Consumer Loan Underwriter

Downeast CU is hiring a Consumer Loan Underwriter. This position can work remotely or from one of Downeast’s locations.

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Downeast CU is a member-owned financial cooperative created in 1941 to provide additional value and financial options to its membership. We partner with our members and tailor our products and services to meet their specific individual needs. Our credit union is much different than a bank, with our sole purpose being to continually improve the financial well-being of all members collectively - not just a few stockholders.

Our credit union promotes a People Helping People philosophy and culture; a culture where we serve people, not profit.

We are searching for a Consumer Loan Underwriter. The chosen candidate will work in one of our 9 locations or work remotely. This candidate must reside in the State of Maine.

The Consumer Loan Underwriter is responsible for underwriting, credit risk management, and portfolio growth.

The Consumer Loan Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, analyzing, and making sound credit decisions on consumer loan applications while balancing prudent risk management with exceptional member service. This position reviews loan requests in accordance with credit union lending policies, regulatory requirements, and established underwriting guidelines. Working closely with the Director of Lending Sales, branch staff, and lending team members, the Consumer Loan Underwriter supports loan growth by making timely, consistent, and informed lending decisions that align with the credit union’s mission and risk appetite.

• Review and underwrite consumer loan applications, including direct auto loans, personal loans, recreational vehicle loans, unsecured loans, credit cards, and other consumer lending products.
• Analyze credit reports, income documentation, debt-to-income ratios, collateral values, and other financial information to determine creditworthiness.
• Approve, deny, or condition loan requests within established lending authority and recommend exceptions or higher-level approvals when appropriate.
• Ensure lending decisions comply with internal policies, underwriting guidelines, federal and state regulations, and applicable compliance requirements.
• Communicate loan decisions, stipulations, and recommendations clearly and professionally to lending staff and other stakeholders.
• Partner with lending and sales teams to identify opportunities to structure loans that meet members’ financial needs while maintaining acceptable risk standards.
• Provide guidance and support to branch employees and lending staff regarding lending policies, underwriting decisions, and loan structuring.
• Review exceptions, document rationale for lending decisions, and maintain accurate underwriting records.
• Monitor trends in consumer lending, credit quality, and portfolio performance to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Maintain current knowledge of lending regulations, credit practices, and industry trends.
• Assist with special projects, quality assurance reviews, and process improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Deliver exceptional internal and external member service while supporting the credit union’s mission and values.

• 5+ years of consumer lending, underwriting, or credit analysis experience preferred.
• Strong credit analysis and underwriting skills.
• Knowledge of consumer lending regulations and compliance standards.
• Ability to interpret credit reports, income documentation, and collateral valuations.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced lending environment while managing multiple loan decisions.
• Strong fraud detection and prevention skills, including the ability to identify red flags, inconsistencies, and potential misrepresentation in credit applications.

• Underwriting turnaround time
• Portfolio performance, charge-offs and delinquency trends
• Maintain a look to book ratio of 10% or higher
• Average yield, structure quality, and loan profitability metrics.

• Personal Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holidays Per Year
• Paid 3-Day Weekends in months without a federal holiday falling on a Monday or Friday
• Paid Birthday Off
• 5% 401k Contribution Match
• 90% Paid Health Insurance Premiums
• 100% Paid Life & Disability Insurance Premiums
• Paid Training, Education, and Certifications
• Loan Discounts

• Colonial Life Accident, Critical Care, Cancer & Life Insurance