Job Openings

Business Application Navigator

The Role in a Sentence: Maintain the small business lending portfolio by working directly with applicants throughout
the loan application process and coordinating referrals with partner organizations as necessary. This position is part of a
team working to ensure our borrowers experience a positive, dignified lending process and successfully repay their loans.

Applicant Stewardship (85%)
This role will work directly with applicants (potential borrowers) to explain and assist
them through the application process. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • This position will be the first point of contact for those seeking small business loans and
    will develop an efficient intake process that supports small businesses.
  • Working closely with LISC, and other community partners, this position will support the
    work of the City of Cleveland’s Southeast Side Promise, provide referrals to partner
    organizations, and report on results and trends.
  • Manage all parts and people involved in the business application process.
  • Relationship building with business/economic development organizations. This includes
    understanding what resources, beyond grants and loans, are available to small businesses.
  • Create and maintain an organized referral process. This includes setting expectations for
    community partners and applicants being referred to HFLA.

Competencies:
This work requires strong customer service skills, patience, understanding, attention to
detail and personal organization.

  • HFLA is looking for someone with a passion for customer service.
  • The ideal candidate will have some knowledge of the business support network. HFLA
    receives referrals from community organizations and makes referrals to support the
    success of our borrowers.
  • Someone who is patient and can work creatively to assist borrowers towards successful
    repayment (“compassionate collections”).
  • Someone who can make quick decisions and assess the eligibility of those inquiring
    about a loan. Eligibility is often based on nontraditional guidelines used by a nonprofit
    lender.
  • Some experience tracking and managing process flow in a database

Other Duties (15%)
Working as a team, the Program Department is responsible for all aspects of HFLA’s lending
cycle. We strive for a culture of teamwork and support, helping each other and helping our
constituents.

Other Beneficial Skills:
Able to handle a fluctuating workload; Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends;
Solution-oriented/Problem-solving mentality; Willingness to learn.

Please send resume/coverletter and any questions to hiring@interestfree.org