Mountain Association Seeks a Lending Analyst

Application review will begin on­­­­­­­­­­ August 20 and continue until the position is filled. Even if you miss the initial application review date, if this position is still posted, we encourage you to apply.

Position Summary

The Lending Analyst will work on the Lending Team to advance Mountain Association’s mission. The position’s primary responsibilities include underwriting assigned loans over $50,000; managing a portfolio of microloans, incorporating innovative underwriting and/or lending practices to increase equity in lending; and establishing and maintaining relationships with other service providers, lenders and small businesses.

Background

The Mountain Association is a nonprofit that invests in people and places in Eastern Kentucky to advance a just transition to a new economy that is more diverse, sustainable, equitable and resilient. Our Lending team offers loans to existing and startup businesses and organizations. We are a Community Development Financial Institution, so we can offer greater flexibility and lend to those who may not otherwise qualify. Our Business Support program connects business owners and nonprofit leaders to consultants who can help them succeed. Our Energy experts help businesses, nonprofits, public agencies and homeowners find much-needed energy savings through utility bill analysis, on-site energy efficiency and solar assessments, financing and grant application support.

The Mountain Association also engages in research, communications and advocacy for policy and narrative change, and works with partners on a variety of projects to demonstrate what’s possible in Eastern Kentucky.

Essential Functions

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following areas:

Lending and Technical Experience

• Serve as an underwriter for assigned loans larger than $50,000; develop and present loan proposals to Mountain Association staff and loan committee.
• Work with clients as they complete applications, make site visits, and help clients access loan and technical assistance programs.
• Use external and internal networking and referral sources to identify loan opportunities.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of microloans.
• Provide guidance on establishing processes and procedures for the Lending Team.
• Participate in interviewing and training new Lending Team staff as needed.

Loan Fund Management

• Contribute to developing, maintaining, and strengthening equitable business lending strategies.
• Serve as an underwriter for assigned loans larger than $50,000, with responsibility for loan structuring, credit analysis, and business viability, and participating in due diligence review.
• Work with Lending Director to keep loan policies and procedures current and appropriate.
• Network with key local, state, and federal business development players and entities.
• Serve on both Lending Team and Portfolio Support Team.
•  Participate in the management of troubled loans and perform work-out interventions as directed by the Portfolio Support team.

Community Economic Development

• Develop relationships with community leaders to gain an understanding of the particular challenges they face, and connect them with Mountain Association resources and other opportunities to empower them in serving their communities.
• Attend community meetings and make presentations on Mountain Association’s behalf to build reputation and demonstrate Mountain Association’s value as a partner in region. Participate in community economic development discussions (e.g. SOAR), serve on work groups and, in some instances, lead efforts that contribute to a just Appalachian Transition.

Other/General

• Engages with and participates in the Mountain Association’s journey to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our workplace and our work.
• Participates in Mountain Association programs and training programs as required.
• Performs all other duties, as assigned.
• Practices safety in all aspects of the job.
• Participates in the strategic planning process and implement the plan as it relates to this role.
• Provides courteous, professional services to clients.

Critical Skills

Able to manage workload including ability to understand, follow, and meet schedules; ability to prioritize, organize tasks and time, and follow up; and perform responsibilities efficiently and timely. Able to juggle multiple requests and meet multiple deadlines and can direct and monitor others to ensure goals and deadlines are met. Performs responsibilities efficiently and timely. Takes initiative and needs little supervision. Proactive in anticipating and alerting others to problems with projects or processes. High detail orientation and accuracy. Can thoroughly and accurately complete forms and other documents. Comprehensive understanding of state and federal regulations regarding compliance as it applies to the position. Can effectively communicate with a variety of individuals with diverse backgrounds, education, and economic levels and roles both with external and internal others. Able to communicate effectively and professionally in person, during online meetings, over the telephone, and through email. Able to work well in a team environment and as part of a team.

Required Experience, Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree; OR experience can substitute for education.
• Four years of related experience is required. Demonstrated lending experience is preferred.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us why you believe you are a great fit for the role.

Tools & Equipment

Proficient in basic computer skills, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet usage (e-mail). Capable of learning company database programs.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment.
• Work is primarily in an office environment (at home or a MA office) with office equipment, sitting for long periods of time.
• Occasional travel in the service region will be required.
• Some work will be on site and may require walking, bending, stooping, crawling, and climbing stairs/ladders.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mountain Association provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental handicap or disability in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation.  The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Information

This full-time position offers a competitive salary, with a range of $59,927 – $66,585 – $77,905 per year, along with a generous benefits package. Salary is determined by evaluating an individual’s education and experience above the minimum requirements of the position.

This position’s main office location is flexible between Mountain Association’s offices in Berea, Prestonsburg, and Hazard, Kentucky, though our staff currently have a hybrid work schedule where they work from home as their position allows.

This position will be supervised by Robert Allen, Lending Director.

Please e-mail your resume and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to lendinganalyst.hiring@mtassociation.org. The Mountain Association is committed to principles of diversity and equity and encourages applications from all people. We will ask candidates selected for second interviews to provide contact information for three references. Interviews will take place via Zoom. Our hiring process typically includes: two rounds of interviews and a skill-based activity.

The Mountain Association is committed to ensuring the safety of all employees and their families, our clients, partners, team members and other individuals that we come into contact with for business purposes. Our approach to COVID-19 is informed by science and aligns to recommendations established by the CDC and other applicable government health agencies. Our COVID-19 vaccination policy requires all prospective employees, prior to their start date, to: (1) become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination, or (2) request and obtain approval for an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption. Should an accommodation for a medical or religious exemption be approved, an employee would work with the Mountain Association to develop a COVID-19 safety plan.

Employment is contingent upon meeting these requirements and the requirements of the position.

For more information about the Mountain Association, visit www.mtassociation.org. Please no drop-ins.