Vice President of Mortgage Lending

Company Overview: Neighborhood Finance Corporation (NFC) is a well-established non-profit organization with a collaborative work environment. We are celebrating our 36th Anniversary as a mortgage lender in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.

Our mission: NFC is a nonprofit mortgage lender specializing in sustainable homeownership, home renovations, and revitalizing neighborhoods through collaborative partnerships.

Position: NFC is seeking an experienced, mission-driven Vice President of Lending to lead its lending team and guide mortgage operations across the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids offices. The ideal candidate will bring proven people leadership, conventional mortgage lending expertise, construction project knowledge, and knowledge of Fannie Mae requirements. This position is based in Des Moines, with regular travel to Cedar Rapids.

Summary: This position is responsible for the production of one-to-four family mortgage loans at NFC, and other duties as communicated by the Executive Director. The successful candidate blends team building, management experience, high-level mortgage operational expertise, and commitment to community development and affordable housing initiatives while providing NFC’s unique lending products. This position works in cooperation with the NFC leadership team and reports to the Executive Director.

The VP of Lending is the leader of all single-family mortgage lending operations, underwriting, loan processing, compliance, and loan product administration for NFC. The VP of Lending must provide financial protection for NFC and its investors while ensuring the effective deployment of NFC’s unique loan programs including repayable purchase, refinance and home improvement renovation mortgage loans, forgivable loans, deferred loans including down payment assistance programs designed to facilitate revitalization of targeted neighborhoods. Understanding NFC’s unique role as a nonprofit mortgage company, Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and NeighborWorks America organization.

Specific Job Functions: Provide executive oversight, in cooperation with the NFC leadership team, of NFC’s primary Purchase, Refinance, Home Improvement, Energy Advantage, Energy Upgrade, Forgivable, and Deferred loan assistance programs. Establish program priorities, assign accountability, monitor performance and risk, and guide improvements while ensuring the following operational responsibilities are fulfilled:

o NFC originates and closes a conventional loan product – following Fannie Mae Seller Servicer Guide and Home Style Renovation mortgage guidelines.

o Properties are underwritten with property rehabilitation plans in relationship to property condition, neighborhood plans, historic preservation agendas, borrower financial capacity, and borrower and contractor capacity to complete the projects.

o Oversee end-to-end mortgage life cycle with origination, processing, underwriting, closing, loan delivery, and post-closing completion of renovation projects.

o Ensure full compliance with state and federal lending laws, including TRID, RESPA, TILA, ECOA, HMDA, Fair Lending, and credit standards.

o Refine credit policies, guidelines, risk tolerance thresholds in alignment with board approved strategies and investor/regulatory requirements.

o Assist in evaluating loan performance, monitor delinquency, loss mitigation strategies.

• Lead the lending teams in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. There are currently 10 people on the lending team.
• Develop the capabilities of NFC lending team members through structured onboarding, ongoing training, coaching, cross-training, and professional development. Ensure Loan Originators, Loan Processors, the Post-Closing Renovation Specialist, and other direct reports have clear expectations, effective tools, timely guidance, and opportunities to grow and succeed in their roles.
• Serve as a visible and trusted NFC leader in neighborhood and community meetings, and build productive relationships with real estate agents, residents, contractors, and other partners. Use these relationships to advance NFC’s mission, strengthen its connection to the larger community, identify emerging needs, and improve access to NFC lending programs.
• Attend neighborhood, other community meetings, and connect effectively with real estate agents to further the mission of NFC and their connection to the larger community.
• Achieve NFC’s financial objectives through loan production, sales, assessment of fee structures for loan origination, utilizing technology, loan program development, renovation escrow management, and cost control.
• Maintain NMLS organizational standards and review periodic internal compliance audits while maintaining an active NMLS registration and license.
• Optimize the Loan Origination System (LOS) lending software to drive operational speed, accuracy, efficiency, and customer experience.
• In cooperation with the NFC leadership, represent NFC on local, regional, and state boards, commissions, and advisory committees related to mortgage policy, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on NFC loan programs to educate real estate agents, neighborhood associations, contractors, community partners, and residents.
• Attend NFC Board and Committee meetings as requested.

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 5 to 10 years of progressive mortgage lending experience, with at least 3 to 5 years in a leadership or senior management role within a bank, credit union, or non-profit CDFI/housing organization. The successful candidate must receive a mortgage NMLS license within 90 days of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent lending experience preferred.
• Knowledge of underwriting guidelines for conventional mortgage loans; specifically, Fannie Mae guidelines.
• A familiarity with real estate laws as they apply to loan origination, compliance and fair lending and the ability to become State NMLS Licensed within the first three (3) months of employment.
• Suitable time management skills, comfortable in multi-tasking work environment and must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications including Word, Outlook, and Excel. Ability to learn loan origination system.
• Strong analytical skills, credit analysis, communication, team-building capabilities with a proven history of positive regulatory exams.
• Travel of 25% or less will be required for appropriate training and conference events and to provide consistent leadership for the Cedar Rapids staff. The Vice President of Lending will maintain clear communication, aligned expectations, strong working relationships, and equitable access to coaching and support across both office locations.
• Collaborate with local government partners, financial institution funders, and community organizations.
• Understanding of local real estate markets.

NFC offers competitive company benefits including free parking, business casual dress, paid sick/vacation leave, cafeteria plan, and 401(K) plan. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Flexible hours can be approved through your manager considering the duties of the position and business needs.

Please make sure all emails have “VP of Lending Position” in the subject line

Please send cover letter and resume to:

Executive Director at Neighborhood Finance Corporation

4908 Franklin Ave Des Moines, IA 50310

Or email to:

No phone calls please

Salary range for this position is: $95,000 to $120,000. There is the possibility of a 10% Annual Bonus based on organizational goals.

Join us as we continue to build stronger communities through responsible lending! We value energetic leaders who are passionate about making a difference in people's lives while maintaining high standards of compliance and operational excellence.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $120,000