Location: We are looking to hire for our Racine/Kenosha location and a second location that has yet to be determined, focusing on a experience job seeker to fulfill the rural area(s) of Wisconsin ( Appleton, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Hayward, etc.).
WWBIC is dedicated to empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs through comprehensive financial education, access to fair capital, and tailored financial products. With over 35 years of experience, WWBIC has successfully helped thousands of clients create jobs, build wealth, and achieve their business goals across the state.
Position Summary
The Lending & Relationship Officer is responsible for originating, underwriting, closing, and managing small business and microloans in alignment with SBA Program requirements and organizational lending policies. This role integrates loan production, portfolio management, and borrower technical assistance to ensure both strong portfolio performance and meaningful client outcomes.
The position supports entrepreneurs—particularly those from underserved communities—by providing access to capital, financial education, and ongoing business guidance. This position collaborates across teams to advance organizational mission and client outcomes, leveraging WWBIC training and coaching programs. The Lending & Relationship Officer ensures compliance with SBA regulations, internal policies, and funder requirements while contributing to community economic development.
Key Responsibilities
Loan Origination & Underwriting
- Conduct outreach and develop referral networks to generate loan applications.
- Analyze, underwrite, and structure loan applications, including financial statements, credit reports, and business plans.
- Prepare and present complete loan packages with risk assessments and repayment capacity analysis to loan committees.
- Ensure all underwriting decisions align with SBA Program guidelines, internal credit policies, and risk tolerance.
- Guide borrowers through the full lending lifecycle from intake through closing and disbursement.
- Approve and process loan disbursements in accordance with policy.
Technical Assistance & Client Support (SBA Required Component)
- Provide pre- and post-loan technical assistance to borrowers, including loan readiness, financial literacy, and business planning.
- Deliver one-on-one coaching and group training workshops on topics such as cash flow management, credit improvement, and financial management.
- Educate clients on loan terms, repayment obligations, and financial responsibilities.
- Track and document technical assistance hours and outcomes in required systems (e.g., Neoserra or equivalent).
- Identify and refer clients to additional business advisory services as needed.
Portfolio Management & Compliance
- Manage an assigned loan portfolio to ensure high-quality performance, including monitoring repayment activity and borrower financial health.
- Maintain accurate and complete loan files in compliance with SBA, organizational, and audit requirements.
- Monitor delinquencies and implement collection strategies, including recommending new loan structure / terms when appropriate.
- Collect and report borrower data required by SBA and other funders (e.g., employment impact, demographic data).
- Prepare reports on portfolio performance, risk trends, and impact metrics.
- Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, including SBA Program rules and internal compliance standards.
Business Development & Community Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with financial institutions, community partners, and referral sources.
- Represent the organization at community events, workshops, and professional meetings.
- Promote lending programs through outreach, presentations, and partnerships.
- Stay current on industry trends in small business lending, community finance, and SBA programs.
Program Delivery & Performance
- Achieve individual and organizational loan production goals.
- Meet SBA and funder requirements for technical assistance delivery and reporting.
- Support program expansion initiatives for microlending and small business financing.
- Collaborate across teams to advance organizational mission and client outcomes.
Core Competencies
- Financial Analysis & Credit Risk Assessment
- SBA Compliance & Documentation
- Client Coaching & Technical Assistance Delivery
- Portfolio Management & Loan Servicing
- Relationship Development & Community Engagement
- Attention to Detail & Regulatory Compliance
Success Measures
- Loan production and disbursement targets achieved
- Portfolio quality (delinquency, charge-offs, risk ratings)
- Technical assistance delivery (hours, outcomes, client readiness)
- SBA program compliance and audit readiness
- Borrower business growth and sustainability
- SBA Compliance & Documentation
- Client Coaching & Technical Assistance Delivery
- Portfolio Management & Loan Servicing
- Relationship Development & Community Engagement
- Attention to Detail & Regulatory Compliance
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 3–5 years of experience in small business lending, credit analysis, SBA lending, or financial advising.
- Strong knowledge of financial statement analysis, cash flow evaluation, and credit underwriting.
- Experience providing client coaching, technical assistance, or small business advising.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet performance targets.
Preferred
- Experience with SBA Program or community development financial institutions (CDFIs).
- Familiarity with SBA compliance, reporting, and audit requirements.
- Bilingual or multilingual abilities.
- Experience working with underserved and diverse communities.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $67,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Business Lending: 3 years (Required)
Language:
Location:
- Racine, WI 53403 (Preferred)
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
- Racine, WI 53403 (Required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person