Position Summary:
The Small Business Administration (SBA) Business Development Officer is responsible for developing, soliciting, and promoting new SBA loans independently by working and maintaining relationships primarily with outside referral partners. The role will be responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with SBA oriented centers of influence, generate new loan applications, negotiate terms, prepare loan proposals, present complete credit requests to executive management, assist with closing approved loans and maintain a working relationship with current and potential borrowers.

Essential Responsibilities:
Job Function 1: Client Consultation & Service - 50%

• Prospect, structure and originate new SBA 7(a) loans and SBA 504 loans.
• Obtain complete financial statements and other required documents from prospective borrowers.
• Assists with detailed analysis of financial data to determine whether proposed application meets lending criteria outlined in the bank's business banking policy and procedures.
• Prepares and submits complete SBA loan packages for credit approval through the bank's SPARK SBA workflow platform.
• Present loan for approval using the bank's established credit policy and procedures. This includes structuring the loan for sale on the secondary market, if applicable.
• Generate and close a minimum of $10 million in SBA 7(a) loans each calendar year. Goals may change at bank's discretion.
• Maintains and applies a thorough understanding of the bank's credit policy, SBA eligibility, and all necessary practices to ensure the submission of accurate and complete loan packages.

Job Function 2: Development and maintenance of targeted referral sources and direct SBA clients - 30%

• Place calls to prospective clients to discuss their financial needs and objectives by making outside sales calls, channel contacts, and through other forms of network building.
• Actively represent Alerus in the marketplace by establishing a network of influencers, active involvement in community organizations (i.e. Chamber, Rotary, industry trade groups, etc.) and participation in networking organizations.
• Utilize CRM software to track new opportunities and schedule prospecting follow-up communication.

Job Function 3: Professional & Personal Development - 20%

• Maintain an advanced level of knowledge encompassing the financial services industry, stay current on trends that impact Alerus' relevancy in its competitive space.
• Maintain a current expert level knowledge of changing SBA Standard Operating Procedures
• Assume responsibility for career growth and development. Actively pursue continuing education, reading, and self-development to enhance skills.
• Build solid working relationships with team members, acting as a resource for others including a commitment to professional development of personal financial guides, business advisors, and associates.

Position Requirements:
Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance or related field or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum 5 years of Business/Commercial lending experience, along with credit underwriting and credit administration.
• Minimum of 3 years of SBA specific sales experience.
• Demonstrated expert level knowledge of SBA Standard Operating Procedures.
• Demonstrated expertise in assessing a client's financial needs and making proactive recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver solutions in a team based approach.
• Previous experience utilizing CRM software to track and manage sales opportunities.
• Demonstrated record of proven sales ability and client service abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to present to business leaders and executives.
• Proven written and verbal communication skills.
• Established interpersonal and negotiating skills.

Personal Characteristics:

• Self-motivated with demonstrated initiative, creativity and enthusiasm to develop sales strategy, prospects and client relationships.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to work with a team.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple phases of the sales process.
• Passionate about serving clients to positive impact their financial wellness.
• Proven problem-solver.
• Ability to manage the stressful nature of the work and maintain professional composure, attitude, and behavior at all events.

Physical Demands - Must be met with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Extended periods of time at a desk and using office equipment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer/laptop for approximately 8 hours per day.
• Extended time is spent reviewing physical and electronic documents.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• Periodically, may also do light lifting of supplies and materials which weighs in at approximately 20 lbs.
• Will spend most of time in an indoor environment.
• Ability to travel as needed to other markets and locations.

Alerus Financial is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.