Business Loan Specialist

Job Description

The position supports the administration of a small business loan portfolio designed to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, as well as facilitate the attraction, retention and expansion of local firms within the city of Syracuse. This activity will be predominately led through the City's lending organization, known as the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO). The incumbent is responsible for the lending lifecycle of current and prospective loan borrowers. Assignments and responsibilities include fielding requests for assistance, as well as performing underwriting, records management, compliance, and providing technical support for those seeking assistance. The position may also provide administrative support to other public authorities housed within the Division of Business Development when necessary, collaborating with other City staff on small business assistance and real estate development efforts. This includes drafting communications and sharing information. The incumbent will perform related work as required and works under general supervision of the Director of Community Investment. The position will jointly serve as the Business Loan Specialist for the City of Syracuse and SEDCO.

Typical Work Activities

• Perform origination, underwriting and servicing of loan activities. This includes conducting credit and risk analysis, reviewing applicant documentation, and preparing memos and recommendations for committee decisions.
• Serve as a point of contact for SEDCO by responding to inquiries from prospective loan applicants and providing general program information and guidance on application requirements.
• Support compliance with Authorities budget office (ABO), including maintaining documentation and assisting with required filings on behalf of SEDCO.
• Coordinate with Neighborhood & Business Development staff to support the servicing and monitoring of existing and new loans as part of the SEDCO portfolio, including tracking performance and maintaining accurate records.
• Assist with the development and structuring of new programs to support businesses and community organizations.
• Provide administrative and operational support for SEDCO activities, including coordinating materials for board meetings, maintaining corporate records, and working with legal counsel as directed.
• Prepare and maintain data, metrics, and reports related to program performance and portfolio activity; assist in analyzing trends and outcomes.
• Coordinate with other City staff, such as the NBD Fiscal Division and Division of Equity, Compliance, and Social Impact in order to assist with community engagement and financing efforts.
• Works on other projects as assigned by the Director of Community Investment, Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, including but not limited to:

• Supporting City staff and community partners to facilitate development efforts within neighborhood business districts, with emphasis placed on commercial corridors.
• Work directly with businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, and economic development partners to track/monitor ongoing investments within the city of Syracuse.
• Draft and assist in the preparation of reports and office projects.
• Researching and summarizing governmental programs, policies, and legislation related to business development and economic growth.
• Collecting, analyzing, and presenting data on local business conditions to inform decision making and support business needs.
• Assist with business retention and support strategies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of business and economic development.
• Good knowledge of the principles and practices of commercial lending, loan underwriting, servicing, and portfolio management.
• Good knowledge of financial and credit analysis as it relates to business lending.
• Working knowledge of programs and resources available to support small businesses entrepreneurs, and economic development activities.
• Ability to analyze financial, business, and other documentation and prepare appropriate reports and recommendations.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and maintain data and records related to loan and program activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, businesses, entrepreneurs, community organizations, economic development partners, and the general public.
• Ability to organize and coordinate multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Tact, initiative, resourcefulness, good judgment, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) required. Knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, and/or ArcGIS a plus.
• Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders, including for-profit developers, not-for-profit agencies, entrepreneurs, investors, commercial real estate brokers, and neighborhood-based organizations. 

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, public administration, or a related
field OR four (4) years of relevant professional experience.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan