VP, Underwriting

Finance of America•,

4d•$150,000 - $200,000

About The Position

Responsible for leading the underwriting organization with a primary focus on team leadership, pipeline management, and workflow optimization. Ensures underwriting operations are efficient, scalable, and aligned with business objectives while maintaining strong collaboration across departments. Drive the adoption of technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to enhance underwriting productivity, consistency, and quality across HECM and proprietary reverse mortgage products.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of mortgage underwriting experience, with significant reverse mortgage experience.
Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing underwriting teams or operations.
Deep knowledge of HECM, FHA/HUD guidelines, and reverse mortgage underwriting practices.
Strong experience managing pipelines, workflows, and operational performance.
Proven ability to improve efficiency, turn times, and quality metrics.
Experience working with underwriting technology, LOS systems (Encompass preferred), and automation tools.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to lead in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Strong focus on operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
Forward-thinking mindset with interest in leveraging AI and automation.
Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence across departments.
Strong problem-solving skills with focus on root cause analysis.
Ability to balance speed, quality, and risk management.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Leads and manages the reverse mortgage underwriting team, including managers, team leads, and underwriters, ensuring strong performance, accountability, and development.
Oversees underwriting pipeline management to ensure appropriate prioritization, workload balance, and adherence to service level agreements (SLAs).
Evaluates and continuously improves underwriting workflows to drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
Partners with Processing, Closing, Sales, QC, and other departments to ensure seamless workflow integration and reduce bottlenecks.
Champions the use of technology, automation, and AI tools to streamline underwriting processes and reduce manual effort.
Identifies opportunities to enhance workflow through system improvements, LOS optimization, and automation of repetitive tasks.
Ensures underwriting decisions are accurate, compliant, and aligned with FHA/HUD, HECM, and proprietary product guidelines.
Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) related to turn times, quality, productivity, and pipeline health.
Uses reporting and data analysis to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
Manages complex underwriting escalations, exception requests, and guideline interpretations.
Collaborates with Risk, Compliance, and Credit Policy teams to ensure adherence to regulatory and investor requirements.
Drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance borrower experience and internal efficiency.
Supports capacity planning, staffing models, and resource allocation to meet business demands.
Leads change management efforts related to process improvements, system enhancements, and new technology adoption.
Promotes and implements AI and automation solutions to improve underwriting workflow efficiency.
Leverages data and analytics to support decision-making and pipeline visibility.
Partners with Technology and Product teams to design and implement workflow enhancements.
Drives adoption of tools that support document review, data validation, and condition management.
Ensures all technology solutions are implemented with appropriate controls, compliance oversight, and auditability.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.