Job Description

MJK Connections is excited to be partnering with Sunward Federal Credit Union on this highly impactful, VP, Consumer Lending role!

Vice President, Consumer Lending

Job Scope:

The Vice President of Consumer Lending oversees the functional strategy and operations of consumer lending, from lead generation and borrower engagement through servicing and postmortem analysis. This role develops and executes business plans that drive profitable loan growth, optimize the member experience, and ensure compliance with regulatory and policy standards. The position champions innovation, efficiency, and risk-aligned lending practices while managing departmental budgets, resources, and performance to advance the credit union's strategic objectives.

Essential Functions

• Lead the end-to-end strategy, execution, and optimization of mortgage lending, ensuring alignment with the credit union's business goals, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement lending strategies that drive profitable loan growth, enhance member experience, and support operational efficiency.
• Liaise with HR and Organizational Development to recruit, onboard, and retain high-performing talent, ensuring workforce planning supports department goals.
• Oversee daily operations of the consumer lending department including retail branch employees responsible for loan services.
• Provide timely, constructive, and frequent performance evaluations and feedback; recognize and reward high performance.
• Coach, mentor, and motivate staff to foster a high-performance, member-centric culture.
• Create a positive, productive, and values-aligned work environment focused on continuous development, team engagement, and succession planning.
• Develop leaders to advance into next-level roles, preparing them for inclusion in the credit union's succession plan.
• Analyze financial and operational performance to ensure transparency, improve outcomes, and drive continuous improvement in lending operations.
• Assess risk and return trade-offs to guide profitable lending decisions and explore innovative solutions to expand loan programs and reach.
• Align lending practices with the Enterprise Risk Management framework, identify operational efficiencies, and implement scalable solutions.
• Maintain and revise consumer loan policies and procedures; ensure policies are clearly communicated and understood throughout the organization.
• Champion the voice of the member and staff in decision-making, leading initiatives that improve the experience across all lending channels and touchpoints.
• Monitor portfolio performance and compliance; ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and Board-approved policies.
• Conduct quality reviews of credit underwriting, ensuring documentation and practices meet all standards.
• Provide portfolio analysis on pipelines, product performance, goals, past due and charge off trends, and delinquency management, pricing, personnel performance, etc.
• Identify and advocate for tools and technologies that enhance lending decision-making, operational efficiency, and member satisfaction.
• Compile, present, and advise on lending data and strategies to executive committees and internal stakeholders.
• Represent the credit union in industry associations and community partnerships to support its mission, visibility and strategic objectives.
• Stay current on legal and regulatory requirements from NCUA and all governing bodies; recommend operational and policy changes as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Experience and Education

• Minimum 12 years of lending and next-level leadership experience in financial services, preferably in a credit union or community-based financial institution.
• Proven ability to manage complex lending operations, drive organizational change, and ensure compliance with regulatory and policy standards.
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or related field required, or experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
• Current registration with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), or ability to become registered upon hire.

Knowledge

• Recent, relevant, and strong understanding of all aspects of consumer lending, including leading leaders, financial analysis, and portfolio monitoring and reporting.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, internal policies, and enterprise risk management principles related to consumer lending.
• High proficiency with digital communication platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and tools supporting underwriting, credit analysis, and portfolio monitoring.

Leadership Competencies

• Ability to articulate a clear direction for the department, align team goals with enterprise objectives, and anticipate future trends in mortgage lending.
• Drives organizational change by preparing teams for new processes, tools, or strategies; manages resistance and maintains engagement during transitions.
• Builds bench strength by coaching, mentoring, and growing future leaders; proactively identifies high-potential employees.
• Shapes a positive, values-aligned, and inclusive team culture that reinforces member-centric behaviors and collaboration.
• Makes timely, high-impact decisions in fast-moving or uncertain situations while balancing operational, financial, and risk considerations.
• Builds alignment across departments, executive leadership, and external partners to drive organizational goals.
• Encourages new ideas, identifies opportunities for operational improvements, and champions technology or process solutions to enhance efficiency.
• Ensures department delivers measurable outcomes, tracks performance against goals, and holds self and team accountable for results.
• Maintains focus and leads effectively through challenges, shifting priorities, or regulatory changes.
• Communicates with credibility, builds trust across the enterprise, and represents the credit union externally with professionalism and influence.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills that build trust and foster strong working relationships.
• Strong ability to analyze financial and operational data, assess risk/return trade-offs, and make informed decisions.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

• Primarily office-based role with extended periods of sitting, standing, and working at a computer.
• Frequent verbal and written communication with teams, members, and stakeholders.
• Ability to attend in-person meetings, presentations, or events as needed.
• Occasional travel to branch locations across the U.S., as well as off-site meetings, community events, or industry conferences.
• Fast-paced, high-accountability environment with deadlines and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Requires adaptability to changing priorities, regulatory updates, and operational demands while maintaining focus and effectiveness.