The Role
Leads Redwood Credit Union’s consumer lending strategy and full portfolio across auto, personal, credit card, and indirect lending. Directs origination, underwriting, servicing, compliance, pricing, portfolio performance, budgeting, vendor relationships, and team development. Drives growth through digital lending, AI-enabled automation, personalization, marketing partnerships, and improved borrower experiences while managing credit risk and regulatory obligations. Represents lending with senior leadership, the Board, regulators, community partners, and industry organizations.
Summary Generated by Built In
Redwood Credit Union is seeking a Vice President of Consumer Lending who will be responsible for driving a strategic plan and directing all consumer lending activities for Redwood Credit Union (“RCU”). This role is responsible for the full consumer credit portfolio (auto, personal, credit card and indirect lending) across the credit union, driving growth through digital first experiences, modernizing lending through technology, and deepening Member relationships through data-driven personalization. Emphasis is placed on providing excellent Member experiences, significantly growing the business (while minimizing loan-loss exposure), recruiting, developing, and retaining superior team members, and managing sound, compliant lending operations.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership:
o Review and identify cost-effective utilization of all resources. Lead and direct the management of human capital to ensure the availability of skills and abilities needed to meet RCU’s vision, mission, values, and service doctrine.
o Serve as a member of the Leadership team, providing leadership and direction for RCU.
o Communicate with senior management regarding all aspects of consumer lending and consumer lending operations, procedures, policies, and strategies.
o Recognize problems, issues, and opportunities; evaluate and consider alternatives; develop, present, and recommend strategic and tactical opportunities; and make appropriate decisions.
o Attend and actively participate in Leadership team meetings, staff meetings, strategic and operational planning sessions, etc.
o Act or appoint appropriate loan operations team members as liaison to audit and compliance officers for audit and compliance concerns to ensure adherence.
o Serve on and/or direct a number of committees to strive for consensus to ensure effective interface and communication of policies, programs, and goals among lending services, other departments, and branches.
o Manage the overall development of lending through business-development programs, motivate staff to sell and market RCU, and partner with marketing and analytics to take an active role meeting Members’ needs.
o Partner with IT/data teams to build and enhance lending automation, AI-driven tools, real time decisioning, and predictive analytics to improve the lending lifecycle.
o On behalf of RCU, “own” the end-to-end borrower experience including the relationships with key assigned vendor partners such as SavvyMoney, MeridianLink and CU Direct.
o Evaluate and implement vendor partnerships to drive growth, improve speed, delivery and Member Experience.
o Participate in and represent RCU at internal and external events, conferences, and community functions. Additionally, provide leadership and participation in industry trade groups, advisory boards, etc.
o Serve as a member of the Leadership team, providing leadership and direction for RCU.
o Communicate with senior management regarding all aspects of consumer lending and consumer lending operations, procedures, policies, and strategies.
o Recognize problems, issues, and opportunities; evaluate and consider alternatives; develop, present, and recommend strategic and tactical opportunities; and make appropriate decisions.
o Attend and actively participate in Leadership team meetings, staff meetings, strategic and operational planning sessions, etc.
o Act or appoint appropriate loan operations team members as liaison to audit and compliance officers for audit and compliance concerns to ensure adherence.
o Serve on and/or direct a number of committees to strive for consensus to ensure effective interface and communication of policies, programs, and goals among lending services, other departments, and branches.
o Manage the overall development of lending through business-development programs, motivate staff to sell and market RCU, and partner with marketing and analytics to take an active role meeting Members’ needs.
o Partner with IT/data teams to build and enhance lending automation, AI-driven tools, real time decisioning, and predictive analytics to improve the lending lifecycle.
o On behalf of RCU, “own” the end-to-end borrower experience including the relationships with key assigned vendor partners such as SavvyMoney, MeridianLink and CU Direct.
o Evaluate and implement vendor partnerships to drive growth, improve speed, delivery and Member Experience.
o Participate in and represent RCU at internal and external events, conferences, and community functions. Additionally, provide leadership and participation in industry trade groups, advisory boards, etc.
Program Management:
o Recruit, select, train, motivate, coach, mentor, and evaluate reporting staff.
o Lead and direct all consumer loan activities: origination, processing, underwriting, and the closing/funding of all consumer loans and credit cards.
o Design and execute lending strategies that increase Member engagement and product adoption.
o Partner with Marketing and branch teams on referral programs, relationship-based pricing and Member engagement initiatives.
o Hands-on experience or strong working knowledge of AI/Machine Learning applications used in lending as well as a deep understanding of pre-approval execution.
o Develop and implement loan pricing (via ALCO) and portfolio management strategies that will meet or exceed return on asset targets while meeting loan growth goals.
o Evaluate lending products, policies, procedures, practices, documents, and forms to assure efficiency, compliance, and Member service.
o Provide exceptional service to all external and internal Members and clients.
o Continually assess the competitiveness of all programs and practices against the relevant comparable companies, industries, and markets; balance the needs of RCU and the needs of Members.
o Establish and maintain credibility throughout RCU by being an effective listener and problem solver for team members on all lending related issues.
o Collaborate with VP Payments to ensure a robust credit card offering with programs that put our card “top of wallet” such as line increases, rewards, and balance transfers to continue to strategically grow our card portfolio.
o Lead and direct all consumer loan activities: origination, processing, underwriting, and the closing/funding of all consumer loans and credit cards.
o Design and execute lending strategies that increase Member engagement and product adoption.
o Partner with Marketing and branch teams on referral programs, relationship-based pricing and Member engagement initiatives.
o Hands-on experience or strong working knowledge of AI/Machine Learning applications used in lending as well as a deep understanding of pre-approval execution.
o Develop and implement loan pricing (via ALCO) and portfolio management strategies that will meet or exceed return on asset targets while meeting loan growth goals.
o Evaluate lending products, policies, procedures, practices, documents, and forms to assure efficiency, compliance, and Member service.
o Provide exceptional service to all external and internal Members and clients.
o Continually assess the competitiveness of all programs and practices against the relevant comparable companies, industries, and markets; balance the needs of RCU and the needs of Members.
o Establish and maintain credibility throughout RCU by being an effective listener and problem solver for team members on all lending related issues.
o Collaborate with VP Payments to ensure a robust credit card offering with programs that put our card “top of wallet” such as line increases, rewards, and balance transfers to continue to strategically grow our card portfolio.
Controlling:
o Lead the consumer lending team to properly review, approve, decline, and counter all loans within policy and lending limits, conduct quarterly portfolio review, and make credit recommendations based on performance.
o Delegate appropriate lending authorities to lending personnel, e.g., lending limits and annual review of Lending Policy with the Board.
o Monitor portfolio performance, delinquency trends, and early warning indicators; recommend adjustments to strategy proactively.
o Establish and monitor reporting systems designed to keep the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board of Directors informed of all relevant activities and issues, including timely preparation of monthly status reports.
o Evaluate staffing and production to ensure efficient use of resources.
o Monitor and review the department budgets and goals.
o Delegate appropriate lending authorities to lending personnel, e.g., lending limits and annual review of Lending Policy with the Board.
o Monitor portfolio performance, delinquency trends, and early warning indicators; recommend adjustments to strategy proactively.
o Establish and monitor reporting systems designed to keep the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Board of Directors informed of all relevant activities and issues, including timely preparation of monthly status reports.
o Evaluate staffing and production to ensure efficient use of resources.
o Monitor and review the department budgets and goals.
Planning:
o As a member of the Leadership team, help formulate plans and policies affecting the overall performance of RCU.
o Lead and develop the annual business and budgeting process for consumer lending to ensure alignment with the long-term goals and objectives of RCU.
o Partner with VP/Lending Systems to lead and direct our ancillary products and vendors that bring alternatives and value to our Members such as ZEST, Lenders Protection, etc.
o Develop all consumer lending-related promotional programs in partnership with the Marketing team.
o Cultivate and execute a plan to create sales growth opportunities with the Consumer Lending team by establishing direct relationships with branches, dealers, vendors, and community partnerships to deepen penetration with Members.
o Lead and develop the annual business and budgeting process for consumer lending to ensure alignment with the long-term goals and objectives of RCU.
o Partner with VP/Lending Systems to lead and direct our ancillary products and vendors that bring alternatives and value to our Members such as ZEST, Lenders Protection, etc.
o Develop all consumer lending-related promotional programs in partnership with the Marketing team.
o Cultivate and execute a plan to create sales growth opportunities with the Consumer Lending team by establishing direct relationships with branches, dealers, vendors, and community partnerships to deepen penetration with Members.
Other Functions:
o Volunteer time and capital in community non-profit groups.
o Provide general training to RCU team members outside of our lending teams.
o Establish and maintain relationships with key contacts in the community including volunteer centers and non-profit organizations; participate in community events.
o Provide general training to RCU team members outside of our lending teams.
o Establish and maintain relationships with key contacts in the community including volunteer centers and non-profit organizations; participate in community events.
Join us and discover why you'll love working at Redwood Credit Union!
ABOUT REDWOOD CREDIT UNION (RCU):
At Redwood Credit Union, our mission is to passionately serve the best interests of our Members and communities. Since 1950, we have been dedicated to supporting the financial well-being of our Members through better rates, low or no fees, and best-in-class customer service. Our purpose is to inspire hope and elevate the financial well-being of our communities one person at a time, through good times and bad.
As a not-for-profit financial institution, we are committed to a people-first approach, which is reflected not only in how we serve our Members, but also in how we treat our employees. Our leadership team is deeply focused on fostering a culture of heart and empathy, integrity, passion, inclusion, meaningful relationships, excellence, and ensuring financial well-being for all.
Why work for Redwood Credit Union?
• 21st largest credit union in the U.S. and the largest financial institution based in the North Bay
• Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Best Credit Unions 2026"
• Awarded a 5-Star Bauer Rating
• Recognized by Newsweek as one of "America's Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2026"
• Top Corporate Philanthropists (#24) - San Francisco Business Times
• Voted Best Places to Work in the North Bay 21 years in a row
• World-class Employee Engagement scores
• Rated Superior in Service by more than 90% of Members, surveyed by SF Gate
• Industry leading Net Promoter Scores across the U.S.
Minimum Qualification: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to manage and develop multiple diverse sales and operational units with the inherent conflicts from demands and priorities.
- Thorough knowledge of all aspects of financial institution consumer lending methods, practices, and services; knowledge of consumer lending best practices.
- Thorough knowledge of modern management techniques and practices.
- Current knowledge of all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to consumer lending and consumer loan documentation.
- Technology fluency and comfortability in driving change management with an appetite for applying AI/emerging tech in to lending processes.
- Knowledge of credit and interest rate economics.
- Knowledge of assets, liabilities, and credit dynamics in a lending environment.
- Strong negotiation, persuasion, and public speaking skills.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze problems and opportunities, identify and evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, effective approaches.
- Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate the achievement of strategic and business plan goals, objectives, and work plans.
- Ability to lead, motivate, and supervise team members.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of people including Board Members, regulators, team members, attorneys, vendors, partners, and other parties.
- Ability to travel 20% of time.
The ideal candidate has a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, or closely related field, with a minimum of ten years’ experience with lending in a financial institution, and a minimum of three years of progressive leadership experience.
Compensation: Base starting range: $179,248 to $210,873 annually commensurate with experience.
Our base salary starting range is based on scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal peer equity. We offer a competitive total rewards package including a wide range of medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits.
Redwood Credit Union offers a robust benefits package to our eligible employees including:
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance, mental health offerings
• Employee performance incentive plan
• Salary Advancement– Merit increase based on performance
• 401(k) program with employer match
• Time Off- Competitive PTO accrual plus 11 paid company holidays and your birthday off!
RCU Discounts and Perks:
• RCU employees are eligible for a .75% discount off RCU standard collateral auto loans
• RCU employees are eligible for a 1% discount on all recreational or boat loan products
• 2% discount off Visas and LOC Loans through RCU
• 0% interest loan to support employees with various immigration related expenses such as visa application fees and relocation costs. Loan amount up to $1,000.
• 0% interest loan to support employees with expenses associated with the naturalization process. Loan amount up to $15,000.
• 0% interest on garment, fitness, or home office equipment loan of up to $500
• 100% financing for employee purchased homes!
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, twist, and turn.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to use a computer keyboard and calculator.
• Work environment is indoors; majority of the time is spent sitting at a desk.
*Redwood Credit Union is not offering Visa transfers and/or sponsorships for this position.
Internal Team Members: If you are a current Team Member, please apply through the internal careers page located in RCUNET.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or a closely related field, or equivalent education and experience
- Minimum 10 years of lending experience in a financial institution
- Minimum 3 years of progressive leadership experience
- Thorough knowledge of consumer lending methods, practices, services, and best practices
- Current knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, and documentation requirements pertaining to consumer lending
- Technology fluency and ability to drive change management using AI and emerging lending technology
- Knowledge of credit and interest rate economics, assets, liabilities, and credit dynamics
- Strong negotiation, persuasion, public speaking, analytical, planning, communication, and relationship-management skills
- Ability to manage, motivate, supervise, and develop diverse sales and operational teams
- Ability to travel 20% of the time
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The Company
What We Do
Redwood Credit Union is a full-service financial cooperative, assisting consumers and small business owners with achieving their financial goals and dreams since 1950. We’re a financial cooperative that truly cares about the financial goals and dreams of those who do business with us. With a wide variety of products and services designed to meet our Members’ financial needs, there’s something for everyone. And each Member actually owns part of the Credit Union and has a voice in what we do and how we do it. An excellent place to work, RCU was recently recognized by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Small Employers 2023.” And for 17 years running, we’ve been awarded Best Places to Work by the North Bay Business Journal. We continue today to build upon a solid philosophical and business foundation—treating Members with respect and personal care while offering unbeatable value. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal housing lender. *** Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA www.finra.org /SIPC www.sipc.org ) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Redwood Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. Investment representatives at Redwood Credit Union are licensed to transact securities business in CA. For more information concerning CFS or its representative(s) associated with this site, please review FINRA Broker Check by accessing the following link and typing in the firm / representative information in the search field. http://brokercheck.finra.org/Search/Search.aspx
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