Loan Counselor II

Compensation: $78,000 to $100,000 annual plus excellent benefits

*** This position is ON-SITE and will be based at our PACE Hollywood Business Development Center office located: 1370 N. Saint Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

PACE is a local community nonprofit organization founded in 1975 to provide services for communities in the greater Los Angeles area. PACE’s services include Business Development; Workforce Development; Early Childhood Education (Head Start); Financial Education and Asset Building; Housing and Rehabilitation Services; Weatherization and Energy-conservation programs; and Affordable Housing Development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with approximately 350+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation for being responsive to community needs and known to create innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. Visit our website to learn more about your organization: https://pacela.org/

PROGRAM SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS promotes the start-up, stabilization, and growth of small business communities through one-on-one business consultation, training, workshops, events, and access to capital. Housed in PACE Business, the Los Angeles Business Source Center in Hollywood provides direct technical assistance - including general business services, financial services, access to capital, and technology – to small businesses and entrepreneurs. http://pacelabdc.org/

POSITION SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS is seeking an experienced and motivated LOAN COUNSELOR II to join the team and organization. The Loan Counselor II will be responsible for building, growing, and managing a portfolio of business loans, primarily with start-ups, microenterprises, and small businesses. This role requires proactive outreach, networking, and relationship-building to generate qualified leads, while assessing creditworthiness and recommending financing solutions. The Loan Counselor II will work closely with small business owners to provide technical assistance and guide them through the loan process. In addition, the Loan Counselor must be available to participate in community events, workshops, and business networking activities to expand visibility, build referral pipelines, and most importantly, attract new clients.

I. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Business Development & Outreach (30%)

• Conduct proactive outreach, networking, and relationship-building to generate new loan leads.
• Represent the organization at business forums, partner meetings, and community events.
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with banks, community organizations, chambers of commerce, and business associations to support referrals and expand loan pipeline.
• Build visibility and awareness of loan products through presentations, workshops, and client engagement.

Client Relationships and Portfolio Management (55%)

• Meet with small business clients to discuss financing needs and recommend financing solutions.
• Collect and analyze financial information to determine creditworthiness.
• Guide clients through the loan process, explaining terms, requirements, and repayment structures.
• Refer clients to different financial products both in-house and external based on business needs.
• Provide financial literacy support and connect clients with additional business advisory resources.
• Provide ongoing client support to strengthen financial health and business growth.

Data Tracking & Compliance (10%)

• Track client progress and document outcomes in compliance with program requirements.
• Maintain accurate loan records and client interactions in designated systems.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, lender/funder requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Support reporting requirements by submitting timely and accurate loan activity data.

Organizational Support (5%)

• Participate in staff meetings, training, and special projects.
• Support cross-functional collaboration to meet lending and organizational goals.

II. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 2–4 years of work experience in commercial lending, loan origination, financial counseling / advisory services, or a related field.
• Direct involvement as a small business owner or employee with small business lending experience, especially in Los Angeles County, highly desirable
• Proven ability to conduct outreach, build networks, and generate business leads, preferably in the commercial lending space
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with CRM or loan management systems.

III. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong credit analysis and financial assessment skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff, building and stewarding an organizational culture that embraces inclusion.
• Have excellent communication skills – both written and spoken; ability to communicate and deliver clear, concise, effective manner for internal and external stakeholders.
• Build positive, effective, collaborative cultures and teams wherever you work, including willingness to share skills and knowledge with others.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work with low-income individuals and groups of multi-background.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting.
• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Strong project management skills.
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills.
• Bilingual skills are highly desired.

IV. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have reliable transportation, a current and valid Driver’s License, vehicle registration and adequate automobile insurance coverage as local travel may be required on occasion.
• Must satisfactorily pass background and employment/reference check.
• COVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.
• This position is on-site at one of following location:
  PACE Hollywood office: 1370 N. Saint Andrews Place, Los Angeles, CA 90028

V. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Pay range is $70,000 to $100,000 annual depending on experience
• Affordable and robust Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance plans for employee plus family with generous employer contributions
• 401(k) retirement plan
• PTO, paid holidays, and sick leave

VI. APPLICATION PROCESS:

• All applicants MUST upload a resume AND complete application on our website and to be considered: https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions have been filled. We will only reach out to candidates who have been selected to move forward in the process.

VII. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Development and Marketing Director. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position. While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, carry up to 30 lbs. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision