 pounds when carrying necessary office materials.
Qualifications
Experience in business lending, sales, insurance, small business, or related field.
Knowledge of small business finance and operations.
Ability to prepare and interpret financial statements.
Self-confident in prospecting skills, networking, presentation skills, and negotiation.
Passion for reaching sales and new client outreach goals.
Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills; excellent attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Can work effectively with diverse groups of individuals and values differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and social-economic circumstances.
Strong written and verbal communication along with the ability to use discretion and be confidential with all client data.
Willingness to learn and become proficient in microlending software applications and client relationship management systems.
Willingness to travel to various sites across Nebraska as needed
Education, Certifications & Licenses
Secondary education or equivalent experience in one or more of the following areas: education, human services, social work, law, urban development, communications, public administration, business or related field.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation will be required and necessary for out-of-office meetings and speaking engagements.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Omaha 100 is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.