Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union•Durango, CO

39d•$33 - $41

About The Position

Job Scope: Originates, reviews, and evaluates mortgage loan applications and makes recommendations; counsels members regarding appropriate financial planning and practices; provides members with superior quality service aligned with Sunward's core values. Works independently to manage lending and sales activities, applying advanced consultative techniques and handling complex loan scenarios. Drives business growth through strategic pipeline management, anticipates member and referral partner needs, and maintains compliance with policies, regulatory standards, and risk management practices. Acts as a trusted advisor to members and internal partners, mentors less-experienced colleagues, and contributes to team performance and business development initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum of 4 years' directly relevant experience in loan origination, mortgage lending, mortgage brokerage, or a related financial services field.
Bachelor's degree or relevant work experience combined with degree/coursework/certification in a related field or relevant work experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
Current registration with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) or ability to become registered upon employment.
Thorough understanding of mortgage lending fundamentals, underwriting criteria, and regulatory requirements; able to apply independently in complex or high-value scenarios.
In-depth knowledge of mortgage products, including construction loans, jumbo or specialized loans, and other complex lending programs.
Comprehensive understanding of credit analysis, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies; capable of identifying and addressing nuanced risks.
Extensive familiarity with internal policies, procedures, and compliance standards; able to advise peers and ensure consistent application across transactions.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and comfortable using digital communication, workflow, and reporting tools.
Ability to independently manage the sales and loan process from lead engagement through closing, applying advanced consultative techniques to complex member needs.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; able to explain complex lending topics clearly, actively listen, and manage member expectations.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple initiatives and a complex loan pipeline.
Ability to identify cross-sell and referral opportunities and provide solutions aligned with member needs and long-term financial goals.
Capable of exercising independent judgment in complex or high-value situations and escalating issues appropriately.
Demonstrates professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to continuous learning and feedback.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with peers, branch staff, referral partners, and external stakeholders.
Supports the development of less-experienced colleagues by sharing knowledge and best practices to enhance team performance.

Responsibilities

Independently interviews and processes mortgage loan applications through multiple channels, including appointments, web applications, phone, and walk-ins.
Originates, evaluates, and closes a broad range of mortgage loan products, including construction loans, handling complex or high-value transactions with minimal assistance.
Conducts in-depth credit and financial assessments, analyzing supporting documentation (e.g., paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, asset statements) to evaluate creditworthiness and structure optimal loan solutions.
Reviews property-related documentation, including purchase agreements, warranty deeds, real estate contracts, and related materials, ensuring accuracy and alignment with lending standards.
Discloses loan applications accurately and in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations.
Documents approval or denial decisions with clear reasoning and supporting documentation in loan notes, exercising independent judgment and sound decision-making.
Provides a highly consultative and personalized member experience by actively listening, assessing needs, explaining product features and benefits, and recommending tailored solutions.
Educates members on mortgage products, creditworthiness, underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and financial planning to enable informed decision-making.
Manages a robust personal pipeline of loan opportunities, balancing volume and quality, prioritizing leads, following up regularly, and ensuring accurate status updates.
Builds and executes strategic plans for territory and referral network growth, cultivating relationships with realtors, builders, referral partners, and internal branch teams.
Identifies and applies cross-sell and ancillary product opportunities based on member needs and long-term financial goals.
Applies advanced knowledge of lending products, underwriting criteria, regulatory requirements, and risk management practices; anticipates and mitigates potential risks.
Exercises independent judgment in complex situations, including loan structuring and issue resolution, escalating only when necessary.
Leads and mentors less-experienced loan officers, supporting their training, development, and sharing best practices to improve team performance.
Participates in outreach events, seminars, and community engagement to expand business opportunities and strengthen member relationships.
Engages in ongoing professional development, attending training, seminars, and workshops to maintain and enhance product, regulatory, and process knowledge.
Collaborates with branch teams and internal partners to optimize lead generation, pipeline progression, and member satisfaction.
Strives to exceed individual and department origination goals while maintaining a high standard of service.
Performs other duties as assigned by management.