Rural 1st Operations Specialist

About Our Opportunity

The Rural 1st Operations Specialist provides exceptional, first-level, internal and external customer service through the end to end delivery of consumer loans from origination through funding.

This position requires existing NMLS registration under the SAFE Act, or the ability to obtain the same upon hire, and maintenance of a status in good standing during employment.

How You Will Spend Your Time

• Establishes, develops, and maintains strong internal and external customer relationships by coaching others and consistently providing quality service that is timely, thorough, responsive, and reflects high customer expectations. 
• Works with borrowers and partners with Rural 1st Team members and other cross functional teams to understand customer goals and deliver value-added constructive financial information. 
• Key resource on the loan process. Clearly communicates process steps including, but not limited to confirming intent to proceed, receiving, analyzing, processing applications, validating scope and eligibility.  
• Assists with the decisioning of applications for customer requests and communicates decisions. 
• Monitors rate lock compliance. 
• Validates collateral supports lending requirements.
• Establishes Escrow accounts.
• Gathers, reviews, and inputs appropriate customer financial information and assists credit team members to originate and submit the loan for approval. 
• Meets key milestone dates by proactively communicating approval, providing appraisal, ordering title, and validating for accuracy (Title Companies, HOI Agents, etc.).  
• Prepares, analyzes and sends closing disclosures. 
• Prepares, reviews and delivers closing packages.
• Validates complete and accurate documentation needed to meet closing conditions. 
• Complies with Farm Credit Mid-America processes and procedures by checking loans and being a resource for consumer lending partners/regulations. 
• Monitors all required reports and addresses any issues identified in the reports.
• Prepares and issues appropriate disclosures to borrowers in accordance with Farm Credit Mid-America procedures. 
• Initiates wires on all Rural 1st loans.
• Coordinates, prioritizes and completes closings by confirming accuracy of rate lock, loan pricing and fees. 
• Reviews closing documents for accuracy and preparedness. 
• Monitors Right to Rescind. 
• Prepares and reviews Closing Disclosure with title companies and customers prior to closing. 
• Confirms all closing conditions are satisfied and executed according to closing instructions. 
• Collaborates with builders, title companies and other third parties to ensure accuracy and timeliness. 
• Confirms loan compliance with all FCA, State, and Federal regulations/policies. 
• Provides backup support for other operations lending team members as needed. 

Minimum Education & Experience

High School diploma and at least five (5) years of successful experience in customer or financially related services. -OR- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field and at least one (1) year of experience in customer or financially related  services.

Candidates should be willing and able to work until 6:00pm EST, Monday through Friday, based on the needs of the business.

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.