The CRA Community Development Mortgage Loan Originator (CRA MLO) position is responsible for the origination of loan applications through the solicitation, procurement and development of new Realtors, attorneys, builders, financial consultants and other sources of business.  The CRA MLO is expected to focus on business development activities to solicit mortgage loans that assist low- and moderate-income communities and borrowers in support of the community development initiatives of the Bank and is expected to work closely with the Bank’s Community Development Officer in order to achieve these goals and objectives. The MLO is expected to spend 90 percent of their time out of the office developing sales and contacts to acquire new business in the Bank’s assessment and market area.  This position requires the availability and flexibility to attend events and workshops on week nights and weekends.

The territory for this position is Mercer County, NJ.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Call on government sponsored, not-for-profit housing agencies, and community development agencies supporting low-to-moderate income housing interests and initiatives in the communities they serve
• Conduct workshops, seminars or other focus group related activities that serve these entities. These activities may be jointly conducted with the entity or within a Lakeland Bank branch that services the low to moderate income housing interests
• Originate loans within the scope of the goals established by Management which may change from time to time.
• Maintain and preserve existing referral sources by regular sales calls and personal client meetings.
• Conduct pre-qualification interviews with prospective borrowers to discuss the different loan programs and products that are available.
• Review and analyze documentation for initial assessment regarding whether the borrower may qualify for a particular lending solution.
• Taking loan applications either by telephone, in person, virtually, fax or email.
• Entering loan information for prospective borrowers onto Encompass.
• Reviewing new loan packages prior to submission to ensure the minimum required documents are included for the new loan submission (i.e., MSI Checklist.)
• Submitting new loan packages to Operations for processing and credit decisioning.
• Provide appropriate follow-up and meet with borrowers in obtaining required documentation from processing through closing to ensure a timely closing.
• Attend meetings as needed.
• Working in a professional and courteous manner with Company staff and personnel.
• Provide outside "call reports" as requested by Management.
• Promote the Company and generate good will with the MLO's own sources as well as the Company's client base by acting in a professional manner.
• Appointment scheduling and personal meet up with customers to review mortgage programs and/or determine available opportunities.
• Generate new business through cold calling.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
• Work collaboratively with management, fellow associates, and line of business partners to attain targets established by the CDAC Committee.

Monthly activities:

• Minimum of 8 focused business development calls or appointments per month
• Minimum of 2 workshops, seminars, outreach events
• Mortgage Day/Lunch and Learn where the CRA MLO will visit a Lakeland branch as coordinated with Management on a rotating basis to promote events, discuss first time homebuyer programs and/or products as needed
• Report Sales Activity weekly using Salesforce

• High school diploma, plus specialized schooling and/or on the job education in a specific skill area; e.g. data processing, clerical/administrative, etc.
• 2 years related mortgage sales experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Superior facilitation and presentation skills.
• Intermediate proficiency with computers and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent relationship building skills with the ability to influence others.
• Ability to travel throughout the branch network.
• Ability to analyze trends in the local marketplace, specifically in Mercer County.
• Excellent prospecting and closing skills.
• Possess motivation to meet and drive sales targets.
• Strong commitment to service.
• Must be federally registered with the NMLS and possess a unique NMLS identifier.
• Must be bondable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual
• Prior CRA experience/involvement

All Lakeland Bank employees must be bondable.  FBI background checks are required to confirm eligibility for bonding.  Note: A guilty plea or criminal conviction will not necessarily preclude employment at Lakeland Bank.

Lakeland Bank is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.