Lending Operations Analyst
POSITION: Lending Operations Analyst
STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
LOCATION: Detroit Hybrid (minimum of 3 days in office)
REPORTS TO: Director of Lending
OUR MISSION
Michigan Women Forward (MWF) is a community development financial institution whose mission
is to expand economic opportunity for women and entrepreneurs of color by providing access to
capital and business resources. MWF celebrates outstanding women by honoring their leadership
contributions to the community, economy, and our state.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Lending Operations Analyst serves as the central gatekeeper of MWF’s lending pipeline,
responsible for initial financial assessment, intake quality control, and loan file integrity across the
loan lifecycle. This role ensures that applications are appropriately triaged — advancing qualified
borrowers, providing foundational technical assistance to strengthen applications, and redirecting
those who are not yet ready to external partners. The Lending Operations Analyst works closely
with Business Development, Underwriting, and external Technical Assistance (TA) contractors to
strengthen MWF’s lending operation through sound processes, compliance integrity, and data
accuracy.
The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, internally focused, and committed to building
structured processes that strengthen MWF’s ability to serve women entrepreneurs and
entrepreneurs of color by advancing economic empowerment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Loan Intake, Evaluation & Financial Readiness Assessment
Review all incoming loan applications for completeness, financial viability, and borrower
readiness to maintain a healthy and well-qualified lending pipeline. Review business plans
for reasonableness and alignment with financial projections
Evaluate key financial indicators, including cash flow, revenue trends, debt capacity, and
documentation quality, and be able to assess current and historical financial performance
trends
Assign each application to the appropriate pathway: advance to underwriting, provide
basic technical assistance to support application progress, or redirect to external partners.
Perform technical assistance when needed to support the borrower’s application progress
Pipeline Quality Control
Serve as the primary filter for all inbound applications, ensuring only well-prepared
applicants enter underwriting
Standardize intake processes and documentation requirements across the lending
pipeline
Track and report application outcomes, including approvals, declines, redirects, and TA
referrals
Loan File Management & Compliance
Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready loan files from intake through post-loan
Ensure compliance with requirements from MEDC, SBA, State of Michigan programs, and
internal MWF policies
Organize disbursement documentation and prepare files for internal and external audits
Data Insights
Capture and organize data from loan applications, TA engagements, and cohort programs
Identify trends in borrower readiness and common documentation or financial gaps
Maintain clean, consistent records across CRM and lending data systems
Collaboration & Coordination
Partner with Business Development to ensure smooth intake handoffs and share regular
feedback on applicant gaps and pipeline trends
Collaborate with Underwriting to improve file quality and reduce incomplete submissions
Identify and align Technical Assistance resources to support applicant readiness
Other Duties as Assigned
Perform special projects and tasks as requested by leadership
Contribute to MWF culture and values through engagement in team activities
EDUCATION AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a
related field with demonstrated coursework, or equivalent education and experience to the
degree requirement
Minimum of three years of experience in lending operations, loan processing, financial
analysis, compliance, or a related skill
Demonstrated ability to review financial statements and assess small business loan
readiness
Strong data management skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and relevant CRM
or database systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Detail-oriented with a process-driven approach and strong ownership over files and
systems
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive borrower information appropriately
Demonstrated commitment to nonprofit work, community development, or economic
equity
Preferred:
Experience in a CDFI, financial institution, or nonprofit environment
Familiarity with SSBCI, SBA, or other small business lending programs
Background in underwriting support, loan evaluation, or business advising
Experience with audit preparation and regulatory compliance documentation
Proficiency with CRM, lending, or database management systems
COMPENSATION:
Salary range: $72,000 to $80,000 annually
Benefits Highlights:
Access to professional development opportunities
Position earns PTO hours monthly
Medical, dental, and 403B matching
Flexible work arrangements for non-client-facing work as operationally feasible
WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
This position involves frequent interaction with internal staff across lending, business
development, and technical assistance functions, as well as occasional engagement with
borrowers and external partners. The role is primarily internally focused and requires regular in-office
presence for pipeline coordination and file management. Extended periods at a computer
workstation are expected. The role may occasionally require early mornings or late afternoons to
support audit preparation, program activities, or special initiatives.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & INCLUSION:
MWF does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color,
religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other
characteristic protected by law.
We are committed to building a diverse team and creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage
applications from individuals of all backgrounds and especially welcome applications from
women and members of historically marginalized communities, as these perspectives strengthen
our ability to advance economic equity.