Vice President, Loan Officer (Encino)

About Ascent

Ascent Developer Solutions is a leading private lending platform, serving real estate developers nationwide in the acquisition, renovation, and construction of residential real estate. Founded by a leadership team with a deep understanding and personal experience in virtually every facet of real estate development, Ascent is uniquely positioned to create custom, innovative lending solutions for a variety of real estate development business strategies.

The Role

Our Vice President Loan Officer role is responsible for driving loan originations in the real estate construction and bridge lending segment. You'll acquire and close new target clients in our segment while expanding relationships with existing clients to grow their business with Ascent Developer Solutions. This role involves evaluating loan opportunities, structuring financing terms, and completing internal worksheets detailing loan terms, borrower history, and financial capability for presentation to internal teams, including Credit, Construction, and Valuations. Additionally, the VP Loan Officer prepares and presents the Letter of Intent to borrowers after securing internal approval.

The Work

This role is responsible for generating leads and prospects in our market segment, attending in-person Ascent Developer Solutions meetings and presentations, structuring and negotiating loans, and tracking activities in the company CRM. In collaboration with Relationship Managers, this role will also collaborate with other teamsincluding Credit, Borrower Underwriting, Construction, and Valuationsto ensure a seamless process and an exceptional customer experience from initial engagement through the ongoing client relationship.

Responsibilities

• Drive construction and bridge business purpose loan origination by acquiring and closing new borrowers from various sources, including company leads, referrals, and industry involvement, while achieving production goals.
• Cultivate and expand borrower relationships with Relationship Managers to increase lending volume.
• Clearly communicate Ascent Developer Solutions value proposition to existing and prospective borrowers.
• Collaborate with Relationship Managers and Sales Management to strengthen borrower relationships and ensure a seamless customer experience.
• Work with Sales Management and Credit teams on loan structuring, pricing, and borrower approvals, ensuring successful funding.
• Present borrower loan opportunities and approval packages to the appropriate authority and participate in Credit Review.
• Assist with data and document collection for loans and borrower approvals as needed.
• Guide loans through the vetting process and into the active pipeline in coordination with Relationship Managers and the Sales team.
• Support loan portfolio management, including post-closing conditions, covenant compliance, borrower renewals, loan extensions, construction loan tracking, and payoffs.
• Develop and implement strategies with Sales Management to drive loan volume growth.
• Utilize customer relationship analytics to monitor and assess borrower engagement and opportunities.
• Maintain regular contact with borrowers through meetings, calls, and emails.
• Represent Ascent Developer Solutions at networking events, trade shows, and industry conferences.
• Perform other duties and assist with projects as needed.

Your Skills and Experience

• Bachelors degree or better.
• 5+ years of proven sales experience in construction and/or bridge lending.
• Strong understanding of construction real estate lending and financial processes.
• Effective communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders across departments and management levels.
• Experience in a highly collaborative environment, fostering an entrepreneurial culture, driving growth, and demonstrating leadership in problem-solving and innovation.
• Proactive, business-driven mindset with a focus on results.

The Work Environment

• This role works on-site from Ascent's Encino office, Monday - Thursday (Fridays are work-from-home).
• Full-time, 40 hours per week; must be available for occasional overtime.
• Some nights and weekends required.

The Pay

• Compensation is commensurate with that of top producers in the construction lending business, and flexible based on the proven ability to produce in our market segment. Our compensation package includes a generous base salary based on successful production experience and a commissions-based bonus plan rewarding top achievers,

Our Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance. Our benefits include five health plans, two dental plans, health savings and flexible spending accounts, vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, and other optional benefits from which to choose.

Our Pledge

We pledge to be fair and considerate in hiring and promoting individuals, ensuring everyone can contribute their fullest potential regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. By promoting equal opportunity, we not only enhance our workplace but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. At Ascent, we stand united in building a community where everyone is empowered to succeed. Thank you for joining us on our journey towards a more inclusive future.

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