Director of Lending at Freedom Federal Credit Union – Bel Air, Maryland

Position Summary

The Director of Lending is responsible for the leadership, performance, and integration of the credit union’s consumer, indirect, and mortgage lending functions. This role provides oversight of lending operations across all channels, ensuring consistent underwriting, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and a high-quality member experience.

The Director leads and develops lending managers and their teams, drives portfolio performance, and partners with executive leadership to support lending strategy. This role holds enterprise-level accountability within lending and serves as a key external representative of the credit union, building relationships that support loan growth, community presence, and market competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• In consultation with the senior executive team, support the development and execution of lending strategies aligned with the credit union’s mission, growth goals, and risk appetite
• Partner with senior leadership to contribute to long-term planning for consumer, mortgage, and indirect lending portfolios
• Identify market trends, opportunities, and potential product enhancements to support competitive positioning and portfolio growth

1. Lending Leadership & Oversight

• Provide leadership and direction across consumer, indirect, and mortgage lending functions
• Ensure alignment and consistency in performance, service, and operational execution across all lending channels
• Establish clear expectations and accountability across teams
• Partner with managers to drive results and continuous improvement

2. Portfolio Performance & Risk Management

• Oversee overall lending portfolio performance, including growth, mix, delinquency, and profitability
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities across all lending segments
• Recommend and implement actions to improve portfolio health and performance
• Ensure sound underwriting practices align with safety and soundness expectations
• Monitor key performance metrics, including delinquency, charge-offs, yield, margin, and concentration risk
• Partner with Risk, Finance, and Compliance teams to ensure effective risk management and portfolio oversight

3. Operational Excellence

• Drive efficiency and consistency across the end-to-end lending lifecycle
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance turnaround times and member experience
• Champion modernization efforts, including digital lending platforms, workflow automation, and process improvements
• Ensure lending systems and technology support regulatory compliance, scalability, and staff productivity

4. Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop lending managers (Consumer/Indirect and Mortgage)
• Build strong leadership capability and accountability within the lending function
• Support succession planning and ongoing talent development
• Foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement

5. Policy, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations (NCUA, CFPB, RESPA, TILA, ECOA, HMDA, etc.)
• Oversee development, implementation, and maintenance of lending policies and procedures
• Partner with Compliance, Audit, and Risk teams to ensure strong internal controls
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure timely and effective implementation

6. Business Growth & External Representation

• Support loan growth through effective partnerships, programs, and market engagement
• Oversee and strengthen indirect lending relationships and mortgage referral networks
• Represent the credit union at industry events, Realtor associations, dealer events, and community functions
• Partner with Marketing and Business Development to promote lending products and services

7. Reporting & Strategic Support

• Provide regular reporting and insights on lending performance to executive leadership
• Contribute to Board reporting as needed
• Use data and analytics to inform recommendations and support decision-making
• Partner with the CFO and senior leadership to support lending-related strategy and planning

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Organizational Development
• Lending & Credit Expertise (Consumer, Indirect & Mortgage)
• Financial & Portfolio Acumen
• Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge
• Operational Excellence
• Strategic Thinking (Applied)
• Relationship Management & External Presence
• Communication & Influence
• Change Leadership
• Member-Centric Mindset

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in lending (consumer, indirect, and/or mortgage)
• Minimum of 5 years in a leadership role, including management of managers preferred
• Strong knowledge of lending regulations, underwriting practices, and loan servicing
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple functions and drive performance across teams
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience with lending systems and operational reporting

Interpersonal Skills

A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required to be an effective subject matter expert in the position. In-depth dialogues, conversations, and explanations with members, direct and indirect reports, and outside vendors of a sensitive and/or highly confidential nature is a normal part of the day-to-day experience. Communications can involve motivating, influencing, educating, and/or advising others on matters of significance.

COMPANY INFORMATION:

Freedom Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered federal credit union offering consumer financial services to those who live, work, volunteer, worship, attend school, or have family in Harford, Baltimore, & Carroll Counties as well as Baltimore City. Additionally, Freedom offers a full line of banking services for all businesses, associations, and other organizations that are based in those same locations. To learn more, visit freedomfcu.org.

Freedom Federal Credit Union offers competitive compensation, and our benefit offerings include:

• Paid time off Accrual of 17 days in 1st year of employment
• 11 paid holidays with an extra floating holiday for your birthday
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage – Single and Family options available
• Supplementary Health Benefit offerings including Critical illness insurance, Accident Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity Plans
• Life and AD&D Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match options after 1 year, potential for additional discretionary contribution from the organization each year
• Tuition Reimbursement options of up to $5,250 each year

Freedom Federal Credit Union conducts credit, bond, and background checks. All new hires must present evidence of authorization to work in the US. Freedom Federal Credit Union participates in the E-Verify program. Freedom Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected Military/Veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

If you are a disabled applicant and cannot apply online, please contact Freedom directly at HumanResources@freedomfcu.org for assistance.