About Ascendus
Ascendus is a mission-driven, nationwide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over 30 years of experience empowering small business owners. We provide access to capital and financial coaching to help entrepreneurs achieve financial health and ascend toward lasting success. Dedicated to building thriving businesses and vibrant communities, we have delivered over $420 million in financial support to more than 56,000 entrepreneurs across the country, building a future of financial ascension for all.
Mission of the Loan Consultant
The Loan Consultant will report to the Manager of Lending and will be responsible for meeting individual lending, technical assistance, and business development goals.
Key Outcomes
The Loan Consultant will achieve the following:
- One on One Technical Assistance Work (40%)
- Provide Technical Assistance to Active Portfolio scheduling at least 1 Technical Assistance Session per Quarter (to all active clients) covering at the minimum the following topics:
- Credit Analysis: Pull Credit Report and review* (a copy of the consumer credit report will be shared with the client)
- Cash Flow Analysis: Review the last Quarter Bank Statements
- General Biz Coaching: Discuss relevant changes on the Biz Model such as: New Biz Partner, New Legal Entity/Structure, New Biz Location & New Market channels, New Products or additional services offered, New Assets vs New Liabilities (debt) acquired
- Support client to complete Annual Survey
- Identify “Bankable clients” (according to our ABI score) and conduct Outbound Referrals to Bank/CDFI Partners for additional funds (5 loans referred a year – ideally refinancing their existing Ascendus Loans)
- When appropriate:
- Correct Negative Payment Behaviors: Refer client to our Collections Department
- Offer Ascendus Step-Up Loan.
- Implement Regional Business Development (30%)
- Goal: Expand the visibility of Ascendus in the community, build strong partnerships, and strengthen image.
- Manage relationships with local banks and community partners, follow-up with partners that refer within 48 business hours, identify new partners and opportunities in key areas, leverage clients as “referral partners” and track in Salesforce accordingly. Provide high level of engagement in workshops, seminars, and panels in cooperation with local community organizations.
- Increase visibility of the organization across the region exploring new banking and community partner relationships – at least 3 High Priority Partners by end of the year (targeting 30% conversion ratio).
- Track outreach performance using the Master Workshop Tracking Sheet.
- Use most updated presentations & marketing materials available in Presentations folder in SharePoint and save existing presentations in SharePoint.
- Meet Monthly Lending Production Goal (30%)
- Successfully disburse the monthly # of loans assigned in a timely manner (25% of loans should be submitted by the 15th of the month – no more than 50% of loans should be submitted during the last week of the month).
- Ensure excellent customer service:
- Following up with client calls, applications, and emails within 24 hours business day
- Documenting interaction with the customer entering notes in Salesforce
- All inactive/unresponsive applications should be withdrawn by 45 days of pulling credit (3 courtesy calls/emails should be completed). There will be no exception to this policy.
- Lending Managers will be communicating the % of loans by Decile in each Market based on funding and availability.
Key Competencies
- 25% Productivity: The level of work output or efficiency as compared to a standard or compared to others. The ability to use time and resources well.
- 25% Organizational Skills: The ability to manage tasks, projects, information, and materials within a well-ordered system. The degree to which multiple assignments are managed and completed according to established schedules.
- 20% Teamwork: The ability to promote positive work relationships with area staff, team members, and supervisors. The degree of problem solving, communication, listening, cooperation, and productivity demonstrated while working with others to successfully meet goals.
- 10% Communication: The ability to effectively converse and listen to others concerning company matters. The use of proper written and grammatical skills, and the meaningful application of computer technology [e-mail, Internet, etc.].
- 10% Follow Through: The demonstration of reliability and a full commitment to complete assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision. A willingness to take responsibility for actions, solve problems as they arise, keep all parties fully informed, and stay with a job through all stages of completion.
- 10% Attention to detail: The level at which tasks are performed carefully, accurately, and in accordance with specific instructions. Consistency of work quality and compliance with standards, requirements, and expectations. The tracking of numerical data and detailed organizational information, and the careful application of grammar, spelling, and punctuation rules.
Qualifications
- Must reside in the Greater Atlanta/Atlanta Metro area; this fully remote position prioritizes applicants in the region to support work specific to that geographic area.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Bilingual – English/Spanish preferred. Portuguese is a plus.
- Three years’ experience working in small business; prior business experience/sales skills preferred.
- Self-Motivator/Self-Starter can build a new region of growth for the organization.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple stakeholders/partner relationships.
- Ability to plan and conduct business workshops on a variety of business-related topics (financial management, marketing, managing cash flow, business credit, business plan development, and implementation, etc.).
- Creative thinker and problem solver.
- Good presentation and math skills; knowledge of Word and Excel.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Robust 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and family. Health plan offers $0 deductible and 0% co-insurance.
- Monthly mobile phone stipend of $30.
- Eligibility for 401(K) participation after 30 days of employment, and employer-match of up to 3% of annual salary.
- Flexible time off.
- Min. Experience: Some Experience
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000
Click here to apply!