Associate, Construction Lending

Doist; Fort Lee (NJ); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cross River is seeking a CRE junior loan officer in Fort Lee, NJ to assist with originating and underwriting construction loans across residential and commercial assets. The role reports to the Head of Underwriting and Processing within Commercial Banking.

You will build relationships, gather loan data, assess credit risk, and prepare memos for approval while coordinating with servicing and compliance teams. Hybrid/onsite arrangement offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of construction lending underwriting experience.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Originating and underwriting new construction loan transactions.
• Source new leads via relationships and networking.
• Gather and analyze loan data, financials, budgets, to determine creditworthiness.
• Assess credit risk and determine loan structures.
• Prepare credit memos and present loans for approval.
• Manage draw/requisition process and related documentation.
• Interface with Loan Servicing, auditors, regulators on loan files.
• Stay current with policies and trends in commercial lending.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

3+ years construction lending underw

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Who We Are Cross River builds the infrastructure behind the world’s most innovative financial products. Our technology and capital solutions power payments, cards, lending, and digital asset capabilities that move money safely, instantly, and inclusively — trusted by leading fintechs, enterprises, and disruptors across the globe. Our mission is simple: to build the financial infrastructure that expands access and opportunity for all. Guided by a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and purpose, Cross River has been named one of American Banker’s Best Places to Work in Fintech year after year. Whether you’re designing code, solving regulatory puzzles, or developing strategy, you’ll join a team where innovation and integrity drive everything we do — and where your work helps shape the future of finance.

What We’re Looking For

Cross River’s Commercial Banking Group is looking for an experienced commercial real estate (“CRE”) junior loan officer to join the team and support business growth. The role will report directly to the Head of Underwriting and Processing and will support the Construction lending team with the origination and underwriting of construction loans for all residential and commercial asset types.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Construction team with originating and underwriting of new transactions
• Source new leads by utilizing existing relationships & establishing new relationships using digital and in person networking opportunities
• Gather and analyze relevant information for loan requests, including the review of property details, property financial statement pro formas, construction budgets, client data and other pertinent data to determine overall credit worthiness
• Assess credit risk, establish viability of sources of repayment, and determine appropriate loan structures
• Manage third party engagements and order necessary searches to complete the underwriting process
• Prepare credit memos and present loans for approval, with recommendations consistent with bank policy
• Manage the draw/requisition process, including ordering inspection reports, ordering title continuations, analyzing the documentation submitted in support of the requisition and preparing memos for approval of the requisition
• Interface with Loan Servicing as they monitor loan payments, tax payments, insurance coverage and premium payments to ensure they are being paid; communicate with borrower on erroneous or late payments to ensure resolution
• Interface with auditors, regulators etc. in response to questions or issues on a loan file
• Maintain current knowledge of internal policies, as well economic, financial, political and legislative trends to determine possible impacts on commercial lending
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3+ years of relevant construction lending underwriting experience
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks under tight time constraints
• Knowledge of commercial lending trends, competition, regulations, and banking compliance policies and procedures
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially, MS Excel

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, Business, Accounting, Economics, or a related field preferred.

#LI-AC1 #LI-Hybrid #LI-Onsite

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $125,000.00

Cross River is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cross River does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.