Consumer Loan Underwriter

OUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
At Lighthouse Credit Union, we believe all individuals, regardless of position level, are considered leaders. By providing a framework that balances clarity with adaptability, our Leadership Competencies aim to foster a culture of continuous growth and agile leadership. Lighthouse Credit Union is committed to embracing change, nurturing leadership talent, and ensuring our performance management practices are aligned with our vision of fostering a resilient and forward-thinking organization. As such, we all hold ourselves accountable to the following:

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

Demonstrates Interpersonal Awareness & Skills
A cornerstone of our collaborative work environment, this competency emphasizes effective communication, relationship building and teamwork. It also supports creating a positive work environment that values individual contributions and fosters teamwork. As an individual leader, you will demonstrate active listening, clear communication and contribute beneficially to team dynamics.

Embraces Change & Learning
This competency focuses on adaptability, personal development and the advocacy and embracing of progressive change. You will be challenged to explore continuous learning opportunities to achieve excellence and foster a culture of growth and innovation. As an individual leader, you will actively engage in personal development, embrace change enthusiastically and support team members in their growth. You will also demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing circumstances.

Utilizes Critical & Creative Thinking
Underlining the importance of innovative problem solving, challenging the status quo and strategic thinking, this competency is vital for driving excellence and leadership. This competency challenges team members to take initiative beyond one's immediate responsibilities. As an individual leader, you will actively look for and share opportunities for improvement, show open-mindedness to new ideas and professionally challenge inefficient processes. You will also actively contribute to defining solutions and promoting innovation.

Takes Personal Ownership
This competency focuses on taking responsibility for performance goals, proactive collaboration and accountability. It highlights the significance of each team member taking ownership of their role and contributions while demonstrating leadership qualities regardless of their position. As an individual leader, you will be actively engaged in setting and achieving performance goals, take responsibility for personal action and decisions and seek opportunities for self-improvement and skill development.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Consumer Loan Underwriter is responsible for rendering credit decisions on all Indirect and Direct loan applications. This role requires ongoing communication with auto dealerships and branch personnel to provide clear guidance regarding loan decisions and structure. The Underwriter is expected to adhere to all lending policies, procedures, and guidelines established by Senior Management and must develop a thorough understanding of the Loan Funding process to support the Funding Team as needed.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities
* Evaluates and renders decisions on indirect loan applications daily, providing coaching and guidance to loan officers and partnering with underwriting staff to ensure well-structured, credit-worthy loan submissions.
* Reviews and approves Direct loan applications, delivering ongoing coaching to branch and call center teams and serving as an accessible resource for loan discussions and decision rationale.
* Communicates loan decisions and strategies with dealership personnel, engaging in discussions on business needs, potential loan volume opportunities, and maintaining strong dealer relationships througheffective negotiation skills.
* Calculates and verifies all sources of borrower income, including complex tax returns for self-employed applicants and all associated schedules, ensuring accuracy and compliance with lending requirements.
* Analyzes debt-to-income ratios and overall loan structure to confirm alignment with credit union policies, risk tolerances, and regulatory guidelines.
* Prepares and completes various Loan Department reports as requested by management, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and data integrity.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
* Analytical Thinking: Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, effectively assessing complex lending scenarios, identifying root causes of issues, and implementing sound, data-driven solutions. Well organized with the ability to multitask.
* Communication Skills: Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills, ensuring clear and professional interactions with members, internal teams, and external partners such as dealerships.
* Sound Decision-Making: Consistently consolidates all relevant loan data to make informed, risk-appropriate credit decisions, with a focus on loan performance, regulatory requirements, and credit union guidelines.
* Negotiation Skills: Skilled in building rapport and negotiating effectively with auto dealers to maintain high satisfaction levels, strengthen partnerships, and support sustainable loan volume for the credit union.

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
* A high school education or GED.
* Three to five years of similar or related experience.
* Strong underwriting knowledge and decision-making ability.
* Must have experience in Office Suite including Word, Outlook, and Excel.

WORK ARRANGEMENT:
* The position will require 1 to 2 Saturdays a month.
* The working arrangement for this position is remote. However, remote positions should expect occasional travel to headquarters or other business locations as necessary for work purposes.

We know life doesn't pause when you're at work - and your benefits shouldn't either. At Lighthouse Credit Union, we offer real support for real life, with perks that help you stay healthy, grow your future, and take care of what matters most.

* Student Loan & Tuition Assistance - Whether you're paying off debt or going back to school, we help lighten the load.

* Employee Loan Discounts - Get access to lower rates on personal loans, just for being part of the team.

* Weekly Paychecks - Because waiting two weeks shouldn't be the norm.

* 401(k) with Employer Match & Profit Sharing - We invest in your future with generous contributions and immediate vesting.

* Lighthouse Leave Program - Paid time off for major life moments, from welcoming a child to caring for a loved one.

* Volunteer Time Off (VTO) - Give back to your community with paid time to serve.

* PTO + Paid Federal Holidays - Rest, recharge, and celebrate without worry.

* Balanced Schedule - All branches close by 5pm and on Sundays - no late nights or unpredictable shifts.

* Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Plans - Coverage that starts quickly and fits your needs.

* HSA/FSA Options - Save pre-tax dollars for everyday health expenses.

* Discounted Pet Insurance - Because furry family members deserve care too.

* Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Free, confidential support for life's challenges - available 24/7.

* Annual Bonus Program - Celebrate your wins, your teammates' successes, and the Credit Union's growth - together.

* Engagement Groups - Join communities like Pride at Work, Women in Leadership, Book Club, and more.

* Ongoing Training & Career Growth - We invest in your development from day one.

* Annual Summit & Team Outings - Celebrate wins and connect with coworkers across the organization.

LIGHTHOUSE CREDIT UNION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER