Beginning Farmer Program Specialist

Job Title: Beginning Farmer Program Specialist

Status: Exempt

Reports To: President and Chief Lending Officer

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Job Summary: The Beginning Farmer Loan Program Specialist is responsible for leading the development, outreach, and sales efforts of First State’s Beginning Farmer Loan Program, with a primary focus on driving growth in NIFA loan originations. This role serves as a key liaison between First State and aspiring farmers, combining agricultural finance expertise with data-driven marketing strategies to build lasting relationships and expand access to essential funding tools. The Specialist works both independently and collaboratively to promote loan products, manage marketing efforts, and support loan processing from inquiry through funding.

Essential Functions:

Job Specific:

• Lead loan generation efforts for First State’s Beginning Farmer Loan Program, focusing on consistent loan volume growth and a high inquiry-to-funding conversion rate.
• Independently develop and manage a prospect pipeline by identifying qualified leads, determining appropriate outreach strategies, and guiding applicants from initial inquiry through loan funding. Exercise discretion and judgment in tailoring outreach, evaluating opportunities, and coordinating with the lending team to move applicants toward funding.
• Actively participate in outreach initiatives, including attending community events, conferences, and educational seminars to promote beginning farmer loan products and build brand awareness.
• Serve as a knowledgeable and trusted ambassador of First State’s agricultural lending products and their benefits.
• Manage a centralized database to accurately track prospects, outreach activity, and loan pipeline progress; leverage data insights to refine engagement strategies and improve conversion rates.
• Partner with the marketing department to execute targeted campaigns, ensure data integrity, and assess campaign effectiveness.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine loan product offerings and contribute to the development of new features that address the evolving needs of beginning farmers.
• Partner with leadership to align program messaging and outreach strategies with First State’s broader marketing objectives.
• Work closely with the President to report on sales strategy, performance, and goal attainment.
• Develop and manage a personal plan to meet or exceed defined goals.
• Receive training and guidance from the Chief Lending Officer to build expertise in loan structuring and underwriting practices.
• Monitor developments in beginning farmer programs (e.g., USDA/FSA) and ensure First State’s offerings remain responsive and aligned.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support First State’s agricultural lending initiatives.

Bank Specific:

• Exhibit professionalism in appearance and attitude, maintaining confidentiality and ethical behavior at all times.
• Provide timely assistance and support to both co-workers and customers, ensuring exceptional service and accurate information.
• Demonstrate a commitment to The First State Way by upholding First State’s customer service standards in all interactions, fostering positive relationships with both external customers and internal team members.
• Adhere to regular attendance, punctuality, and break schedules.
• Take responsibility for personal actions and be accountable for performance.
• Promote and cross-sell company services while participating in training opportunities as required.
• Remain vigilant and knowledgeable about crisis procedures, including emergency protocols such as robbery.
• Comply with all bank policies, procedures, and regulations, and report any concerns to Human Resources or upper-level management immediately.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and general office machinery.
• Attentive to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Effective at interacting with customers, management, and other employees.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Flexible and able to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Well-organized with a courteous and diplomatic approach.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and strong organizational skills.
• Able to hear and communicate effectively with customers, co-workers, and external contacts.
• Proficient in reading and writing.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, business, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in agricultural lending, CRM management, rural development, or similar outreach programs strongly preferred.
• Strong public speaking and communication skills with the ability to represent First State professionally in external settings.
• Familiarity with beginning farmer programs and government-backed lending products highly valued.
• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license required.

Physical Demands:

• Engage in routine physical activities such as walking, standing, sitting, stooping, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to read reports and use a computer effectively.
• Lift and carry items up to 30 pounds daily, including file boxes and office supplies.

Work Environment:

• Primarily indoors in an environmentally controlled setting.
• Occasional travel by car to visit other company locations may be required.
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work to achieve established goals.

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the employee.