Director of Lending

at Cornerstone Housing Partners in Rutland, Vermont, United States

Job Description

About Cornerstone Housing Partners

Cornerstone Housing Partners is a mission-driven nonprofit committed to expanding access to affordable housing and financial stability across Vermont. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we provide responsible lending products that support low- and moderate-income households, strengthen communities, and promote long-term economic wellbeing.

Position Summary

The Director of Lending provides strategic and operational leadership for Cornerstone’s lending programs, ensuring financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and strong portfolio performance. This role shapes the direction of our lending department, grows revenue through thoughtful business development, and expands access to affordable financing in underserved markets.

Key Responsibilities

Lending Leadership & Operations

• Lead and supervise lending and loan servicing staff; maintain deep knowledge of lending programs, products, and loan management systems.
• Develop and implement efficient lending and servicing practices that prioritize customer experience, compliance, and risk management.
• Oversee the Loan Committee, ensuring adherence to loan policies, internal controls, and Board governance requirements.
• Regularly assess portfolio performance and risk, and implement strategies to safeguard loan quality and financial health.
• Conduct annual reviews of loan policies and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Perform quality control reviews as outlined in loan policy.

Business Development & Growth

• Build and sustain relationships with key partners, including financial institutions, agencies, and other centers of influence across Vermont.
• Develop and execute marketing and outreach strategies to grow lending activity and strengthen Cornerstone’s financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with lending staff to prescreen, underwrite, and structure loan applications.
• Identify opportunities to enhance or expand lending products based on borrower needs, market conditions, and mission alignment.
• Effectively communicate the value and impact of Cornerstone’s lending products to partners and prospective borrowers.

Strategy, Reporting & Administration

• Develop annual lending projections and goals to support organizational budgeting and planning.
• Monitor and report on lending performance against budgeted targets.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly and quarterly lending reports for internal leadership and external partners.
• Research and evaluate new lending products, interest rate strategies, and technology improvements.

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as an engaged member of the Cornerstone Housing Partners leadership team.
• Model and reinforce a positive, inclusive workplace culture grounded in Cornerstone’s core values.
• Mentor and coach staff, supporting professional growth and high performance.

Qualifications

Required:

• Registered with the NMLS or will be registered with NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System).
• 5+ years of experience in mortgage lending, including management experience.
• Strong knowledge of lending regulations and best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and loan servicing or origination systems.

Preferred:

• Experience with or strong understanding of CDFIs.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
• Experience in both consumer/residential and commercial lending.

Work Environment

• Primarily in-office with some remote flexibility.
• Occasional in-state travel.
• Ongoing professional development is expected and access to training opportunities will be provided.

To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references (titles, phone numbers, and email addresses) to Melanie Paskevich, mpaskevich@cornerstonehousingpartners.org or go to: https://cornerstonehousingpartners.org/careers/

Rutland West Neighborhood Housing Services Inc. d/b/a Cornerstone Housing Partners is an equal opportunity employer.