Director of Mortgage Lending

MnCUN; Cloquet (MN); On-site; USD 71,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Medical coverage with low/high deduct

Employer-paid premiums for some plans

401(k) with up to 6% match and profit‑

sharing potential

Supplemental insurance options

Discounted loan rates

Clothing allowance

Annual bonus potential

Job summary

Northwoods Credit Union in Cloquet, MN is hiring a Director of Mortgage Lending to lead our mortgage team and shape lending strategies. This full-time, exempt role requires turning strategic vision into operational results while fostering relationships with members and partners.

You will oversee lending operations, coach a skilled team, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive initiatives to optimize workflows in a dynamic market. Excellent communication and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business or related field preferred; relevant experience may substitute.
• 3–5 years of mortgage lending and underwriting experience required.
• Supervisory experience with coaching/mentoring preferred.
• Banking/credit union experience and knowledge of mortgage lending regulations required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between locations.
• Strategic, detail-oriented professional committed to accuracy and quality.

Responsibilities

• Shape the future of the mortgage lending programs and strengthen community relationships.
• Oversee mortgage lending operations, coach and develop the team, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Lead initiatives to optimize workflows and adapt to market changes.
• Maintain high service standards to help members achieve homeownership goals.

Skills

Mortgage lending

Supervisory experience

Strategic thinking

Regulatory compliance

Travel flexibility

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance/business

Job description

Director of Mortgage Lending - Cloquet, MN

Salary: $70,875.00 - $98,438.00 Annually

Lending

Northwoods Credit Union in Cloquet, MN is seeking an experienced, goal-oriented professional with a passion for fostering community connections and a talent for transforming strategic vision into operational excellence, to join our team as Director of Mortgage Lending.

If you are a forward-thinking leader who excels at inspiring high performance, creating meaningful relationships, and executing strategic initiatives that advance organizational goals, we welcome the opportunity to meet with you and explore how your strengths and expertise can contribute to the continued growth and success of our mortgage lending department.

This full-time, exempt position offers a biweekly salary, starting from the minimum to midpoint of the position’s pay grade based on experience. Additional consideration may be given for relevant education, skills, and directly related experience.

Minimum: $2,725.96 (Annual equivalent: $70,875)

Maximum: $3,786.08 (Annual equivalent: $98,438)

Northwoods Credit Union offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include generous PTO and paid holidays, comprehensive medical coverage including a low-deductible plan option and a high-deductible plan featuring 100% employer-paid premiums for employees and dependents with additional options including a Healthcare Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), and employer HSA contributions for eligible participants. Employees also enjoy multiple FSA options, employer-paid dental, life, AD&D, and disability insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan with up to 6% employer match and profit-sharing potential. Additional perks include supplemental insurance options, discounted employee loan rates, a clothing allowance, annual bonus potential, and more.

This summary is intended for informational purposes only. Benefit offerings are subject to eligibility requirements and may be modified or discontinued at any time in accordance with applicable laws and plan provisions.

Qualifications, Education, & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business or related field preferred. However, sufficient direct experience can satisfy this requirement for a degree.
• 3 to 5 years of previous mortgage lending and underwriting experience is required.
• Previous supervisory experience with a focus on coaching and mentoring preferred.
• Prior banking/credit union experience and knowledge of regulatory compliance, laws, and regulations in all aspects of mortgage lending required.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license with the ability to work flexible hours and to travel between credit union facilities and external locations as needed.
• This position requires a strategic, goal-oriented professional who demonstrates strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, quality and professionalism in all aspects of work.

Director of Mortgage Lending: Key Responsibilities & Impact

As the Director of Mortgage Lending, you will help shape the future of Northwoods Credit Union's mortgage lending programs by strengthening relationships within the community while developing innovative lending solutions, identifying market opportunities, and advancing strategies that support long-term growth. Through market analysis, industry connections, and collaboration across the organization, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our mortgage products and services continue to meet the evolving needs of members who trust us with one of life's most important financial decisions.

This leadership role is ideal for an experienced mortgage professional who excels at translating strategic vision into tangible results. You’ll oversee mortgage lending operations by coaching, developing, and directing a talented team dedicated to delivering exceptional service. By optimizing workflows, maintaining regulatory compliance, and proactively adapting to changing market conditions, you’ll inspire innovation that enhances productivity and enables our team to better support members in achieving their homeownership goals.

Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with occasional flexibility required to attend credit union, community, and industry events, professional development opportunities, and other business-related activities.

About Northwoods Credit Union (NCU)

Founded in 1936 in a small trailer on paper mill property, Northwoods Credit Union began with five paper mill employees who had a vision of offering fairly priced financial products and excellent service to their hardworking coworkers. Over the years we’ve changed names, added locations, and expanded our services to several neighboring counties, but our commitment to our members remains the same.

Our vision of building life-long relationships, one member at a time, begins with choosing the right employees to fulfill our mission. We seek to hire and retain qualified individuals who share our core values of servant mentality, progressive thinking, integrity, compassion, and empathy. We offer competitive compensation, generous benefits, and a positive work culture to support this mission.

Ready to Join Our Credit Union Team?

At the heart of our work is the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, and we’re seeking a positive professional who will share our commitment to making a meaningful impact on the members and communities we serve.

If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a purpose-driven organization and help shape the future of mortgage lending at Northwoods Credit Union, we encourage you to apply today.

To get started, visit our website at: to https://www.northwoodscu.org/about/careers/ complete our quick, mobile friendly application. We look forward to learning more about you and the experience you’ll bring to our team!

Location: 55720

Northwoods Credit Union is an equal opportunity employer