SBA Lending Specialist

Reporting to SBA Market Executive, provides sales and front office support to borrowers and loan officers/BBOs as it relates to SBA loans.

Introduction:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated SBA Loan Specialist to join our growing team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in small business lending, knowledge of SBA loan products, and a passion for providing exceptional customer service. In this role, you will support clients through the SBA loan application process, ensure compliance with SBA regulations, and collaborate with our loan processing and underwriting teams to facilitate smooth and efficient loan closings.

Key Responsibilities:

Loan Application Support

• Assist businesses and BBO/LOs in completing SBA loan applications, ensuring all required documents are gathered and properly filled out.
• Help borrowers and BBO/LOs understand eligibility requirements for various SBA loan programs (e.g., 7(a), 504).

Eligibility Review

• Analyze the borrower's financial documents, business plans, etc., to determine their eligibility for SBA loans.
• Ensure documents comply with SBA guidelines.
• Complete initial prescreen of all SBA deals to ensure both file completeness and eligibility
• Review all SBA deals before submission to underwriting
• Prepare SBA deal memos for all transactions

Loan Processing and Documentation

• Help prepare and submit loan packages to underwriting, including the required paperwork, such as 1919, business plan, projections, financial statements, tax returns, etc.
• Work with borrowers and BBO/LOs to collect additional documentation when needed, including financial reports, appraisals, and legal documents.

Loan Structuring

• Assist in structuring the loan terms based on the borrower's needs and the SBA guidelines.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the loan terms and conditions are aligned with both the borrower's business needs and the bank's policies.

Communication and Client Interaction

• Answer BBO/LO inquiries regarding SBA status, explain loan programs, and manage client expectations throughout the process.
• Collaboration with Head of SBA, Underwriting and SBA Operations
• Coordinate with SBA Operations to ensure the timely submission of loan applications to the SBA's ETRAN system for approval.

Pipeline Tracking and Reporting

• Track loan pipeline progress from application submission to funding, ensuring timely processing and follow-up on pending SBA items.
• Provide regular reports on loan status, including any delays or issues that may arise.
• Meet with SBA Market Exec and SBA operations on regular basis to discuss current deal statuses and keep deals moving forward.
• Help facility faster SBA loan pull through.
• Escalate deals with any issues that are not progressing.
• Review SBA underwriting packages

Collaboration with Internal Teams:

• Work closely with loan officers, underwriters, and other internal stakeholders to ensure seamless loan processing and timely disbursement of funds.
• Communicate effectively with other departments to address borrower needs and resolve any challenges that may arise during the SBA loan process.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in SBA lending, commercial lending, or a similar financial services role.
• Strong knowledge of SBA loan programs (7(a), 504, Express, etc.), underwriting criteria, and eligibility requirements.
• Familiarity with SBA regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and loan processing software.

Preferred Skills:

• Certification or training in SBA lending
• Experience with SBA loan origination and servicing software.
• Knowledge of federal and state loan compliance regulations.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Our goal is to offer our colleagues the most generous benefits package possible. We strive to provide colleagues with a comprehensive benefits package and an environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. Benefits include: Competitive compensation with performance incentive awards, Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, a 401K and DC Plan for your retirement, LTD & Life Insurance, Day Care Reimbursement, Tuition Assistance for graduate and undergraduate programs, an award winning Wellness program and much more!

At Rockland Trust you'll find a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is given the chance to succeed. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.