Commercial Lender

Commercial LenderOur client is a well-established, mission-driven financial institution with deep roots in the faith-based and nonprofit community, committed to serving its members and the communities in which they live and work. As part of a strategic expansion, they are opening a new Fort Wayne office and are seeking an experienced Commercial Lender to help establish and grow their presence in the market. This individual will play a foundational role in building the commercial lending portfolio in Fort Wayne. The ideal candidate is a seasoned lender who is already embedded in the Fort Wayne business community and shares a commitment to values-aligned, relationship-driven banking.ResponsibilitiesOriginate, underwrite, document, and monitor commercial loans across a range of product types including business loans, SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, commercial real estate, lines of credit, and equipment financingProactively develop new business through community involvement, networking, and cultivation of centers of influence — not reliant on broker deals or walk-in volumeManage and grow a commercial loan portfolio while maintaining high credit quality and regulatory compliancePartner with local market leadership to develop and execute a business development strategy aligned with the institution's mission and community presenceServe nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions, and for-profit businesses with a consultative, relationship-first approachMaintain working knowledge of SBA lending programs, commercial credit policy, and applicable federal regulations including BSA, OFAC, and AML requirementsRepresent the institution in the Fort Wayne community through participation in local organizations, events, and civic activitiesCollaborate with internal partners across lending, treasury, and member services to deliver comprehensive financial solutionsSkills & RequirementsMinimum of 3 years of commercial lending experience at a bank, credit union, or financial institutionBachelor's degree required; MBA preferredDemonstrated ability to generate and close commercial loans through organic business developmentStrong credit and underwriting skills across commercial real estate and C&I lendingSBA lending experience (7(a) and 504) strongly preferredEstablished network in the Fort Wayne business community is a significant advantageAlignment with a faith-based, community-focused mission and values is a strong differentiatorExperience serving nonprofit organizations and/or faith-based institutions is a plusAbility to operate with a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and independent judgmentProficiency in standard lending and financial software; strong Excel and analytical skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills