Community Lending Associate

About Equity1821

Our client, Equity1821 is a 501(c)(3) community development financial institution (CDFI) committed to expanding economic opportunity for underserved entrepreneurs and small business owners in Indianapolis and beyond. Equity1821 provides access to capital, financial literacy programming, and credit-building resources for entrepreneurs historically excluded from traditional financial systems. As the lending program scales annually, Equity1821 is investing in its team to support that growth and deepen community impact.

Position Overview

The Community Lending Associate is an entry-level role designed to expand Equity1821's loan solicitation capacity and community outreach. Reporting directly to the Director of Lending, this individual handles the client-facing and administrative work. The Associate will build a community pipeline, assist entrepreneurs through the early stages of the loan application process, and support the program's educational initiatives. This role is ideal for a motivated, community-oriented professional who is passionate about small business development and support.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach & Pipeline Development

• Proactively identify and engage prospective loan applicants through community outreach, networking, and partnership with local organizations
• Build and maintain relationships with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners to generate a steady pipeline of qualified loan applicants
• Represent Equity1821 at community events, workshops, business fairs, and information sessions to raise program visibility and recruit participants
• Identify and recruit participants for Demystifying Underwriting and Credit Builder training programs, focusing on reaching underserved entrepreneurs

Client Support & Application Assistance

• Conduct initial intake conversations with prospective borrowers to assess business needs, funding readiness, and loan eligibility
• Educate clients on Equity1821's loan products, eligibility requirements, and the application process in an accessible and encouraging manner
• Assist clients in completing loan applications, including helping them input data into the loan management system and gathering required documentation
• Guide clients through the early stages of the lending process and ensure a smooth handoff to the Loan Officer for underwriting review

Data Entry & Record keeping

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all outreach efforts, client interactions, and pipeline activity in the CRM and loan management system
• Support the Director of Community Lending with data collection, reporting, and documentation needed for grant compliance and funder reporting
• Assist with administrative tasks associated with loan processing, including document collection, file organization, and client follow-up communications

Marketing & Program Support

• Support outreach and marketing initiatives to increase awareness of and participation in Equity1821's lending and education programs
• Collaborate with communications team to develop outreach materials and program messaging
• Contribute to Equity1821's goal of training participants annually through active recruitment and logistical support for educational cohorts

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Community Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 0–2 years of experience in sales, banking, community development, customer service, or a client-facing role
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust and rapport with diverse populations, including underserved communities
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple client interactions simultaneously
• Self-starter with genuine motivation to meet outreach, pipeline, and engagement goals
• Basic understanding of business concepts, financial documents, or lending processes is a plus
• Genuine passion for small business development, and community impact

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with small business lending, microfinance, or CDFI environments
• Experience working with entrepreneurs or underserved communities in an outreach or support capacity
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $50,000 commensurate with experience; position is grant-funded for a two-year term with potential for continuation
• Benefits package including health coverage and paid time off
• Direct mentorship and professional development under the Loan Officer and Equity1821 leadership
• Opportunity to grow within the lending program as loan volume increases toward the annual target
• Meaningful work at the intersection of community development, financial equity, and entrepreneurship