Senior Construction Lending Specialist

SECU; Wake Forest (NC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

SECU is seeking a Senior Construction Lending Specialist to act as the expert for residential construction lending. You will evaluate complex loan requests, assess builder eligibility, and guide risk-aware decisions while collaborating across underwriting, closing, servicing, and branches to ensure compliant, efficient programs and an outstanding member experience.

The role requires 5+ years in mortgage lending (2+ years in residential construction lending) and strong knowledge of lending

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of mortgage lending experience including at least 2 years of direct residential construction lending.
• Knowledge of residential construction lending practices, risk assessment, mortgage regulations, and loan administration.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact with branches, members, builders, attorneys, and SECU departments.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate complex residential construction projects by analyzing contracts, plans, budgets, and feasibility.
• Perform builder due diligence to determine eligibility and recommend exceptions as needed.
• Assist members and stakeholders by answering questions and providing policy guidance.
• Oversee construction loan administration activities: draw approvals, funding, inspections, servicing setup, issue resolution.
• Lead process improvements, test new systems, mentor junior staff, and drive department initiatives.

Skills

Mortgage lending knowledge

Construction lending

Risk assessment

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Four-year degree

CCUE Certification

NC-CTP program

Tools

Mortgagebot

MSP

Built

Job description

If you are motivated and believe in the credit union philosophy of \"People Helping People\", join our team!

Position Overview

The Senior Construction Lending Specialist serves as the organization’s subject matter expert for residential construction lending. This position independently evaluates complex construction loan requests, assesses builder eligibility and project risk, and provides recommendations that directly support sound lending decisions and portfolio quality. The role partners across underwriting, loan closing, servicing, construction administration, and branch teams to ensure construction lending programs are administered consistently, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements while supporting an exceptional member experience.

Essential Responsibilities

• (30%) Independently evaluates complex residential construction projects by analyzing contracts, plans, specifications, budgets, cost breakdowns, and project feasibility. Identifies, analyzes, and mitigates construction-related risks by providing recommendations that support sound underwriting decisions, portfolio quality, and regulatory compliance.
• (30%) Perform comprehensive builder due diligence, including evaluating financial strength, experience, licensing, insurance, litigation history, operational capacity, and ongoing eligibility to determine participation in the construction lending program. Approve builder eligibility within delegated authority and recommend exceptions for management approval.
• (15%) Assist members, builders, and internal stakeholders by answering general questions related to the construction loan program and requirements. Serve as a resource for internal staff regarding construction lending policies, procedures, training, and best practices. Resolve escalated member/builder issues.
• (15%) Oversee and coordinate complex construction loan administration activities, including draw approvals, funding authorization, inspection review, servicing setup, and issue resolution while ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.
• (10%) Identify and lead opportunities to improve construction lending processes, controls, and member experience through continuous process improvement initiatives. Recommend policy or procedure improvements. Lead testing of new systems or enhancements. Serve as project lead for department initiatives. Mentor junior staff. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Four-year degree, CCUE Certification, or associate degree via the North Carolina College Transfer Program (NC-CTP).
• Minimum 5 years of mortgage lending experience including at least 2 years of direct residential construction lending experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of residential construction lending practices, project risk assessment, mortgage regulations, and construction loan administration.
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze complex construction lending scenarios and exercise sound judgement in evaluating project and builder risk.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, along with active listening.
• Must be able to communicate with branch personnel and leaders, members, builders, attorneys, insurance agents, and other SECU departments.
• Strong networking and relationship development skills.
• Meet personal/team qualitative and quantitative targets.
• Must be able to speak English fluently.
• Must understand and be dedicated to the Credit Union philosophy and work ethic.
• Must adhere to the work schedule and attendance policies established by the Credit Union.

Preferred Education & Experience (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Preferred 5 years of direct residential construction lending experience
• Experience with Mortgagebot, MSP, Built or other construction loan systems

Job Environment & Physical Requirements

• In Office Position – possible Hybrid option
• Sitting for prolonged periods
• Use of computer for prolonged periods
• Must be able to comprehend phone calls
• Must be able to comprehend and complete job demands

SECU provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other classification protected by law.

Disclaimer

State Employees' Credit Union reserves the right to fill this role at a higher/lower level based on business need.