Economics Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Looking for a job that makes a difference? Join our mission-based small business lending organization! Amplio Economic Development Corporation (Amplio) is a growing nonprofit economic development organization with a mission to provide innovative small business financing tools and help businesses grow. We are a small, team-focused office. Based in Arden Hills, we work across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Join our team and help us make a difference across our region. 

SUMMARY

The Loan Officer contributes to Amplio's sales goals for 504 loans, 7(a) loans, and Amplio loan programs by developing and expanding client relationships, actively prospecting for new business opportunities, and cultivating referral sources within assigned market areas. The Loan Officer serves as a trusted lending advisor to borrowers, lenders, and community partners while determining the feasibility of requests for SBA loans made through banking contacts and other referral sources.

The Loan Officer independently examines, evaluates, and authorizes or recommends approval of customer applications for SBA loans. The Loan Officer also assists in monitoring the status of existing loans and follows up as necessary to resolve identified problems to ensure the long-term financial health of the organization. Maintains a working knowledge of loan closing procedures and may be required to close one or more loans each year as business needs dictate. The role will report to the Senior Vice President and can be based remotely and/or from Amplio’s Arden Hills office. 

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Meets regularly with existing and prospective clients, lenders, business professionals, economic development organizations, and community partners to understand their financing needs and discuss Amplio's loan programs and services. Actively markets Amplio through meetings, networking events, industry associations, presentations, conferences, and community outreach activities.

2. Develops, implements, and regularly updates a strategic marketing and business development plan designed to generate loan opportunities and strengthen referral relationships within assigned geographic markets.

3. Develops and maintains strategic relationships with banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, accountants, attorneys, commercial real estate professionals, and other referral partners with the goal of originating SBA loans and expanding Amplio's market presence.

4. Initiates and completes a target number of marketing visits and business development activities annually, based on experience and organizational goals. Maintains detailed notes documenting contacts, information gathered, follow-up activities, and outcomes. Participates actively in the continuous assessment and improvement of personal and team marketing initiatives.

5. Continuously identifies opportunities for growth within existing markets, products, and referral networks while exploring new geographic territories, industry sectors, lending programs, and strategic partnerships.

6. Maintains a strong understanding of local and regional economic conditions, industry trends, and business climate factors that may affect lending opportunities, borrowers, and portfolio performance.

7. Interviews business loan applicants; collects and analyzes financial statements, tax returns, personal financial statements, projections, and other relevant information to evaluate creditworthiness and financial capacity.

8. Requests applicant credit reports, background checks, reference checks, and other information pertinent to the SBA loan evaluation process.

9. Utilizes support staff, loan processing personnel, and administrative resources effectively to ensure timely collection, analysis, and organization of applicant information while maintaining a high level of service to clients and referral partners.

10. Analyzes applicant financial and credit status to determine the feasibility of granting credit and assesses risks associated with proposed loan structures.

11. Corresponds with and interviews applicants, lenders, creditors, and other parties as necessary to resolve questions regarding application information.

12. Determines appropriate loan structures, identifies alternative financing solutions when appropriate, and clearly explains terms, conditions, and requirements to clients and lending partners.

13. Prepares loan application documentation according to established guidelines. Compiles loan packages and facilitates negotiation of loan structure with applicants, including fees, repayment options, collateral requirements, and other credit terms.

14. Presents loan applications and credit recommendations to the Amplio Loan Committee.

15. Each Loan Officer is expected to complete, defend, and obtain SBA approval on a minimum level of 504 loans during each calendar year.

16. Works collaboratively with the Loan Closer to ensure transactions are closed according to established procedures and regulatory requirements.

17. Analyzes requested changes to existing loan structures using the same financial analysis and credit evaluation techniques applied to new loan requests and coordinates appropriate approvals and documentation.

18. May assist Amplio administrative staff in monitoring all loans within Amplio's portfolio through analysis of annual financial statements, insurance coverage, tax payments, collateral status, bank balances, and other indicators of portfolio quality.

19. Provides leadership for one or more portfolio management functions as assigned, including site visits, payment monitoring, problem loan resolution, workout strategies, liquidations, payoffs, satisfactions, subordinations, and other servicing activities.

20. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of SBA lending regulations and policies governing the 504 and 7(a) programs, as well as Amplio's internal policies and procedures.

21. Provides cross-training, guidance, mentoring, and support to other Amplio staff as needed.

22. Other duties may be assigned.

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SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of experience as a Commercial Loan Officer, Business Banker, Commercial Credit Analyst, or similar commercial lending position required. SBA lending experience, including 504 and/or 7(a) lending, strongly preferred.

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KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of commercial credit analysis, financial statement analysis, loan structuring, credit administration, and lending policies and procedures. Working knowledge of SBA lending regulations and processes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other business software.

Communication Skills: Strong verbal, presentation, public speaking, and written communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain financial concepts, credit decisions, loan structures, and risk considerations to clients, referral partners, committees, and coworkers.

Relationship Development and Business Development: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with clients, lenders, referral sources, and community partners. Proven ability to generate business opportunities through networking, prospecting, and relationship management activities.

Leadership Skills: Ability to provide guidance to team members, support organizational learning, lead projects, and coordinate efforts across departments to achieve organizational goals.

Quality Focus: Holds high standards for accomplishment. Works with precision to minimize errors, consistently delivers high-quality work, and tactfully identifies and corrects problems when necessary.

Critical Thinking Skills: Uses sound judgment and analytical reasoning to evaluate complex financial situations, identify risks, assess alternatives, and develop appropriate recommendations.

Learning Orientation: Maintains current professional knowledge and skills, actively seeks opportunities for growth and development, learns from experience, and seeks assistance when needed.

Visioning and Idea Generation: Identifies opportunities for organizational growth and develops creative solutions to support clients, referral partners, and Amplio's strategic goals.

Integrity/Trust: Communications and interactions are clear, consistent, professional, and honest. Commitments are fulfilled, concerns are communicated promptly, and accountability is accepted for actions and decisions.

Service: Demonstrates an understanding of Amplio's service standards and strives to exceed client expectations while treating all clients and coworkers with dignity and respect.

Teamwork: Promotes collaboration, builds strong working relationships, contributes positively to team success, and supports Amplio's mission and strategic objectives.

Respect for Others: Demonstrates respect for diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives among clients, referral partners, and coworkers.

Time, Resource, and Priority Management: Effectively manages competing priorities, meets deadlines, utilizes organizational resources efficiently, maintains accurate records, and performs effectively under pressure.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The base salary for this position is commensurate with experience. Amplio offers bonus pay; health, life, and disability insurance; 401(K) match; flexible hybrid working schedule; and paid holidays, vacation, and PTO.