[Hiring] Community Lending Associate @Influence HR

Role Description

The Community Lending Associate is an entry-level role designed to expand Equity1821's loan solicitation capacity and community outreach. Reporting directly to the Director of Lending, this individual handles the client-facing and administrative work. The Associate will build a community pipeline, assist entrepreneurs through the early stages of the loan application process, and support the program's educational initiatives. This role is ideal for a motivated, community-oriented professional who is passionate about small business development and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Outreach & Pipeline Development
  • Proactively identify and engage prospective loan applicants through community outreach, networking, and partnership with local organizations.
  • Build and maintain relationships with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners to generate a steady pipeline of qualified loan applicants.
  • Represent Equity1821 at community events, workshops, business fairs, and information sessions to raise program visibility and recruit participants.
  • Identify and recruit participants for Demystifying Underwriting and Credit Builder training programs, focusing on reaching underserved entrepreneurs.
• Client Support & Application Assistance
  • Conduct initial intake conversations with prospective borrowers to assess business needs, funding readiness, and loan eligibility.
  • Educate clients on Equity1821's loan products, eligibility requirements, and the application process in an accessible and encouraging manner.
  • Assist clients in completing loan applications, including helping them input data into the loan management system and gathering required documentation.
  • Guide clients through the early stages of the lending process and ensure a smooth handoff to the Loan Officer for underwriting review.
• Data Entry & Record Keeping
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all outreach efforts, client interactions, and pipeline activity in the CRM and loan management system.
  • Support the Director of Community Lending with data collection, reporting, and documentation needed for grant compliance and funder reporting.
  • Assist with administrative tasks associated with loan processing, including document collection, file organization, and client follow-up communications.
• Marketing & Program Support
  • Support outreach and marketing initiatives to increase awareness of and participation in Equity1821's lending and education programs.
  • Collaborate with communications team to develop outreach materials and program messaging.
  • Contribute to Equity1821's goal of training participants annually through active recruitment and logistical support for educational cohorts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, Community Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 0–2 years of experience in sales, banking, community development, customer service, or a client-facing role.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust and rapport with diverse populations, including underserved communities.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple client interactions simultaneously.
• Self-starter with genuine motivation to meet outreach, pipeline, and engagement goals.
• Basic understanding of business concepts, financial documents, or lending processes is a plus.
• Genuine passion for small business development, and community impact.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with small business lending, microfinance, or CDFI environments.
• Experience working with entrepreneurs or underserved communities in an outreach or support capacity.
• Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $50,000 commensurate with experience; position is grant-funded for a two-year term with potential for continuation.
• Benefits package including health coverage and paid time off.
• Direct mentorship and professional development under the Loan Officer and Equity1821 leadership.
• Opportunity to grow within the lending program as loan volume increases toward the annual target.
• Meaningful work at the intersection of community development, financial equity, and entrepreneurship.