Lender Relations Specialist

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Small Business Administration, Office of Field Operations in Chicago, IL.

The incumbent provides technical guidance and assistance to lenders, small businesses, and resource partners in the district to increase access to capital and optimize the effectiveness of SBA programs and mission.

Specialized Experience GS-12: One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service, obtained in either the private or public sector: experience working independently: in commercial or business loan proposal development, packaging, and structuring; and marketing lending programs and services to external customers through outreach activities; and conducting formal training or professional development; and in the growth and development of a customer base; and using a variety of software applications and technologies in all aspects of the job.

These qualifications must be clearly referenced in your resume.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions.

It is available for your review on OPM's Qualifications web site: General Business and Industry Series 1101b Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g.

Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

TIME-IN-GRADE: If you are a current career or career-conditional federal employee applying for promotion under Merit Promotion you must have completed a minimum of 52 weeks in positions at the next level lower than the position being filled All qualification requirements must be met by 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on 03/05/2026.

Major Duties:

As a Lender Relations Specialist, GS-1101-12, you will be responsible for: Conducting required face-to-face and virtual lender visits with individual lending institutions for the purpose of delivering SBA loan programs and services in the Agency/Districts and in accordance with the Agency Strategic Plan and District Operating Plans Developing, conducting and/or participating in face-to-face and virtual training sessions to Small Businesses, lenders, borrowers and partners to ensure that SBA programs and services are optimized in the District.

Providing assistance through consultation and customer interactions with lenders (one-on-one) including credible or serviceable telephone calls (inquiries/self-initiated), emails (inquires/self-initiated), meetings and lender office drop-in visitors.

Providing assistance to small businesses to facilitate and share information and guidance as it relates to eligibility, credit readiness and range of financing options.