A Day in the Life

The Credit Executive I is a seasoned credit professional responsible for underwriting, structuring, and credit decisioning of small business and commercial loan transactions across multiple lending products, including SBA (7(a) and 504), C&I, CRE, and specialty/state-supported programs. This role operates with moderate independence, manages moderately complex credit transactions, and serves as a key risk partner to Sales, Operations, and Credit Leadership. The Credit Executive II also provides guidance and support to junior underwriters and may assist Credit Managers with escalations, quality control, and pipeline management.

What You'll Be Doing

Credit Underwriting & Risk Analysis

• Review and analyze loan applications for eligibility, creditworthiness, and compliance with internal policies and applicable program guidelines (including SBA SOPs).
• Perform financial analysis of business and personal tax returns, interim financials, cash flow, collateral, global debt service, and guarantor support.
• Underwrite transactions across multiple products, including SBA, C&I, CRE, and mission-driven lending programs.
• Structure loan requests aligned with product requirements, risk appetite, and regulatory standards.
• Review third-party reports, including credit reports, business credit, background checks, CAIVRS, and other required due diligence.

Credit Decisioning & Documentation

• Prepare clear, well-supported credit memorandums and recommendations for approval, decline, or suspension.
• Exercise delegated credit authority where applicable; otherwise, submit transactions to senior credit leadership or credit committee.
• Review and approve Credit Action Memos and Commitment Letters within assigned authority.
• Ensure loan files are complete, accurate, and audit-ready prior to closing or approval submission.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct borrower interviews and participate in deal calls to clarify financial performance, business operations, and risk factors.
• Partner closely with Sales, Closing, Operations, and Compliance to support timely loan processing and decisioning.
• Escalate material risks, policy exceptions, or regulatory concerns to Credit Management.

Mentorship & Team Support

• Provide coaching, file-level guidance, and technical support to junior underwriters and analysts.
• Assist senior credit leadership during peak volumes, pipeline reviews, audits, or special initiatives.
• Support continuous improvement of underwriting processes and credit quality standards.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all credit decisions comply with internal credit policy, SBA SOPs, SSBCI guidelines (where applicable), and federal, state, and local regulations.
• Participate in internal audits, reviews, and exam requests related to credit and underwriting activities.
• Maintain working knowledge of evolving regulatory and program requirements.

Your Areas of Knowledge and Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3-5 years of progressive credit underwriting experience across multiple lending products, including SBA loans.
• Demonstrated experience underwriting small business, C&I, and/or CRE transactions.
• Exposure to regulated lending environments preferred (SBA, CDFI, bank, or non-bank lender).
• Strong knowledge of financial statement analysis, cash flow modeling, and credit risk assessment.
• Working knowledge of SBA loan programs (7(a) and/or 504) and related compliance standards.
• Ability to independently manage and underwrite moderately complex transactions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including clear credit narratives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word; familiarity with loan origination systems and CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce) preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines, including extended work hours.
• Professional judgment, attention to detail, and sound risk-based decision making.
• CDFI, mission-driven lending, or government-supported program experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Experience working with diverse small business clients and underserved communities.
• Ability to travel, work flexible schedules, and cover different locations, if requested.

Compensation Range

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $90,200 - $108,200 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum base salary for new hires for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by multiple factors like job-related skills, experience, and state of residence. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the interview process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include any variable compensation elements.

Physical Requirements

This is a stationary position that requires frequent sitting (approximately 95%), repetitive wrist motions, grasping, speaking, listening, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. It also may require occasional standing, lifting, carrying of 20lbs or less, walking, kneeling, bending/stooping, twisting, pulling/pushing, and reaching above the shoulder. Employees in this position must be physically able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position.