SBA Business Development Officer - Business Banking

Citizens Bank; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Citizens Bank is searching for a Business Banking SBA Business Development Officer in Philadelphia. This role focuses on sourcing new loan opportunities and developing a strong referral network to promote SBA loans.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in SBA lending, exceptional sales skills, and a thorough understanding of bank credit policy. The position involves active participation in local SBA events and collaboration with internal partners to enhance the customer experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in SBA lending with successful loan origination.
• Strong understanding of SBA loan programs and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a personal business plan and marketing strategy.
• Maintain a referral network for sufficient lead generation.
• Structure, present, and guide lending opportunities through the closing process.
• Collaborate to ensure alignment across Business Banking teams.

Skills

SBA lending experience

Financial analysis

Sales and negotiation skills

Leadership and communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field

Job description

Description

The Business Banking SBA Business Development Officer (BDO) is responsible for sourcing, identifying, and closing new loan opportunities using the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The SBA BDO will develop their own referral network through cold calling, development of COIs, SBA event attendance and other self-sourced business development activities across their assigned market. Establishing and maintaining a proven network of referral sources from which one can generate enough new opportunities to promote the origination of SBA loans in an assigned market will be a primary focus of the position. In addition, you will play a key role in building collaborative relationships with our internal partners across Business Banking, while delivering an exceptional customer experience designed to grow our SBA loan portfolio.

Primary responsibilities include

• Develop and implement a personal business plan and marketing strategy to identify areas of opportunity for new business penetration and the creation of a solid contact base of current and potential referral sources.
• Maintain a referral network targeting business brokers, consultants, lawyers, accountants, and related professionals that results in sufficient lead generation to achieve or exceed sales goals.
• Structure, present, and guide lending opportunities through the application, underwriting, and closing process to ensure that all SBA requirements are met.
• Maintain and apply a thorough understanding of bank credit policy and underwriting guidelines while working with Business Credit Services and operations to practice sound risk management and adherence to applicable regulatory requirements.
• Actively participate in local SBA district events and functions within assigned geographic markets.
• Personally develop and manage a robust pipeline of SBA loan opportunities through self-sourced activities, including cold calling, attending SBA events, and cultivating COIs.
• Establish and maintain strong referral networks to generate consistent SBA loan origination across the assigned market.
• Collaborate with Business Banking partners to deliver a seamless, customer‑centric experience that aligns with portfolio growth goals.
• Foster collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across Business Banking teams.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in SBA lending, with a proven track record of successful loan origination.
• In-depth knowledge of SBA loan programs, underwriting guidelines, and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of financial analysis, credit underwriting, and risk assessment.
• Exceptional sales and negotiation skills with a customer‑centric mindset.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field preferred.

Hours & Work Schedule

• Hours per Week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday

Some job boards have started using jobseeker‑reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.