Description/Job SummaryThe Assistant Vice President and Vice President of Lending maintains, grows, and services a portfolio while representing Farm Credit Illinois in the community and creating relationships with the people of rural America. Responsibilities/DutiesSales and Portfolio ManagementMarket PresenceDevelops and maintains a professional presence in the ag community through active involvement in professional groups and community activitiesIdentifies key contacts and resources to build relationships withIdentifies key prospects and solicits referrals from team members, existing members, and other professional contactsIdentifies and demonstrates awareness of key agricultural and economic topics and proactively educates producers while providing sound risk management solutionsDevelops a network of key contacts and resources throughout the local and regional agricultural and business communities Researches and reviews data resources to identify opportunities and qualified prospectsParticipates in member appreciation events, auctions, producer educational programs, and other public activities to build new and enhance existing relationships Growth and ProspectingGenerates loan growth by seeking new business opportunities and manages an existing portfolio by identifying current member’s needs.Generates cross selling opportunities by promoting crop insurance and the Association’s Collaborative Endeavors Utilizes member relationship management software to organize and document member and prospect opportunitiesMaintains an evolving prospect list and sales planActively participates in branch and sales meetings Business ExpertiseCombines ag and business knowledge to understand each member’s and prospect’s current financial positionIdentifies, articulates, and coaches to credit and management strengths and weaknessesProvides innovative and workable alternatives to counsel and solve problems the member faces in their ongoing farm operationsCommunicates credit decision and advises on the 5 C’s of CreditMaintains expertise on all loan products and services available in the marketplace Operational ManagementLoan OriginationOriginates loan applications by assessing member and prospect needsDetermines how to meet the needs of the applicant and discusses loan structure, interest rates, collateral, amortization, payment schedule, etc. resulting in an optimal outcome for the applicant and Farm Credit Illinois.Identifies additional business opportunitiesCollaborates with teammates to ensure complete information has been obtained prior to hand off for formal processing Credit Preparation and CollaborationCollects and assesses qualitative and quantitative business and financial information and follows up for clarification and verification if neededPrepares credit package for Credit Services Division by determining what business and financial information is neededAnalyzes the business and financial information, writes a supportive narrative, and pulls data together to prepare an application for submissionCollaborates with Credit Services Division on loan structure and terms to ensure a decision is made that is best for the member and associationParticipates on loan committee to clarify and present information as needed Loan ClosingCloses loans by ensuring all loan and legal requirements are met and accurateApplies and upholds sound credit administration principlesEnsures member expectations are met and creates a positive member experience Loan ServicingAnticipates loan actions and servicingIdentifies risks within the portfolio and determines if corrective action is neededCreates and monitors effective servicing plansMonitors market conditions and proactively manages portfolio for the mutual benefit of our members and the association Other ResponsibilitiesContinuous EducationAttends educational events to build upon expertise in various aspects of agriculture, finance, and economicsEnhances knowledge pertinent to the geographical region or territoryMaintains a general understanding of crop insurance products and programsDevelops and maintains an understanding of state and federal agricultural programs Data Security and ConfidentialityAppropriately protects the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the Association’s systems and data and clients’ data TrainingAttends all necessary training to learn, grow, maintain all necessary expertise for the roleParticipates in training of co-workers through information sharing, small group discussions, idea exchanges, job shadowing and mentoringParticipates in events or meetings which may involve public speaking Committee InvolvementParticipates in various committees to provide insight for and develop processes and proceduresProvides ideas and shares feedback Required SkillsGeneral knowledge of ag macro and micro-economicsSkill in having perception of different dimensions of business issues and making sense out of complex issues while being decisive and flexible to changeSkill in negotiating complex agreements to achieve the best outcome for the organizationSkill in listening and conveying awareness of a member's problem or issue to find resolutionSkill in utilizing technology to increase efficiency Skill in interacting and working effectively with othersSkill in utilizing a systematic approach to problem solvingSkill in differentiating significant and insignificant detailsSkill in applying processes and procedures to factual data to make a logical decisionSkill in engaging, collaborating, and building trust amongst team membersOral and written communication skills sufficient to discuss a variety of job-related topics, and to effectively communicate complex topics to a variety of audiences Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in business, finance, agriculture, or related field and AVP – no experience  VP – 3 years of experience in sales or an ag related fieldOr equivalent education, experience, and skillset sufficient to perform the essential functions of the jobMust be willing and able to travel throughout the assigned territory.