The Business Banking SBA Business Development Officer (BDO) is responsible for sourcing, identifying, and closing new loan opportunities using the SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The SBA BDO will develop their own referral network through cold calling, development of COIs, SBA event attendance and other self-sourced business development activities across their assigned market. Establishing and maintaining a proven network of referral sources from which one can generate enough new opportunities to promote the origination of SBA loans in an assigned market will be a primary focus of the position. In addition, you will play a key role in building collaborative relationships with our internal partners across Business Banking, while delivering an exceptional customer experience designed to grow our SBA loan portfolio.
Primary responsibilities include
- Develop and implement a personal business plan and marketing strategy to identify areas of opportunity for new business penetration and the creation of a solid contact base of current and potential referral sources.
- Maintain a referral network targeting business brokers, consultants, lawyers, accountants, and related professionals that results in sufficient lead generation to achieve or exceed sales goals.
- Structure, present, and guide lending opportunities through the application, underwriting, and closing process to ensure that all SBA requirements are met.
- Maintain and apply a thorough understanding of bank credit policy and underwriting guidelines while working with Business Credit Services and operations to practice sound risk management and adherence to applicable regulatory requirements.
- Actively participate in local SBA district events and functions within assigned geographic markets.
- Personally develop and manage a robust pipeline of SBA loan opportunities through self-sourced activities, including cold calling, attending SBA events, and cultivating COIs.
- Establish and maintain strong referral networks to generate consistent SBA loan origination across the assigned market.
- Collaborate with Business Banking partners to deliver a seamless, customer-centric experience that aligns with portfolio growth goals.
Foster collaboration with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment across Business Banking teams.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in SBA lending, with a proven track record of successful loan origination.
- In-depth knowledge of SBA loan programs, underwriting guidelines, and compliance requirements.
- Strong understanding of financial analysis, credit underwriting, and risk assessment.
- Exceptional sales and negotiation skills with a customer-centric mindset.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field preferred.
Hours & Work Schedule
- Hours per Week: 40
- Work Schedule: Monday through Friday
#LI-CITIZENS4
About UsEqual Employment Opportunity
Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.
Equal Employment and Opportunity Employer
Job Applicant Data Privacy Policy
Background Check
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in SBA lending with a proven record of successful loan origination
- In-depth knowledge of SBA loan programs, underwriting guidelines, and compliance requirements
- Strong understanding of financial analysis, credit underwriting, and risk assessment
- Exceptional sales and negotiation skills with a customer-centric mindset
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and communication abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field
Citizens Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Citizens and has not been reviewed or approved by Citizens.
-
Parental & Family Support — Policies include six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all parents, up to 16 weeks for birthing parents, 10 days of emergency back‑up care, and adoption assistance of more than $25,000. Recognition for adoption support underscores a strong family‑friendly posture.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes 11 paid holidays and up to 27 PTO days. The breadth of leave is presented as generous versus many peers.
-
Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision options pair with an HSA that includes a company contribution, plus mental‑health access via Spring Health (eight no‑cost sessions), Hinge Health, wellness programs, and discounted gyms. Eligibility at 20+ hours per week broadens access to these resources.
Citizens Insights
What We Do
As one of the oldest and largest financial services firms in the United States with a history dating back to 1828, we’re committed to providing solutions and expertise that support our customers, clients, colleagues, and communities in what’s next on their own unique journey. We invest in the humans who build the logic, ideas, and innovations that bring new technologies to life. Investments in AI, cloud computing, machine learning and automation provide our engineers the tools that enable us to remain competitive and win in today’s environment. At Citizens, we recognize that the journey to accomplishment is no longer linear and that individuals are made of all they have done and all they are going to do. Whether you’re considering banking with us or looking to work with us, you’ll find a customer-centric culture and a supportive, collaborative workforce at Citizens. You’re made ready and so are we. If you're ready to advance your career in technology and security, learn more about opportunity's Citizens offers here: https://jobs.citizensbank.com/digital-transformation
Why Work With Us
We empower the colleagues that power our tech. With growth & upskilling opportunities and sought-after benefits, plus a diverse culture of people and perspectives, we help our colleagues achieve career goals. Because innovation can’t happen without the minds and hearts of our people. Technology is constantly evolving, and we believe you can too.
Gallery








