Senior Underwriter

Title: Senior Underwriter

Employee Status: Full Time-Exempt

Salary: Grade 5 

Starting range of $73,000 - $91,300| Grand Rapids, MI 

Starting range of $81,200 - $101,500 | Detroit 

Reports to: Managing Director of Lending, Eastern Region

Department: Capital Solutions

Location: Detroit or Grand Rapids, MI

Hybrid Remote: In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function: Maintain a program of flexible lending to targeted nonprofits throughout

the Midwest; design programs to assist the target market to obtain loans and required financial assistance; maintain financial planning data

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

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 thorough and efficient throughput of loan requests with expectation of high level of independence.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

 Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. 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 MD Lending and Chief Credit Officer 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.

2. 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

Performance Measures:

• Achievement of team lending and program goals.
• Complete, accurate, and thoughtful analysis and communication of lending risks and mitigants for borrower loan requests
• High level of client satisfaction with IFF products and services
• Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing.
• Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
• Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, accounting, or finance.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years’ experience in banking, finance, or real estate finance required.
• Demonstrated competence in commercial lending terminology and credit and financial statement analysis.

Special Knowledge & Skills:

• Familiarity with the nonprofit sector strongly preferred
• Familiarity with construction and lending practices and terminology
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Comfortable in presentation and workshop situations
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, Dynamics and PowerPoint, and the ability to manage information in comprehensive databases.
• 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.

Additional Requirements: Some travel within the Midwest including occasional overnight travel; occasional evening and weekend work; able to inspect active construction project sites.

Standard Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance
• Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

• Hybrid workplace
• Summer Fridays 

Employee Development Benefits:

• Professional development stipend
• Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance
• Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote
• sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.