Small Business Administration Lending Manager

Tompkins Community Bank•City of Ithaca, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the Bank’s SBA lending program across all markets. This role develops and executes SBA lending strategies, ensures compliance with SBA regulations and operating procedures, manages portfolio performance and operational processes, and serves as the Bank’s primary SBA subject matter expert. The position partners with commercial teams to drive SBA lending growth, provide training and guidance, maintain regulatory compliance, and support the successful delivery of SBA products and services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field required.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in commercial lending, small business lending, and/or SBA lending, including demonstrated leadership or management experience.
Extensive knowledge of SBA lending programs, with deep expertise in SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
Comprehensive understanding of commercial lending practices, banking operations, regulatory requirements, and credit administration.
Strong credit analysis, financial analysis, loan structuring, and negotiation skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence business partners across multiple departments.
Proven ability to develop policies, procedures, training programs, and operational processes that support regulatory compliance and business objectives.
Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
Ability to effectively manage performance metrics, lending portfolios, and strategic business initiatives.
Ability to travel throughout the Bank’s market areas, approximately 25% of the time.

Responsibilities

Lead the overall SBA lending function and execution of enterprise SBA lending strategies.
Develop, maintain, and enhance SBA policies, procedures, and program guidelines.
Establish departmental goals, monitor performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Serve as the primary SBA subject matter expert for the organization.
Monitor portfolio quality, risk ratings, delinquency trends, and overall SBA loan performance.
Partner with Special Asset Recovery to manage loan workouts, liquidation activities, litigation matters, and guarantee repurchase issues.
Support sound credit administration and portfolio risk management practices.
Ensure SBA applications, underwriting, documentation, closing, and servicing activities comply with SBA requirements and regulatory expectations.
Lead audit preparation and coordinate reviews with regulators, auditors, and internal review functions.
Oversee administration of SBA systems and reporting requirements, including E-Tran, SAM.gov, CAIVRS, PAY.gov, and SBA reporting processes.
Maintain current knowledge of SBA SOP updates, procedural notices, and program changes.
Lead SBA business development activities in partnership with Commercial Banking teams.
Support the structuring and closing of complex SBA lending opportunities.
Develop and maintain relationships with SBA district offices, CDC partners, SBDCs, and other external stakeholders.
Promote cross-selling opportunities and internal referral partnerships across the Bank.
Design and deliver SBA training programs to enhance organizational knowledge and performance.
Provide guidance and consultation to commercial and retail teams on SBA products and processes.
Partner with internal and external subject matter experts to maintain effective SBA workflows and operational practices.
Support department and organizational objectives through additional responsibilities as assigned.
Directly oversee the outcomes and contributions of a team of individuals.
Promote a positive and welcoming organizational culture that aligns with the company’s values.
Holds team members accountable to meet standards of excellence in performing their responsibilities and supporting the company’s mission, vision and values.
Coach and develop team members to reach their full potential, achieve their goals, and advance in their careers.
Contribute to special initiatives and ad hoc assignments that support evolving business needs and personal professional development.