SBA Lending Specialist

Summary

The SBA Lending Specialist serves as the centralized subject matter expert for all SBA loan closings and documentation across the bank. This role ensures compliance with SBA regulations, standardizes processes, and provides operational leadership to support scalable SBA portfolio growth. The Specialist will collaborate with bankers, underwriters, attorneys, title companies, and internal teams to deliver accurate, timely, and compliant SBA loan closings.

This position requires advanced SBA knowledge, strong organizational skills, and the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Serve as the primary resource for SBA loan documentation, closing requirements, and compliance standards.
• Review and validate SBA application documents, approval conditions, and closing packages.
• Ensure proper documentation of equity injection, collateral, and security instruments.
• Monitor and resolve documentation exceptions to maintain SBA guaranty integrity.

• Develop and maintain SBA closing procedures, checklists, and training materials.
• Standardize workflows across markets to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to lending staff on SBA requirements and best practices.

• Coordinate with bankers, attorneys, title companies, and third-party vendors to facilitate timely closings.
• Act as liaison between SBA lending teams, LSP (Waterstone), and internal departments to resolve complex issues.
• Influence stakeholders to adopt SBA compliance standards without direct supervisory authority.

• Support SBA portfolio growth by reducing errors and accelerating loan cycle times.
• Assist in construction loan disbursement processes and ensure compliance with SBA guidelines.
• Prepare reports and track SBA loan performance metrics for management review.

• High school diploma required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, finance or related field preferred.
• 8 – 10 years of SBA loan closing experience (7(a) and 504 programs) including conventional and real estate loan experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of SBA SOP, loan documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust and influence across teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and loan processing systems.
• Highly organized with excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

• Experience developing SBA procedures and training materials.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Familiarity with construction lending and disbursement processes.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled