Chief Lending Officer

Verity is hiring a Chief Lending Officer at our Seattle, WA Headquarters location. This is a hybrid position; or has the opportunity to be worked remotely.  Considering candidates from these approved states AZ, CA, FL, GA, IL, MT, SC, TX or WA only. At Verity, we empower our member’s financial lives and create vibrant communities. Since 1933, Verity has been a local member-owned credit union. We are also the only financial institution in the Pacific Northwest that is a part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).

How you can make a difference

The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) is responsible for setting the strategic direction of Verity Credit Union's consumer, real estate, business lending/services, and collections functions. Working closely with the executive team and board, this role helps shape the credit union's overall strategic vision and ensures an innovative culture that delivers value through lending products and services that meet the community's needs. This position also emphasizes developing a diverse loan portfolio, including affordable housing, small business, and community development, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

We know it is more than just a job

Verity has continued to maintain an open and positive work culture. We make sure people come first! Some ways we help employees live their best lives:

• Base Pay: This position has a salary range of $195,435 (minimum) to $325,725 (maximum), with a midpoint of $260,580. Starting pay is offered based upon an applicant’s experience and education relevant to the position.

• Paid Time Off: This position qualifies for unlimited PTO
• Benefits: Both full and part time employees (and their family) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, with a no cost option available for employee only coverage! Employees have the option to enroll in our 401k plan and receive an employer match up to 6%.
• Other Benefits:This position is eligible for annual bonuses up to 20% based on company performance.
• Great Perks:Other Verity benefits include a wellness subsidy, a transportation reimbursement benefit and education reimbursement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Leadership and Planning

• Establish high-level lending strategies in alignment with Verity’s vision, guiding the development and expansion of consumer, real estate, and business lending portfolios with an emphasis on affordable housing, small business support, and sustainable community growth.
• Operate as a key member of the Executive Management Team, guiding long-term strategy and contributing to decisions that advance Verity’s mission.
• Actively participate in executive meetings, providing insights into lending operations, opportunities, and risks.
• Collaborate with the CFO on rate and fee recommendations through the ALCO committee to ensure competitive, profitable, and member-friendly offerings.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Formulate and oversee strategies to manage loan portfolio risk, ensuring a balanced approach to growth and risk mitigation.
• Drive quality in underwriting processes through strong credit policies.
• Maintain full compliance with all state and federal regulations related to lending and collections.

Product Development and Innovation

• Drive product innovation with a focus on member needs and community impact.
• Champion technology adoption within lending processes to enhance efficiency, improve member experience, and increase loan origination capabilities.
• Leverage data analytics to better understand member needs and inform product offerings.

Community Engagement and Impact

• Develop and implement lending products and services that reflect Verity’s commitment to community impact and member success.
• Engage with the community to ensure that products meet evolving needs and build partnerships that support community growth.
• Serve as the primary liaison for lending-related CUSOs, including chairing Verity’s mortgage CUSO board.
• Lead initiatives that positively impact local communities, embodying Verity’s values of integrity, inclusivity, and social responsibility.

Collaboration and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships across departments to foster a cohesive member experience and streamline processes.
• Work closely with marketing, member services, and compliance teams to ensure alignment of lending services with Verity’s brand and values.

Policy Management and Continuous Development

• Maintain comprehensive board and management policies related to lending, ensuring policies support strategic objectives.
• Conduct regular meetings with staff to communicate policy changes, discuss performance goals, and encourage continuous development.

Industry and Market Insight

• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and consumer behaviors to provide actionable insights and shape Verity’s lending strategy.
• Attend industry conferences and stay up-to-date on best practices to position Verity as a forward-thinking credit union.

Leadership and Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the lending team to execute strategic priorities effectively and inspire high performance.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and member-centric culture across the lending area.
• Complete job-related projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field required; advanced degree (MBA or Master’s in Finance, Marketing, or Communications) preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years in lending, with at least 7 years in progressive lending management within a credit union or community bank, including 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing consumer, real estate, and business lending portfolios, with a focus on affordable housing, small business, and community development. Knowledge of CUSO structures is a plus.
• Strong background in loan origination, underwriting, processing, and servicing functions.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision: Sets and confidently communicates a clear strategic direction for Verity’s lending services, guiding the growth of diverse lending portfolios. Actively contributes to executive decision-making to ensure alignment with the credit union's mission and vision.

Communication and Change Management: Skilled at leading change and building consensus across diverse teams to foster collaboration and alignment. Influences others using high emotional intelligence and excellent communication skills, effectively managing transitions to align teams with strategic objectives.

Risk and Compliance Management: Proactively develops and implements effective strategies to manage loan portfolio risk. Ensures full compliance with state and federal regulations while driving quality in underwriting processes through robust credit policies, all rooted in a strong commitment to ethical standards.

Innovation: Innovatively drives product development that addresses member needs and enhances community impact. Utilizes technology and data analytics to optimize lending processes, elevate member experiences, and expand loan origination capabilities, ensuring that innovation is implemented transparently and effectively.

Community Impact: Actively engages with the community to create lending solutions that reflect Verity’s commitment to social responsibility. Builds and strengthens partnerships and seeks feedback from community members to foster growth and ensure products meet evolving needs.

Relationship Management: Effectively fosters collaborative relationships across departments to ensure a seamless member experience. Partners closely with marketing, member services, and compliance teams to align lending services with Verity's brand and values.

Policy Management and Continuous Development: Diligently maintains and updates comprehensive lending policies that support strategic objectives. Collaborates with compliance and legal teams to ensure policies adhere to regulations, leading regular meetings with staff to communicate changes, set performance goals, and promote continuous development within the lending team.

Market and Industry Insight: Informed about industry trends, market conditions, and consumer behaviors to provide actionable insights that shape Verity's lending strategy. Attends industry conferences and stays updated on best practices to position Verity as a leader in the credit union sector.

Leadership and Talent Development: Enthusiastically leads, mentors, and develops the lending team to inspire high performance and a positive, member-centric culture. Empowers team members to effectively execute strategic priorities while encouraging their professional growth and development.

Financial Acumen: Demonstrates a strong understanding of financial principles, including asset-liability management, interest rate risk, and portfolio analytics. Utilizes financial metrics to inform lending strategies and ensure sound decision-making.

Ethics and Integrity: Embodies strong commitment to ethical standards, transparency, and Verity’s mission of service, with a proactive approach to risk management and compliance. 
Technology Proficiency: Effectively drives technological advancements in lending processes, utilizing various systems with ease and exhibiting a willingness to learn and adapt to new trends.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Verity is committed to reasonably accommodating the physical aspects of the position. The following are normally encountered in this job:

• Long periods sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and attending meetings.
• Occasional travel for conferences, community events, and branch visits.
• Frequent presentations and community involvement, requiring clear articulation and sometimes standing for extended periods.
• Strong verbal skills and active listening required for meetings and presentations.
• Good vision and hearing needed for reading documents, data, and clear communication.
• Ability to stay focused and manage high-stress situations and competing priorities.

Washington is an At-Will Employment State

Your employment is at will, meaning you are free to resign at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. Verity Credit Union is also free to conclude the employment relationship with you at any time, for any reason, with or without notice.

No statement or promise by a credit union representative or board member may be interpreted as a change in the at will policy, nor would it constitute an employment or other contractual agreement.

Salary : $195,435 - $260,580