SBA Lending Consultant

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ABOUT THE ROLE:

The SBA Lending Consultant plays a critical role in driving the growth and success of the bank’s Small Business Administration (SBA) loan portfolio. This individual works closely with both the customer and their internal partners providing education about SBA lending products, structuring loans to meet SBA guidelines, and helping present and sell lending solutions to clients and prospects. The SBA Lending Consultant ensures that all SBA lending activities are compliant with regulatory and program requirements, while delivering exceptional service and support throughout the process.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The responsibilities for this role are below; you may support projects of varying complexity based on skill and organizational priorities.

• SBA Lending Strategy & Execution
  • Collaborate with Regional Directors of Practice Finance or Relationship Managers to identify SBA-eligible lending opportunities.
  • Evaluate client needs and structure SBA loan proposals in accordance with program requirements.
  • Assist in prospect conversations, loan structure support, and eligibility summaries for SBA underwriting approval.
• Partner Collaboration & Sales Support
  • Act as an SBA subject matter expert to support Regional Directors of Practice Finance and Relationship Managers in client conversations.
  • Participate in joint calls with their internal partners and clients to explain SBA benefits and answer product-specific questions.
  • Educate internal partners on SBA program nuances.
• Education & Training
  • Help train front-line staff and internal partners on SBA programs, guidelines, and eligibility.
  • Conduct ongoing sessions to update teams on SBA policy changes or program enhancements.
• Compliance & Process Management
  • Ensure deals comply with all SBA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Coordinate with attorneys, and internal operations and closing partners to ensure smooth and timely loan closings.
  • Maintain accurate pipeline reporting and help prepare necessary documentation for SBA submission and loan approval.
• Other Duties: Performing other duties as assigned, adapting to new tasks or shifts in priorities as necessary to support your team’s and the company’s mission.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

This role is designed for individuals who have moderate experience in their career supporting the SBA space.  We aim to support talented individuals in learning and contributing once they have a basic level of experience established in the field.

Qualified candidates will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, in a related field or equivalent experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Qualified candidates will possess a moderate degree of proficiency (typically from 3+ years of work or practical experience), in:

• SBA Lending Expertise: Minimum 3 years of experience in SBA lending – Demonstrates hands-on experience with SBA loan origination and servicing.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of SBA loan programs and SOPs – Ensures compliance and effective navigation of SBA guidelines.
• Deal Structuring: Demonstrated ability to structure and present SBA loan deals – Reflects the ability to create compelling, compliant loan packages.
• Influence & Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence and educate others – Critical for stakeholder engagement and internal collaboration.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS:

Qualified candidates will possess a moderate degree of proficiency (typically from 3+ years of work or practical experience), in:

• Relationship Management: Experience partnering directly with bankers, business development officers, or sales teams – Enhances cross-functional collaboration and deal flow.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with SBA loan packaging and submission platforms (e.g., SBA One) – Supports efficient and accurate loan processing.
• Process Navigation: Experience navigating the SBA eligibility and underwriting process – Facilitates smooth loan approvals and minimizes delays.
• Credit & Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and credit skills – Enables sound risk assessment and decision-making.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders – Promotes alignment and shared goals across teams.
• Sales Acumen: Comfort in customer-facing environments – Supports business development and client engagement.
• Compliance & Accuracy: Detail-oriented with a strong focus on compliance and documentation – Ensures audit readiness and regulatory adherence.
• Initiative & Problem Solving: Proactive and self-driven with strong problem-solving abilities – Drives continuous improvement and issue resolution.

DOING THE RIGHT THING: Our employees take pride in doing the right thing for customers and colleagues as well as being accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all our valuable assets —including you.

At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.

The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.

Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner. 

Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting.  Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third.  Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.