Small Business Administration Lending Manager

Overview:

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the Bank’s SBA lending program across all markets. This role develops and executes SBA lending strategies, ensures compliance with SBA regulations and operating procedures, manages portfolio performance and operational processes, and serves as the Bank’s primary SBA subject matter expert. The position partners with commercial teams to drive SBA lending growth, provide training and guidance, maintain regulatory compliance, and support the successful delivery of SBA products and services.

Responsibilities:

Position Goals

• • Strategic SBA Program Leadership - Develop, implement, and enhance the Bank’s SBA lending strategy to support growth objectives, operational effectiveness, and long-term portfolio performance across all markets.
  • Portfolio Quality and Risk Oversight - Maintain a high-quality SBA loan portfolio through effective risk management, performance monitoring, delinquency oversight, and collaboration on problem-loan resolution activities.
  • Regulatory Compliance and Operational Excellence - Ensure all SBA lending activities, systems, processes, and documentation comply with SBA requirements, regulatory standards, and internal policies while preserving government guarantees.
  • Business Development and Relationship Growth - Expand SBA lending volume and market presence by partnering with internal business lines and cultivating relationships with external SBA stakeholders, referral partners, and community resources.
  • SBA Expertise and Team Development - Strengthen organizational SBA knowledge and capabilities by serving as the enterprise subject matter expert, providing training, guidance, and leadership on SBA programs, policies, and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

 

Strategic SBA Lending Leadership

• Lead the overall SBA lending function and execution of enterprise SBA lending strategies.

• Develop, maintain, and enhance SBA policies, procedures, and program guidelines.

• Establish departmental goals, monitor performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

• Serve as the primary SBA subject matter expert for the organization.

 

Portfolio Management and Risk Oversight

• Monitor portfolio quality, risk ratings, delinquency trends, and overall SBA loan performance.

• Partner with Special Asset Recovery to manage loan workouts, liquidation activities, litigation matters, and guarantee repurchase issues.

• Support sound credit administration and portfolio risk management practices.

 

SBA Compliance and Regulatory Administration

• Ensure SBA applications, underwriting, documentation, closing, and servicing activities comply with SBA requirements and regulatory expectations.

• Lead audit preparation and coordinate reviews with regulators, auditors, and internal review functions.

• Oversee administration of SBA systems and reporting requirements, including E-Tran, SAM.gov, CAIVRS, PAY.gov, and SBA reporting processes.

• Maintain current knowledge of SBA SOP updates, procedural notices, and program changes.

 

Business Development and Relationship Management

• Lead SBA business development activities in partnership with Commercial Banking teams.

• Support the structuring and closing of complex SBA lending opportunities.

• Develop and maintain relationships with SBA district offices, CDC partners, SBDCs, and other external stakeholders.

• Promote cross-selling opportunities and internal referral partnerships across the Bank.

 

Training, Leadership and Operational Support

• Design and deliver SBA training programs to enhance organizational knowledge and performance.

• Provide guidance and consultation to commercial and retail teams on SBA products and processes.

• Partner with internal and external subject matter experts to maintain effective SBA workflows and operational practices.

• Support department and organizational objectives through additional responsibilities as assigned. 

 

Talent Development 

• • Directly oversee the outcomes and contributions of a team of individuals
  • Promote a positive and welcoming organizational culture that aligns with the company’s values.
  • Holds team members accountable to meet standards of excellence in performing their responsibilities and supporting the company’s mission, vision and values.
  • Coach and develop team members to reach their full potential, achieve their goals,    and advance in their careers.

Special Projects & Additional Duties

• • Contribute to special initiatives and ad hoc assignments that support evolving business needs and personal professional development. 

 

Key Success Factors  

 

Strategic Leadership & Execution: Leads departmental strategic planning in alignment with organizational goals by setting clear objectives, anticipating challenges, and developing actionable plans. Collaborates with leadership, presents business cases for initiatives, and fosters a reflective, growth-oriented team culture to ensure sustained strategic execution.

 

Risk Management: Demonstrates proactive risk management by anticipating and evaluating risks—both in action and inaction—while making informed decisions even with incomplete information. Stays current with industry trends, engages in business continuity planning, and provides strategic input to leadership, balancing innovation with operational stability.

 

People Leadership: Drives team performance and growth by developing succession plans, fostering accountability, and coaching individuals to build confidence and capability. Balances strategic priorities with people needs, promotes engagement, recognizes contributions, and empowers emerging leaders while effectively managing performance.

 

Communication: Fosters effective communication by engaging stakeholders with empathy and professionalism, adapting messaging to diverse perspectives, and coaching others to enhance their communication skills. Promotes transparency and constructive dialogue, even in challenging situations, to support a collaborative work environment.

 

Relationship Building: Cultivates strong, organization-wide relationships by proactively connecting with peers, leaders, and stakeholders. Leverages influence and diverse perspectives to foster collaboration, enhance effectiveness, and drive shared success.

 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in commercial lending, small business lending, and/or SBA lending, including demonstrated leadership or management experience.
• Extensive knowledge of SBA lending programs, with deep expertise in SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly 7(a) and 504 loan programs.
• Comprehensive understanding of commercial lending practices, banking operations, regulatory requirements, and credit administration.
• Strong credit analysis, financial analysis, loan structuring, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence business partners across multiple departments.
• Proven ability to develop policies, procedures, training programs, and operational processes that support regulatory compliance and business objectives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to effectively manage performance metrics, lending portfolios, and strategic business initiatives.
• Ability to travel throughout the Bank’s market areas, approximately 25% of the time.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Parking throughout Tompkins Community Bank
• Employee Referrals

EEO Statement:

Tompkins is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") with respect to all team members and applicants for employment and a work environment free from discrimination (including unlawful harassment) based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender non-conformity, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, marital status, domestic violence victim status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status or status in any group protected by federal, state, or local law. 

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Pay Range: USD $107,500.00 - USD $120,000.00 /Yr.