Director Rural 1st Underwriting

About Our Opportunity

Our Director Rural 1st Underwriting leads the team responsible for analyzing and decisioning consumer loans, maintaining credit quality within Association standards, and providing recommendations for servicing actions. 

How You Will Spend Your Time

• Provides day-to-day oversight and leads team members and self according to the association's leadership philosophy and principles. Monitors and evaluates the team to ensure successful performance, adherence to consumer underwriting regulations and that credit decisions are made within Association standards.
• Leads the team to work with sales team members and other stakeholders to understand customer goals, credit strengths and weaknesses, and deliver “value added” constructive lending and financial information that will assist our customers and prospective customers.
• Monitors credit administration. Recommends and implements policies and procedures and administers regulations to support credit philosophy and Association objectives.
• Collaborate with system partners to provide guidance for consensus underwriting and support for their most complex customers.
• Approves or denies loans within delegated authority, makes recommendations for loans exceeding authority and establishes appropriate loan terms to manage loan risks.
• Supports the Head of Credit Rural 1st in the strategic planning and budgeting process. In conjunction with other department leaders, sets team goals to meet or exceed department and association objectives.
• Remains up-to-date and knowledgeable of industry trends and innovations. Provides technical and interpretive guidance in accordance with the association's credit philosophy and practices.
• Establishes and maintains trusting, collaborative and productive internal and external relationships.
• Partners with cross-functional leaders to recommend and implement improved processes and tools that enhance the customer and team member experience.
• Facilitates training for association team members as assigned.
• Models organizational values, inspires a shared vision and holds their team accountable for culture preservation and development

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, agriculture or related field is required. At least four years of credit analysis or financially related experience required. Prior experience leading others preferred. Demonstrated leadership skills including inspiring others to share knowledge and build trust, adjusting individual leadership style to support team members, and seeking and cultivating collaborative partnerships within peer group and across departments. Actively identifies challenges and recommends and implements solutions impacting team level results.  

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.