Are you passionate about small businesses, entrepreneurship, housing availability, and access to business and housing loans? We are looking for you!
We are seeking a full-time Intake Associate to work in Lyons, Nebraska. This position requires fluency in both English and Spanish.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about small businesses, entrepreneurship, housing availability, and access to business and housing loans. You will be the first person to analyze loan applications and qualify them. You will communicate with Center Loan Specialists and clients, answer loan questions, assist with obtaining the proper documents for the loan application, and determine if the loan application is ready to move to underwriting. You will provide knowledge, support, tools, resources, and accountability to socially and economically diverse populations of entrepreneurs on a variety of small business topics including start-up assistance, financials, and management.
Who we are
The Center for Rural Affairs is a dynamic, energetic non-profit organization working to build a better rural future for all. We’ve done this work for more than 49 years, and we do it from rural places. Our work creates opportunities for beginning farmers, new business owners, and first-time advocates. The Center’s work is fueled by our compassionate, mission-driven staff who work for the betterment of rural communities, stewardship, and the next generation. Additional information can be found at cfra.org.
What you’ll do
The Intake Associate reports to the Lending Services Director, works with the lending team, and is responsible for the following:
- You will educate clients about the financial products that are available to them that fit their needs.
- You will be the first point of contact for many potential clients and communicate with them via phone, email, and social media.
- You will answer client questions about loan products and coaching services offered by the Center and will determine eligibility for requested loan products.
- You will assist clients with loan applications ensuring they are complete and accurate and provide direct assistance to clients who may struggle with the lending software/platform.
- You will assemble and compile a specific set of documents necessary for lenders to advance applications through underwriting and loan committee review.
- You will use reporting software to track loan-related activities and technical assistance activities.
- You will help the Center gain insight into our client needs so we may better serve Nebraska entrepreneurs.
Who you are & keys to success (the must-haves)
To be successful in this job, you will excel in four areas:
- Relationship-building: You develop and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders and can bring in allies and partners from marginalized communities, such as people of color, people with disabilities, low-income families, and immigrants. You know how to build networks, as well as alliances, and find points of collaboration even when there are competing interests.
- Drive to achieve results: You have a track record of accomplishing ambitious goals and getting results even when there are obstacles. You set a high bar and meet it because you think three (or 30) steps ahead to anticipate hurdles and come up with pragmatic solutions. You plan backward and involve stakeholders appropriately.
- Inclusive leadership and management: You approach leadership with a mindset of “power with” rather than “power over” and regularly include others in decision-making. You have experience managing multiple projects and keeping tasks from slipping through the cracks. You use resources wisely and can provide clear direction to clients, partners, and contractors to leverage time and resources for impact.
- Commitment to racial equity and social justice: You recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in addressing disparities, and you consistently amplify community voices to advocate for more equitable solutions. You recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference.
If you were here right now, you would be:
- Serving as the first point of contact for interested individuals seeking to learn more about the loan products the Center has to offer.
- Using your knowledge and experience to educate potential Center clients about financial products that may fit their needs.
- Assisting clients through the loan application process making sure their application is accurate and complete.
- Assembling the application package that contains all the required documents allowing the application to advance to underwriting.
What else you should know
This is a full-time non-exempt position based in Lyons, Nebraska. Applicants must be fluent in both English and Spanish. This position has a salary range of $46,000-$55,000 with top-notch benefits that have a cash value ranging from $10,000 to $29,500, depending on family status and tenure with the Center.
The Center for Rural Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify.
How to apply
If you would like to work for an organization that has a national reputation as one of the top organizations in the country that works to make rural communities more vibrant, apply by sending your resume, cover letter, and three professional references by clicking here. In the cover letter, please include how your personal and professional experiences have positioned you for success in this role and any related work, skills, or expertise you want us to know about. Please let us know how you heard about this position and why you want to work with us.
