Business Development & Lending Officer

Small businesses need more than capital — they need a lender who can listen, understand the full picture, and help turn an opportunity into a workable path forward. The Business Development & Lending Officer identifies and develops lending opportunities in underserved markets, guides applicants through the process, and manages business loans from initial outreach through closing and beyond.

We’re looking for someone who can build trust in the community, evaluate credit thoughtfully, and keep details moving. You’ll work directly with entrepreneurs, referral partners, staff, and loan decision-makers to structure responsible financing, provide practical technical assistance, and maintain strong borrower relationships throughout the life of each loan.

FULLY REMOTE POSITION

This is a fully remote position, with occasional travel or in-person attendance at meetings, trainings, or agency events as needed. Applicants should live in or very near the New River Valley region of Virginia.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Build relationships & develop opportunities

• Conduct proactive outreach in underserved markets and communities to cultivate new lending opportunities.
• Respond to internal and external referrals promptly and professionally.
• Promote loan products and business resources to prospective borrowers, community organizations, and referral partners.
• Represent the agency at public forums, outreach activities, business visits, and community events.

Guide clients & originate loans

• Explain available loan products and help prospective borrowers understand program requirements.
• Gather and verify information about applicants and their businesses to support informed lending decisions.
• Analyze applications to assess creditworthiness and the probability of repayment.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with applicants from inquiry through approval and after closing.

Underwrite, structure & close

• Complete industry, financial, and risk analyses to recommend appropriate loan terms and repayment structures.
• Ensure loan requests comply with applicable policies and procedures.
• Prepare clear credit memorandums and submit requests to the appropriate approval authority or loan committee.
• Coordinate loan closings and prepare documentation in consultation with staff and legal counsel.

Support borrowers & manage the portfolio

• Help prospective applicants and existing borrowers develop action plans involving budgets, credit improvement, financial planning, or business plans.
• Maintain accurate borrower files and enter required client and impact data in management systems.
• Monitor borrowers’ financial and organizational health, provide post-closing technical assistance, and recommend action or restructuring when appropriate.
• Partner with collections staff to work with delinquent borrowers toward feasible repayment solutions.
• Assist with internal and external reporting and support team projects as assigned.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

Background

• Experience in credit management, lending and finance, and/or business development.
• An associate degree or higher in finance, business management, or a related field is strongly preferred; relevant experience may be considered in place of higher education when permitted.

Skills that matter here

• Strong communication, networking, presentation, and relationship-management skills.
• Working knowledge of financial analysis, credit evaluation, and lending fundamentals.
• An analytical, detail-oriented, and solution-focused approach to problem-solving.
• Effective time management and the ability to organize competing priorities with limited oversight.
• Adaptability, resilience, sound judgment, and a commitment to learning and community development.
• An understanding of compliance, confidentiality, and operational expectations.

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience providing training or technical assistance in personal or business credit, finance, entrepreneurship, or a related subject.
• Experience working with small businesses, entrepreneurs, community-based organizations, or underserved markets.
• Experience preparing credit memorandums, structuring loans, or coordinating business loan closings.

GOOD TO KNOW

A few standard requirements that come with the role:

• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and able to provide employment eligibility verification.
• Must hold, or be able to obtain, a U.S.-issued Social Security card.
• Must pass required background screening and meet the agency’s nepotism policy.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and be able to travel routinely throughout the region, with occasional travel outside the region.
• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend work.
• Must maintain client confidentiality and follow the agency’s Code of Conduct.
• Physical requirements include frequent talking, hearing, and use of hands and fingers; regular sitting, stooping, and kneeling; occasional lifting or moving up to 20 lbs.; and good close, peripheral, and depth vision with the ability to adjust focus.

WHY THIS ROLE

This role puts you at the intersection of capital, coaching, and community impact. You’ll help entrepreneurs understand their options, strengthen their businesses, and access responsible financing — while protecting the long-term health of a mission-driven loan portfolio. If you enjoy building relationships, digging into the numbers, and helping people move from an idea or challenge to a practical solution, this could be a strong fit.

Benefits include a 403(b) retirement plan; medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability; accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans. Employees also receive 15 paid holidays and a very generous paid time off program.

 People Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program and a smoke/drug free workplace. Auxiliary Aids and Services are Available Upon Request to Individuals with Disabilities. For access to Virginia Relay (Telecommunications Relay Service) dial "711" or toll free 800-828-1120 (TTY) or 800 828-1140.

Position is open until filled.