Commercial Loan Officer

Job Title: Loan Officer

Status: Exempt

Reports To: Chief Lending Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Work Location: Lincoln, NE or Omaha, NE

Job Summary: The Loan Officer manages a personal loan portfolio and provides lending services to new and existing customers across all loan types offered by First State. This role is responsible for generating new business through networking and community engagement, guiding applicants through the loan process, performing credit analysis, and ensuring compliance with lending regulations. The Loan Officer collaborates closely with lending assistants and processors to maintain complete and compliant loan files and plays a critical role in protecting the Bank from loss through proactive account management and collections.

Essential Functions:

Job Specific:

• Maintain a foundational understanding of First State’s lending and deposit services to support internal staff and customer inquiries regarding loan processing and closings.
• Prepare professional correspondence including letters, memos, and other documentation related to lending activities, ensuring accuracy and a high standard of written communication.
• Service a diverse loan portfolio, including in-house, SBA, FSA, energy, and USDA Rural Housing loans. Foster strong relationships with existing customers and identify opportunities to expand those relationships based on customer needs.
• Conduct loan negotiations with prospective and current customers, addressing loan structure, fees, repayment options, and credit terms in alignment with First State policies.
• Actively cross-sell appropriate deposit products and fee-based services during the loan process to support holistic customer service and revenue growth.
• Collect and review all necessary loan documentation to ensure completeness and compliance. Utilize loan checklists, regulatory standards, and exception documentation to maintain uniform files.
• Collaborate with lending assistants and processors to obtain third-party documents, such as appraisals, credit reports, and background checks.
• Perform credit analysis and make lending decisions within approved authority limits, demonstrating sound judgment and adherence to policy. Review and approve overdrafts as appropriate.
• Oversee loan closings and funding activities, ensuring accurate agreements and timely processing.
• Manage confidential information, including credit reports and tax documentation, with discretion and professionalism in accordance with privacy standards.
• Promote First State services through active participation in community and networking events to develop new lending opportunities.
• Communicate with customers, colleagues, and external agencies via phone, email, written correspondence, and in-person meetings. Respond promptly to inquiries and follow up as needed to support customer needs and resolve issues.
• Maintain and prepare required reports related to loan operations, including FSA and SBA reporting, as assigned.
• Stay informed on changes to lending regulations and internal policies, applying updates to loan practices as required.
• Pay close attention to large loan accounts by conducting regular reviews to monitor performance, identify potential issues early, and ensure proactive management.
• Attend loan committee meetings and present loans that exceed individual lending authority. Report on delinquent loans and present updates on problem loans or workout strategies.
• Identify deteriorating loan situations and escalate them to the loan committee or credit review department in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate proficiency in core systems such as Navigator, Director, Sageworks, and Laser Pro to support efficient lending operations.
• Assist with audit preparation and related compliance tasks.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support lending and Bank operations.

Bank Specific

• Exhibit professionalism in appearance and attitude, maintaining confidentiality and ethical behavior at all times.
• Provide timely assistance and support to both co-workers and customers, ensuring exceptional service and accurate information.
• Demonstrate a commitment to The First State Way by upholding First State’s customer service standards in all interactions, fostering positive relationships with both external customers and internal team members.
• Adhere to regular attendance, punctuality, and break schedules.
• Take responsibility for personal actions and be accountable for performance.
• Promote and cross-sell company services while participating in training opportunities as required.
• Remain vigilant and knowledgeable about crisis procedures, including emergency protocols such as robbery.
• Comply with all bank policies, procedures, and regulations, and report any concerns to Human Resources or upper-level management immediately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general office machinery.
• Attentive to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Effective at interacting with customers, management, and other employees.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexible and able to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Well-organized with a courteous and diplomatic approach.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and strong organizational skills. 
• Able to hear and communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and external contacts.
• Proficient in reading and writing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting and/or commensurate experience in consumer and/or commercial loans required.
• At least 1 year of lending experience preferred; additional experience is a plus.
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license required.

Physical Demands:

• Engage in routine physical activities such as walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to read reports and use a computer effectively.
• Lift and carry items up to 30 pounds daily, including file boxes and office supplies.

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoors in an environmentally controlled setting.
• Occasional travel by car to visit other company locations may be required.
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work to achieve established goals.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee.