Senior Underwriter

IFF (CDFI)•Chicago, IL

22m•$85,000 - $108,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Responsible for loan production, including screening, evaluation, structuring, and approval, and as lead/primary client relationship manager during the approval process. Work closely and collaboratively with lenders and closers to ensure the thorough and efficient processing of loan requests, with the expectation of a high level of independence. IFF is looking for candidates who are committed to the work we do and can demonstrate creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, a growth mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in business, accounting or finance. Or equivalent experience in a similar position.
Five years’ experience in banking, finance, or real estate finance required.
Demonstrated competence in commercial lending terminology and credit and financial statement analysis.
Some travel within the Midwest, including occasional overnight travel; occasional evening and weekend work; able to inspect active construction project sites.

Responsibilities

Primary point of contact for client loan requests. Responsible for underwriting, seeking approval, and facilitating the closing of loans, including those requiring complex structuring.
Guide prospective borrowers through the loan application, approval and closing process.
Intermediate analytical skills necessary to gather and interpret data and prepare reports.
Screen projects for alignment with IFF and department goals. Evaluate loan requests, including the organization's financial condition and projections, site analysis and building plans, operations, potential risks, and other relevant data to support a recommendation of whether to make a loan. Follow up as necessary with client and others to obtain additional information.
Coordinate as necessary with the Managing Director of Lending – Chicago, NW IN, WI, IA & MN to underwrite, structure, package, and present loan recommendations for approval to loan committees.
Support IFF’s Customer Relationship Management database with data input to ensure that accurate and comprehensive information is readily available.
Coordinate with IFF Closing and Escrow Services team, borrower, attorneys, and others to facilitate closing process in timely and efficient manner.
Work with the Portfolio Management team to support smooth transition of relationship post loan closing.
Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.
Work closely with lenders and closers to ensure ultimate client satisfaction and regional production goals are met.
Respond in a timely manner to inquiries from prospective borrowers, provide information regarding IFF lending programs, assess loan readiness, and assist as necessary to prepare loan submissions and related paperwork.
Follow up in a timely manner with leads and referrals
Closely coordinate with lenders to ensure clear roles and responsibilities for each client and/or project to ensure efficient and high-quality results.
Maintain required job knowledge, skills, and core professional competencies. Attend and participate in required educational programs and staff meetings.
Maintain clear lines of communication with lenders and clients in regards to loan requests.
Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.
Perform other projects as assigned. No job description can be entirely comprehensive, and the jobholder will be expected to carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time and are broadly consistent with the job description and status of the position within the organization.