Lending Operations Manager

Description

The Lending Operations Manager manages a team of Loan Processor/Closers and Underwriters. Responsible for the application to post-close process of the homeownership loan program as well as overseeing the loan processing/closing/underwriting team to ensure efficient workflow and adherence to established procedures and timelines. This role works cross-departmentally, preparing for pre-closing preparations and providing technical support during the loan closing.  The position will build and maintain strong partnerships with program staff and third-party lenders to implement efficient processes leading to compliant, timely and successful residential mortgage closings within the homeownership/home repair program. This position will also contribute to the improvement of loan processes and staff development related to residential mortgages and the homeowner program services within the Family Services department. The position reports to the Director of Program Operations. 

Requirements

What You'll Do

Lead Lending Operations

• Oversee the complete mortgage and home repair lending process, from application through closing.
• Manage and optimize the  Encompass Loan Origination System, ensuring effective system performance and utilization.
• Develop, implement, and improve lending processes, procedures, and workflows that enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Ensure grant funding, documentation, loan files, and supporting records are accurately maintained throughout the lending process.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Habitat Omaha and third-party lending partners.

Manage Underwriting & Loan Processing

• Lead mortgage preparation, underwriting, and closing activities for Habitat homeownership and home repair loans.
• Review application data to determine mortgage affordability and loan eligibility.
• Participate in underwriting mortgage and home repair loan transactions.
• Maintain expert knowledge of Habitat Omaha underwriting guidelines and recommend policy improvements when appropriate.
• Oversee the homeownership application process and ensure compliance with regulatory and program requirements.

Ensure Compliance & Quality

• Maintain compliance with all mortgage lending regulations and standards, including TRID, Regulation B, and Fair Lending requirements.
• Ensure lending activities meet internal policies, investor requirements, grant obligations, and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain required certifications and stay current on industry trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Provide documentation and reporting support for executive leadership, accounting, and finance teams.

Drive Performance & Reporting

• Develop and manage reporting tools that provide insights into lending operations and performance.
• Create and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure team effectiveness, efficiency, and service quality.
• Analyze operational trends and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Maintain shared tracking systems that support visibility into loan pipeline status and closing timelines.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with Family Services, Financial Coaching, Homeownership, and Home Repair teams to create a seamless customer experience.
• Support the ongoing development of financial coaching and homeownership readiness programming.
• Work closely with leadership to improve lending operations and expand affordable homeownership opportunities.
• Gain and maintain a strong understanding of Habitat Omaha's home repair programs and lending services.

What You'll Experience

Mission-centered impact:
Your work directly helps families access affordable financing and achieve sustainable homeownership.

Leadership opportunity:
You'll lead a dedicated lending team while shaping processes that improve service and efficiency.

Cross-functional collaboration:
You'll work closely with program, finance, accounting, and community partners to support organizational goals.

Professional growth:
You'll deepen your expertise in mortgage lending, underwriting, regulatory compliance, team development, and operational leadership.

What Success Looks Like

• Mortgage and home repair loans are processed, underwritten, and closed efficiently and compliantly.
• Lending staff are engaged, supported, and consistently performing at a high level.
• Loan pipeline visibility is clear, accurate, and actionable.
• Key Performance Indicators are consistently monitored and used to drive improvement.
• Third-party lender relationships are strong and productive.
• Regulatory and compliance requirements are met with accuracy and confidence.
• Families experience a smooth and supportive lending process that prepares them for long-term homeownership success.

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• Previous residential mortgage processing, underwriting, and/or loan closing experience preferred.
• Prior supervisory, leadership, or team lead experience preferred.
• Experience working with low- to moderate-income populations preferred.

Skills & Strengths

• Lending Expertise: Knowledge of residential mortgage processes, underwriting, loan documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Leadership: Ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members while promoting accountability and growth.
• Process Improvement: Skilled in creating efficient workflows and identifying opportunities for operational excellence.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Organization: Highly detail-oriented with excellent time management and prioritization abilities.
• Customer Service: Commitment to providing exceptional service to families, partners, and colleagues.
• Adaptability: Comfortable leading through change and implementing new processes and systems.

Technology

• Experience with Encompass/Ellie Mae or similar loan origination systems preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working with databases and reporting tools.

Additional Qualifications

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Goal-oriented and passionate about Habitat Omaha's mission.

Why It Matters

The Lending Operations Manager ensures that Habitat Omaha's lending services are compliant, efficient, and family-centered. By leading the team responsible for processing, underwriting, and closing loans, this role helps transform qualified applicants into successful homeowners.

Through strong leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to affordable housing, the Lending Operations Manager strengthens Habitat Omaha's ability to serve families, expand homeownership opportunities, and build stronger communities across Omaha.

Equal Opportunity Policy

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha (Habitat Omaha) actively recruits, employs, trains, and compensates employees regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status.  In addition to federal law requirements, Habitat Omaha complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including workplace harassment.  

At Habitat Omaha, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and to do their best work.  Our vision is to see a world where everyone has a safe, affordable place to live, and we know our company runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees.  Our dedication to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion is clearly reflected in the work that we do externally in the community, as well as internally with our employment practices.