Job Description

This position is hybrid/remote: 2 days/week in the office at our Halls or Fountain City Branch.

Role The Mortgage Banking Officer is responsible for originating residential first mortgage and equity loans while actively engaging in related business development activities. This position ensures members receive exemplary mortgage loan origination services in alignment with ORNL Federal Credit Union’s lending policies, practices, and procedures. Additionally, the Mortgage Banking Officer counsels members, gathers necessary information to evaluate credit applications, and submits loans to underwriting in accordance with established guidelines.

A critical aspect of the role is fostering strong working relationships with retail bank partners, who serve as an extension of the Mortgage team within the branch environment. The Mortgage Banking Officer is responsible for providing education, support, and guidance to branch partners to enhance their growth and development, improving the quality and quantity of referrals and opportunities. This includes networking within branch areas, offering in-person support, and meeting minimum branch standards set by management.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Travels to assigned branch and Call Center locations to originate residential mortgage loans, provide quality service to members and support Marketing initiatives.
• Conducts applicant interviews to counsel borrowers on loan products that meet their needs. Analyzes financial data, completes loan applications and sets clear expectations for the loan process, including timelines, disclosures and policies.
• Maintains communication with support staff to ensure smooth loan processing. Provides members with updates on their loan status and addresses any questions or concerns.
• Facilitates member engagement through branch sponsorships, sales meetings, and seminars (e.g., first-time homebuyer or buyer/seller seminars). Prepares content and acts as a Subject Matter Expert as needed.
• Collaborates with processors and closers to gather required documentation and ensure a seamless loan process. Proactively communicates loan status updates to members and other stakeholders and attends mortgage closings to support members.
• Acts as the primary contact for refinance transactions, assign complex loan scenarios (e.g., jumbo loans, 80/10/10) to Mortgage Banking Officers, and directs nonmembers to branch staff to establish membership.
• Supports departmental goals by identifying process improvements, enhancing service quality, and increasing efficiency. Aligns efforts with credit union objectives and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Experience Two or more years prior experience in the mortgage, consumer lending or commercial banking industry preferably. Familiarity with conventional, and equity loan financing as well as the knowledge of all regulations governing mortgage lending is preferred.

Must pass National NMLS training and obtain NMLS # as well as maintain annual education requirements. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Education An associate's degree in a business-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience is required.

The employee must meet and maintain all the requirements as a registered mortgage loan originator employed by a Federally regulated Institution with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS). The employee must comply with all provisions of the Act as defined in the Secure and Fair Enforcement of Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (S.A.F.E. Act) and credit union S.A.F.E. Act Procedures.

Continuing education via local conferences and workshops and membership in affiliated mortgage banking associations should be established as time and resources allow for updates on federal regulations and secondary market requirements.

Other skills required

• Must be able to generate enthusiasm for all ORNL Federal Credit Union products and services through the cross-selling process. Cross-sells other credit union services.
• Support ORNL Federal Credit Union’s mission to become the primary financial institution of its members by providing service in an expeditious and courteous manner.
• Understand that educating members and informing them of the products and services available is the highest level of service we can provide and the key to accomplishing our mission and goals.
• Must have excellent communication skills including presentation skills and should have the ability to interface effectively with members, and potential clients to ensure smooth workflow and provide efficient service to members while staying abreast of changing policies and procedures.
• Must be self-disciplined and goal-oriented worker with a demonstrated ability to work independently.