What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct Junior Loan Origination Specialist position at Foundation Specialty Finance?
Role Overview
The Direct Origination Specialist (DOS) is a salaried, execution-focused junior originator with performance-based bonus eligibility (no commission) responsible for converting FSF-generated borrower demand into funded loans, primarily across Small Balance Commercial (SBC) bridge and transitional loan products. This role operates in a high-volume, performance-driven environment and requires consistent borrower outreach, disciplined follow-up, and strong execution from first contact through funding.
This is not a traditional loan originator role. Direct Origination Specialists do not self-source business, independently price loans, or negotiate outside approved credit parameters, nor do they manage an independent book of business. Instead, the role is designed for professionals who can work warm, qualified CRE and SFR investor leads at scale, guide borrowers through approved SBC loan structures, maintain rigorous CRM discipline, and drive loans to close through consistent phone, email, and SMS engagement.
In-Office Requirement: This position is fully in-office at FSF’s Seal Beach corporate office.
- No remote or hybrid option
- Daily in-person collaboration with Direct Origination, Operations, and Underwriting teams
- Real-time coaching, escalation, and execution support
Direct Origination Specialists Requirements:
- Work a high volume of FSF-sourced warm and recycled leads
- Perform frequent outbound calling to qualified CRE and SFR prospects
- Execute structured follow-up cadences via phone, email, and SMS
- Maintain same-day and multi-touch engagement standards
- Actively manage pipeline momentum from initial contact through funding
- Convert marketing-qualified leads into underwriting-ready applications
This is a phone- and CRM-intensive role. Candidates must be comfortable with consistent outreach and measurable activity expectations.
Core Responsibilities
- Immediate response to assigned inbound leads
- Borrower, property, and exit strategy qualification
- Application intake and documentation collection
- Preparation of underwriting-ready loan packages
- Coordination with underwriting, closing, and funding teams
- Ongoing borrower communication and status updates
- Accurate CRM management and documentation of all activity
- Adherence to FSF quality, compliance, and execution standards
Performance Expectations
- Consistent SLA-compliant borrower response times
- High-quality, underwriting-ready file submissions
- Strong approval-to-funding pull-through
- Disciplined follow-up and engagement activity
- Positive borrower experience feedback
- Full compliance with FSF processes and documentation standards
Qualifications
- Experience in 1–4 unit residential (SFR) or small-balance commercial lending across origination, processing, or underwriting support preferred
- Comfort operating in a high-volume outbound calling and follow-up environment with consistent borrower engagement
- Strong CRM proficiency with the ability to manage lead pipelines, document borrower interactions, and maintain accurate deal stages
- Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to prioritize effectively across active deals
- Proven ability to execute in a structured, metrics-driven environment with defined activity and conversion targets
- Familiarity with SBC bridge, DSCR, or fix-and-flip lending products preferred
Company Description
Foundation Specialty Finance, LLC is a tech-enabled specialty finance company headquartered in Seal Beach, California, with a team of 25 experienced professionals. The company is an innovator in the commercial real estate industry, offering a fully integrated platform for Special Servicing, Loan Origination, and a Digital Marketplace. Foundation provides tailored loan programs for various property types, including residential, multifamily, and commercial properties, serving clients such as private lenders, regional banks, and private equity firms. Their advanced proprietary technology platform, PropertyPortal™, enables seamless transaction management, real-time data analytics, and enhanced decision-making throughout the lending and asset management cycle. Foundation is strategically positioned to address the current challenges in the commercial real estate and mortgage markets.