• Seeks out opportunities to promote SBA lending at Stearns Bank through industry contacts and informal networks. Increases the Bank’s visibility as SBA Preferred Lender through community outreach and public speaking opportunities.
• Interview loan applicants and collect and analyze financial data to determine the general creditworthiness of the prospect and the merits of the specific loan request. Make presentations to loan committee for further advice on approval.
• Monitor loan repayment activities and take necessary action to collect past due accounts.
• Establish and maintain a quality SBA portfolio within guidelines by adhering to the SBA and bank credit process and exercising sound judgement when booking new business.
• Responsible for the flow of SBA loan throughout application and approval phase of credit, this includes all processing channels. Directs the closing of loan and oversees the servicing of the loan to ensure bank is in compliance with all legal, regulatory and SBA requirements.
• Develops and maintains relationships with commercial bankers throughout Stearns Bank to assist them in the identification and initiation of sales opportunities to customers by providing access to the full range of SBA loan products and services.
• Coordinate and present SBA seminars to Stearns Bankers and/or customers in an effort to continually promote the knowledge and use of SBA loan programs and its benefits to both the bank and borrower.
• Effectively use bank systems and other technology to the fullest extent of their capabilities to include: lead tracking, opportunities, file notes, underwriting, processing, closings and servicing workflows.
• Loss prevention and security as applicable for this position.
• Maintain a working knowledge of all legal and regulatory compliance issues as they pertain to this position.
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient operations of the department and organization.
• Complete required training.

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in English.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time, twist, bend, sit, walk use hands to twist, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, such as computer mouse, computer keyboard, calculator, stapler, telephone, staple puller, etc., reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, kneel, talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university preferred but will consider commensurate experience.
• Minimum of 2 years commercial lending experience. SBA experience preferred.
• Exceptional business development, relationship building and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Flexible and able to multi-task. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational, time-management and problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills.

THE COMPANY
Founded in 1912, Stearns Financial Services Inc. (SFSI) is a $2.4 billion well-capitalized, independent financial holding company based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Specializing in nationwide small business lending and equipment financing, Stearns has maintained outstanding customer service, fast decisions, and customized finance solutions to their customers for decades.

Stearns Bank has earned itself a stellar reputation amongst customers and competitors alike. This reputation goes beyond just word-of-mouth, as Stearns has been recognized by the Independent Community Banker’s Association (ICBA) as a top-performing bank in the nation based on a 3-year average Return on Assets for banks $1 billion or more. Stearns has also been recognized by American Banker as a top-performing bank in the nation over a 3-year period for Return on Equity for banks from $2 billion to $10 billion.

As a Star Tribune Top Workplaces award recipient and an award recipient of the Minnesota Business Magazine 100 Best Places to Work in Minnesota, Stearns takes pride in their team and holds their employees in extremely high regard. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package including our Employee Stock Ownership Program-one of the best long-term incentive programs in the nation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, or creed, religion, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected by Federal, State, local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.