Senior Loan Closing Specialist

Live Oak Bank•Wilmington, NC

2d•$82,240 - $133,640

About The Position

The Senior Loan Closing Specialist plays a critical leadership role in delivering accurate, compliant, and customer‑focused loan closings from credit approval through funding. This position quarterbacks SBA and Conventional loan closings of varying complexity while serving as a trusted subject‑matter expert and mentor to the closing team. By balancing strong technical execution with exceptional customer service, the Senior Loan Closing Specialist helps ensure positive borrower experiences, high‑quality outcomes, and consistent support for Live Oak’s mission and team success.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Demonstrated excellence in customer service, including the ability to manage high‑touch borrower relationships and complex communications
Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to independently manage a large pipeline
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
High attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy
Professional, discreet, and trustworthy when handling confidential information
Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions in a regulated environment
Prior SBA Experience

Nice To Haves

College degree in business, finance, legal studies, or a related field
5+ years of experience in commercial lending, loan closing, legal, or financial services
Extensive experience with SBA and/or Conventional loan closings

Responsibilities

Manage the loan closing process for SBA and Conventional loans from credit approval through funding, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and customer experience
Handle a broad range of transactions, from routine loan closings to more complex structures, applying sound judgment and expertise as complexity increases
Demonstrate advanced proficiency in closing across multiple industry verticals and loan structures
Serve as the primary point of contact for borrowers and internal partners, delivering clear, timely, and professional communication throughout the closing process
Lead closing kick‑off calls and respond to borrower and internal inquiries with urgency, expertise, and a customer‑first mindset
Build strong working relationships with borrowers, attorneys, loan officers, underwriters, and third-party vendors to ensure timely production of all closing documentation
Create, distribute, and maintain detailed loan closing checklists to track due diligence and closing requirements
Review and validate attorney‑prepared closing and construction loan documents, applying independent judgment to ensure compliance with Bank, credit, and regulatory standards
Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve closing issues, escalating risks or concerns appropriately to the Loan Team, Closing Team Manager, or Bank Attorney
Assemble complete and accurate credit and closing files prior to funding
Independently maintain clean, well‑organized loan files while managing a robust and varied pipeline
Complete pre‑funding reviews for Associate Loan Closing Specialists and Loan Closing Specialists as needed
Ensure closing dates are met or proactively manage extensions or rescheduling when required documentation is delayed or incomplete
Validate loan structure and credit terms in partnership with loan officers and underwriters, ensuring all modifications are properly addressed
Coordinate with Quality Assurance, attorneys, and borrowers to resolve loan exceptions while maintaining a positive customer experience
Provide coaching, mentoring, and informal training support to Associate Loan Closing Specialists and Loan Closing Specialists, partnering with the Closing Training Manager as needed
Maintain strict adherence to regulatory and compliance requirements, including BSA, AML, CIP, and OFAC
Follow SBA Standard Operating Procedures and Live Oak Bank policies and requirements
Act as a collaborative and dependable team member, recognizing the importance of teamwork in delivering high‑quality closings
Perform other duties as assigned