The Assistant Vice President of Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending provides strategic leadership, execution and oversight for the Desert Financial government-guaranteed SBA lending programs, with a primary focus on SBA 7(a) and 504 loan originations. The AVP drives loan origination production and growth, oversees regulatory program compliance, and aligns SBA, micro, and small business lending initiatives with DFCU's business banking growth strategy and goals. The AVP acts as a subject matter expert representing the credit union by strategically partnering with internal and external stakeholders ensuring the SBA, micro, and small business lending initiatives and strategy supports the organization's financial goals, mission, and commitment to small business success in the Arizona market.
What you will do here: - Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight
- Define and execute the SBA, micro, and small business lending strategy across the credit union, aligning with the overall business banking strategy and growth goals.
- Set annual loan production targets and oversee progress to key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Own the vendor relationship with SBA service provider; negotiate SLAs, pricing, and performance expectations.
- Represent SBA lending and contribute SBA, micro, and small business lending expertise to across organizational initiatives, strategic planning sessions, and executive/cross-functional leadership forums & briefings.
- Business Development & Market Expansion
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to develop integrated referral programs that promote SBA, micro, and small business lending opportunities. Establish processes, tools, and performance metrics to track and enhance lead flow from internal and external sources across all business lending segments.
- Represent DFCU and lead strategic engagement with key community stakeholders. Directly participate in SBA regional meetings, local economic/community development meetings, chamber events, and small business roundtables to maintain visibility and ensure continuity in outreach.
- Explore and introduce new SBA, micro, and small business products or federal/state programs that align with emerging small business needs.
- Risk, Compliance & Credit Policy
- Ensure adherence and compliance to SBA guidelines and internal credit policy through quality assurance and internal audit collaboration.
- Lead all SBA policy and regulatory interpretation, SOP changes, and integration into business processes.
- Participate in, or chair, internal loan committee meetings for SBA-guaranteed transactions on an as-needed basis, based on loan size, complexity, or policy exceptions.
- Lead resolution of guarantee preservation and post-close loan servicing escalations.
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Provide subject matter expertise to various business partners and support staff to enhance SBA, micro, and small business knowledge, strengthen team capabilities, and promote consistent execution of business lending best practices.
- Foster a learning culture by promoting training, certification (e.g., NAGGL), and cross-training opportunities.
- Support the growth and evolution of SBA, micro, and small business-related talent and capabilities, including succession planning and job structure, to ensure the team scales effectively in alignment with organizational goals.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
What you will need: - Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field required.
- 10+ years experience in SBA, commercial, or business lending, with demonstrated expertise in government-guaranteed loan programs. required.
- 7+ years progressive leadership including strategic program oversight, cross-functional collaboration, and influence at the organizational level. required.
- Demonstrates deep expertise in SBA loan programs (7(a), 504), including eligibility, structuring, regulatory compliance, and SOP implementation. Proactively interprets and communicates regulatory changes and their impact on internal policies and strategy required.
- Leads with executive presence and strong interpersonal communication to persuasively represent Desert Financial in external forums and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization to unify vision, align teams, and build confidence in change required.
- Proven ability to lead and align cross-functional teams, resolving complex issues and ensuring successful outcomes across the loan lifecycle, vendor relationships, and internal partnerships. Navigates diverse work styles and competing priorities to achieve shared strategic outcomes required.
- Demonstrates a high-level of EQ and relationship management skills, understanding the strategic needs of members, community partners, and internal teams to support organizational growth and market presence required.
- Exhibits initiative and executive follow-through, operating with autonomy in ambiguous environments and driving strategic business lending objectives with minimal oversight required.
- Demonstrates change agility and a forward-thinking approach to market dynamics, regulatory shifts and internal change. Shares insights and encourages continuous learning across the organization required.
- Develops and executes scalable referral strategies across business lines; integrating education, performance tracking, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure a strong and sustainable lead pipeline required.
- Ability to travel and successfully work remotely in a hybrid environment required.
- AZDL - Driver License - Valid And In State: Valid Arizona driver license. Motor vehicle record will be screened, and the incumbent must meet Company guidelines. Required.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
For additional information about our organization, careers, and benefits visit: Equal Opportunity Employer
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