Loan Operations Specialist

The Senior Loan Administration Analyst is primarily responsible for working with Servicers, Seller Banks, and other counterparties involved with securitization transactions to onboard loan data into Farmer Mac’s loan data systems. Moreover, the Senior Loan Administrator processes loan data to ensure accurate information flows into Farmer Mac’s loan data systems. Incumbents in this position are challenged to develop and maintain effective working relations with both internal and external stakeholders in a way that demonstrates an understanding of loan accounting concepts, best practices for managing loan data, and a customer first focus. This position is also expected to continuously implement new workflows to improve data accuracy and data automation to meet the growing needs of internal and external stakeholders. Detailed information for the programs this position is tasked with supporting is available on Farmer Mac’s website https://www.farmermac.com/products-solutions/.

The People You Will Work With

The position will report directly to the Manager of Loan Administration. The position will directly liaison with members of the Information Technology, Operations, Accounting, Finance, Servicing, Credit, and Legal department. In addition, the position will liaison with external stakeholders such as Servicers, Trustees, and Seller Banks.

Where and When You Will Work

The position will be based in Farmer Mac’s Johnston, Iowa location, the Washington, D.C. headquarters, or remotely in the U.S. for the exceptional candidate. Core business hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 p.m. Central. Work outside of these times may be required for planned and unplanned activities to complete time sensitive projects or to attend off-site meetings or events.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Review loan approvals to determine conditions prior to loan purchase.
• Establish a line of communication with Sellers and provides timely responses throughout the post-approval period.
• Organize, track, and assign appraisals to contract reviewers and work with them to maintain the adequacy of appraisals to ensure adherence to Farmer Mac’s collateral valuation practices.
• Review title work submitted by Sellers and provide guidance per Farmer Mac’s standards.
• Organize, track, and analyze Seller communications regarding the completion of appraisal and title deficiency items. Prepare and deliver Instruction Letters and Conditions Prior to Funding to Central Servicers and Sellers prior to the purchase of loans.
• Coordinate with Underwriting on revisions and update the necessary conditions and instructions to ensure all pre-closing requirements are satisfied.
• Provide a high level of customer service and pre-closing guidance to Sellers and Central Servicers to improve customer satisfaction and support business strategic goals and objectives. Analyze and recommend operational improvements within the Closing Operations department, including but not limited to documenting processes, participation in system modernization initiatives, and familiarity and adherence to Farm & Ranch policies and procedures
• Provide cross-training support with Client Services to broaden capacity within Client Operations and ensure adequate backup and support among both areas.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, business finance, or accounting.
• 5 years of experience in agricultural lending.
• Sound knowledge of agricultural lending and economics.
• Sound knowledge of mortgage lending best practices and procedures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to Farmer Mac clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in operating in a computerized office environment, with solid ability in all MS Office applications, focused on PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Knowledge of database management to the extent that the data can be used to generate reports that assist with managerial decisions.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage the flow and status of numerous loan applications.