Rural 1st Loan Officer

About Our Opportunity

The Rural 1st Loan Officer (RLO) drives revenue growth by originating high quality consumer loans and building long term customer relationships within an assigned territory. Leveraging deep market knowledge and a consultative sales approach, the RLO identifies opportunities, delivers sound credit solutions, and partners with internal teams to support customers throughout the loan lifecycle.

This role contributes independently to routine and recurring work with growing confidence and consistency. It applies established procedures, manages assigned responsibilities effectively, and collaborates with others to support business outcomes. Team members at this level are expanding functional knowledge, strengthening judgment, and developing problem-solving skills within defined parameters.

How You Will Spend Your Time

• Generates new business and grows market presence through prospecting, networking, referrals, and community involvement while strengthening the Rural 1st brand.
• Establishes trusted customer relationships by understanding financial goals and capacity, positioning lending solutions that align with customer needs and business objectives.
• Originates sound credit by gathering and evaluating financial information, recommending appropriate loan structures, terms, and collateral positions, and balancing customer needs with risk standards.
• Owns the customer relationship through the loan process, guiding customers from application through underwriting, closing, construction, and servicing while coordinating internal partners.
• Builds and owns a robust sales pipeline, collaborating with internal partners on day-to-day management, progress tracking, and clear communication of timelines, expectations, and credit decisions.
• Supports portfolio performance and customer retention by collaborating with servicing, construction, customer care, and resolutions teams to address ongoing needs and identify cross sell opportunities.
• Completes routine assignments independently using established procedures and sound judgment. 
• Applies working knowledge to resolve common issues and identifies when to seek guidance. 
• Communicates clearly with teammates and internal partners to support coordinated work. 
• Organizes workload to meet deadlines and deliver consistent, reliable outcomes. 
• Contributes ideas that strengthen processes, accuracy, and effectiveness.
• Uses available tools and resources to resolve straightforward issues and improve confidence.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma/GED with 5 years relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree with 1 year relevant experience preferred. 

Mental & Physical Requirements

While engaged in this position, team members will routinely sit, use hands for tasks, and communicate orally. Standing or walking is frequently required, while occasional demands include reaching with hands and arms, and lifting or moving up to ten pounds. Vision requirements encompass close and distance vision. The work environment typically has a moderate noise level. This role may entail a blend of mental and physical capabilities, requiring strong mental acuity, problem-solving skills, and occasional physical tasks such as standing, lifting, or extended computer usage. Some roles may require physical or mental requirements related to driving, such as a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive a long-distance. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals as requested.