Lending Relations Specialist

The Lending Relations Specialist is responsible for maintaining and growing business relationships with our participating dealerships, contractors and merchants. This position services our products through close working relationships with the Credit Union's network of dealerships, contractors and merchants. The Lending Relations Specialist markets and promotes Credit Union programs, products and services through regular visits with dealerships, contractors, and merchants with the goal of increasing the indirect lending portfolio.

Work Arrangement: This position is a hybrid role with a combination of working both onsite at our Headquarters in East Lansing and remotely/traveling. The position requires travel throughout the Detroit Market/Region to meet with dealer merchant and contractor partners. Typical schedule includes 4 days traveling throughout the Detroit Market/Region and 1 day in office in East Lansing (typically on Wednesdays if possible).

Region Includes: Detroit Market/Region 

Department Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm ET. Hours may vary, expected schedule will be discussed throughout interview process.

An offer of employment with MSU Federal Credit Union and affiliates is contingent upon the agreed work arrangement (onsite/hybrid/remote) and work location. MSU Federal Credit Union may or may not be able to accommodate temporary or permanent changes to work arrangements or allow employment outside the city and/or state of residency in which the new hire resides at the time of offered employment. 

Compensation & Benefits:

• Hourly Range: 
  • Level I - $ $33.00+/hour, depending on experience
  • Level II - $ $36.00+/hour, depending on experience
  • Senior Level - $ $41.00+/hour, depending on experience
• Company car (AWD SUV) and fuel card provided
• 100% Company-Paid Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Premiums
• Up to 26 days of PTO within your first year, as well as Volunteer Time Off & 11 Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with a company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Up to 12 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Learn more about our benefits here

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Level I -

• Serve as the primary communications link between our dealer partners and MSU Federal Credit Union, by identifying and communicating dealership needs, market conditions, competitor trends/programs and reviews findings with Management.
• Communicate, market, and promote the products and services of the Credit Union to dealerships both in writing and orally in a manner that promotes goodwill and efficient services.
• Develop and execute long and short-term marketing plans, in consultation with Management, in order to achieve credit union goals and objectives for auto lending.
• Ensure that the development of the indirect lending program is consistent with overall Credit Union operations and strategic direction of the Credit Union.
• Visit our current dealer partners regularly to market and promote the Credit Union's indirect lending program.
• Trains dealership personnel on Credit Union's policies and procedures.
• Support, maintain and grows business relationships with our dealer partners, appropriate managers, salespersons and support people.
• Prepare activity reports on a weekly basis for Management.
• Communicate with dealers regarding look to book, approves, declines and overall performance.
• Understand the Credit Union's policies and procedures to ensure compliance and accountability for managing operational risks. Adhere to established internal controls and procedures to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and maintain the integrity of credit union operations.

Level II -

• Identify poor performing dealers, merchants or contractors
• Determine best strategy to improve performance
• Implement strategy and follow up as needed to ensure that dealer is meeting Credit Union objectives

Senior Level - 

• Identify potential new partners, conduct appropriate research of potential new partners, and approach new potential partners to market and promote Credit Union indirect lending
• Create, prepare and give presentations to all indirect partners
• Identify additional areas of opportunity or growth for the Credit Union (market, industry, product, service, etc.)
• Develop and implement training for new Lending Relations Specialists

Job Requirements: 

Level I and Level II:

• High school diploma or GED
• Previous sales experience required
• Must have a valid driver's license with a good driving record

Senior Level

• Completed or pursuing completion of an approved course on developing leadership or sales skills development

Competencies:

• Core Competencies that must be demonstrated by all Credit Union employees include Communicate, Navigate Change & Evolve, Solve Problems & Make Decisions, Plan, Prioritize, and Achieve, and Collaborate.  
• Functional Competencies: 
  • Sales - Develop and implement effective business-based sales strategies and negotiation skills to achieve sales targets and expand the credit union's market presence with merchants
  • Time Management - Manages time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently.
  • Initiative - Takes proactive and prompt action to accomplish work goals. Takes action to achieve results beyond requirements.
  • Conflict Resolution - Works effectively through an antagonistic situation to minimize relationship damage and promote shared goals. Uses appropriate interpersonal methods to reduce tension or conflict and facilitate agreement.
  • Knowledge Sharing - Uses formal, informal, and systematic methods to impart information onto others.
  • Adaptability - Adapts quickly to change and considers new approaches.
  • Data Analysis - Analyzes and draws insights from relevant data. Uses storytelling to effectively communicate insights and actionable, data-informed recommendations.
  • Change Management - Adjusts thinking and behavior to resiliently face change, and uses experience to fuel growth. Enables the process of change and transition while helping others deal with its effects. Displays self-awareness of their personal reaction to change and regulates their response. Acts as a change champion, communicating the why behind the change and aligning with organizational direction.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to operate standard office technology, equipment, and tools, which may include many hours of computer and phone usage.
• Ability to drive vehicle and remain in seated, stationary position for extended period of time.
• Frequently moves equipment or materials weighing up to 25 pounds for transport between areas of buildings and vehicles.
• Occasionally needs to move about inside of an office area.
• This position requires both travel and an onsite working arrangement.

Disclaimer:

• Please note this job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and MSU Federal Credit Union reserves the right to change this position description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as MSUFCU may deem appropriate.
• MSUFCU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.