Chief Lending Officer

Pay Range: $252,600-$328,400

Remote Eligible: Hybrid

We offer a pay-for-performance compensation program including bonuses for all employees and a competitive benefits package. See https://www.cuofco.org/careers for a high-level overview of our benefits package and bonus offerings.

General Purpose of the Position 

The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for the strategic direction, growth, profitability, risk management, and operational effectiveness of all lending functions across Credit Union of Colorado. The CLO provides executive leadership for consumer lending, indirect lending, mortgage lending, home equity lending, business lending, collections, and lending operations. 

The CLO is accountable for the overall performance and quality of the Credit Union's loan portfolio and ensures lending activities align with the Core Values, Strategic Areas of Focus, business plan, financial objectives, risk appetite, regulatory requirements, and member experience goals. The position works closely with the Executive Leadership Team, management team, regulators, and external partners to support sustainable growth and deliver exceptional value to members. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Strategic Leadership and Executive Oversight 

• Serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and contributes to the development and execution of organizational strategy. 

• Develops and executes a comprehensive lending strategy that supports growth, profitability, member service, and long-term organizational objectives. 

• Provides leadership and direction for all lending-related functions including consumer, indirect, mortgage, home equity, business, collections, and lending operations. 

• Identifies growth opportunities, market trends, and emerging risks impacting lending activities. 

• Collaborates with executive leadership to support strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. 

• Portfolio Growth, Profitability, and Performance 

• Accountable for loan portfolio growth, yield, profitability, diversification, and overall performance. 

• Establishes and monitors key performance indicators and production goals. 

• Evaluates portfolio trends and opportunities using data analytics and business intelligence tools. 

• Develops initiatives to improve loan production, member penetration, and operational efficiency. 

• Ensures lending activities support the Credit Union's financial objectives and balance sheet strategy. 

Credit Risk Management and Asset Quality 

• Provides executive oversight of underwriting standards, credit policy, and loan quality. 

• Establishes appropriate risk tolerances and portfolio concentration limits. 

• Monitors delinquency, charge-offs, recoveries, and asset quality trends. 

• Ensures effective collection and workout strategies are in place. 

• Partners with Finance and Risk Management to maintain a safe and sound lending program. 

Lending Operations and Innovation 

• Oversees lending operations to ensure efficient service delivery and a positive member experience. 

• Leads lending technology initiatives, digital lending platforms, automated decisioning tools, and process improvements while leveraging artificial intelligence effectively and responsibly. 

• Evaluates emerging technologies, fintech partnerships, and industry best practices. 

• Promotes innovation while maintaining appropriate controls and risk management practices. 

Board, Regulatory, and Compliance Leadership 

• Provides regular reports and strategic recommendations to Executive Management and the Board of Directors. 

• Presents lending trends, portfolio performance, and risk analysis to Board committees and the Board. 

• Serves as the primary executive liaison with regulators, auditors, and examiners regarding lending activities. 

• Adheres to all Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to the credit union, including the Bank Secrecy Act and OFAC.  

• Oversees the development, maintenance, and implementation of lending policies and procedures. 

• Adheres to all Federal and State laws and regulations applicable to the credit union, including the Bank Secrecy Act and OFAC.  

Leadership and Talent Development 

• Leads, develops, and mentors lending leaders and team members. 

• Establishes succession plans for key lending positions. 

• Fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and member service. 

• Ensures employees receive ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. 

• Promotes engagement and alignment with the Credit Union's mission, values, and strategic priorities. 

Member and Business Relationships 

• Ensures lending programs provide exceptional value and service to members. 

• Maintains effective relationships with business partners, vendors, industry associations, and community organizations. 

• Represents the Credit Union at professional and community events as appropriate. 

• Supports organizational initiatives that enhance member satisfaction and financial well-being. 

• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITIES 

The Chief Lending Officer is accountable for: 

• Member experience and satisfaction metrics 

• Loan portfolio growth 

• Loan portfolio yield and profitability 

• Delinquency and asset quality performance 

• Net charge-off performance 

• Consumer, mortgage, indirect, and business lending production 

• Digital lending adoption and efficiency 

• Operational effectiveness and productivity 

• Regulatory compliance and examination results 

• Leadership development and succession planning   

Requirements 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Accounting, or related field required. Master's degree preferred. 

Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive lending experience within a credit union, bank, or financial services organization, including ten or more years of executive or senior leadership experience overseeing multiple lending disciplines. 

Demonstrated experience managing large and complex consumer, mortgage, indirect, and business lending portfolios. Proven success developing and executing growth strategies while maintaining strong credit quality and regulatory compliance. 

Experience presenting to Executive Management, Boards of Directors, regulators, and external auditors required. 

Comprehensive knowledge of consumer, mortgage, indirect, and business lending. Strong understanding of credit risk management and portfolio analytics. Knowledge of NCUA regulations, consumer compliance regulations, and lending-related laws. Exceptional strategic planning and business acumen. Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to analyze complex financial and operational data. Proven ability to lead organizational change and drive results. 

DIRECT REPORTS 

Director of Consumer Lending; Director of Mortgage Lending and Member Solutions; Director of Commercial and Business Banking  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is typically required to remain stationary for long periods and is occasionally required to lift/move or transport up to 10 pounds. Employee will need to occasionally move about inside an office to access files, mail, office machinery, etc. and constantly operates a computer and other office equipment, such as a phone, copier/printer, etc.  Will need to position self to maintain computers, including under desks and in the server closet. Employee will frequently communicate with members and co-workers and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Employee will travel to visit CU location as needed. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.    

Core Competencies 

Every position at Credit Union of Colorado is grounded in our organizational Core Values and Core Competencies. These skills and behaviors guide how we work, collaborate, and deliver results. Click here to view our Core Values and Core Competencies on Atlas. 

Credit Union of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please note applicants can redact any information that identifies their age, birth date, or dates of schooling on either their resume or any additional materials provided.