Job description

Who We Are:

Southern Bancorp is a different kind of bank. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), a special certification designated for institutions that serve predominantly underserved communities, Southern Bancorp combines traditional banking and lending services with financial development tools and public policy advocacy to help families and communities grow stronger. Inspired by the principle that building net worth drives economic opportunity, our mission is to be wealth builders for everyone in the communities we serve, with a focus on low-wealth and un(der)banked populations, as well as an emphasis on Black and Brown individuals.

Job Summary

The Lending Officer is responsible for developing and expanding agriculture and small business loans, both directly and indirectly. This role evaluates loan feasibility, streamlines the loan processing workflow, and oversees the loan closing process. Additionally, the Lending Officer ensures compliance with company policies and guaranteed loan programs, including SBA and FSA underwriting guidelines (when applicable). Staying informed on agricultural and small business lending trends is also a key aspect of this position.

This is a remote position only available to residents of Mississippi.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a portfolio of agricultural loan accounts.
Analyze loan applications to assess feasibility and risk.
Audit loan files to ensure compliance with internal and external guidelines.
Service existing loans and counsel customers to reduce delinquencies and increase loan volume.
Coordinate the loan closing process and assist with loan servicing.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

#LI-Remote

Requirements

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent (required).
At least three years of experience in agriculture lending or sales.

Skills & Abilities:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines effectively.
Strong client service and interpersonal skills for working with internal and external clients.
Team-oriented, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
Effective customer service and collections skills, requiring assertiveness and discretion.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain appropriate vehicle insurance.
Ability to travel within the market area for meetings and appointments.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business, agricultural business, finance, or a related field.

Physical & Sensory Requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

What we offer our employees:

A positive impact on Your Future:

401(k)/Roth plan with immediate eligibility and employer match up to 6%
Employee stock ownership plan
Discounted rate on primary home mortgage
Credit and housing counseling as well as free financial education tools available to customers and employees

Benefits to improve your health:

No deductible medical insurance plan
Dental and vision insurance
Employer paid life and long-term disability insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts

The opportunity to nurture your well-being:

Paid holidays and paid time off
Bonus plan
Opportunity for merit raises
Employee reward and recognition programs
Community service opportunities

Southern Bancorp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

As a Community Development Financial Institution, Southern Bancorp desires its workforce to reflect the diversity of the customers and communities that we serve. Racial and ethnic minorities, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people are often underrepresented in many financial service industry professions. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

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