Consumer Direct Lending Ops - Direct Lending Funding Specialist

Job Title: Direct Lending Funding Specialist Status: Non-exempt Reports to: Director - Consumer Lending Department: Consumer Direct Lending Ops Job Code: 12133 Pay Range: $28.00 - $35.00 Hourly Location: Hybrid in Sacramento, CA WHO WE ARE: Golden 1 Credit Union is among the top credit unions in the country. As a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative, Golden 1 is guided by the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” We are committed to empowering our members and uplifting our communities as we create a more equitable and financially inclusive California. We welcome all who embrace our Core Values. WHO YOU ARE: You are an advanced consumer lending professional who combines strong processing expertise with careful quality review, sound risk judgment, and a sense of urgency. You can independently manage complex applications, identify subtle documentation or compliance issues, resolve funding barriers, communicate clear requirements to business partners, and make accurate funding decisions within established authority. WHAT YOU'LL DO: The Funding Specialist performs all core processing functions, excluding dedicated call-center queue responsibilities, and adds specialized ownership for final loan audit, funding, booking validation, exception resolution, and fulfillment quality across consumer lending products. Advanced Application Processing and Member Support * Perform the full range of Processor I, Processor II, and Processor III processing functions, including application review, document preparation, fulfillment coordination, complex troubleshooting, escalation support, and member follow-up when needed to complete a transaction. * Process complex consumer lending transactions, including unsecured, vehicle, RV, powersports, dealer purchase, and private-party loans, within established authority. * Review application, membership, collateral, title, payoff, insurance, vesting, contract, and supporting documentation requirements for completeness and accuracy. * Provide advanced guidance to processors and internal partners regarding documentation, fulfillment readiness, and funding requirements. Final Audit, Quality, and Compliance Review * Perform the final audit and quality review of consumer loan files before funding and booking. * Validate loan terms, approvals, stipulations, signatures, dates, collateral information, vesting, disbursement instructions, required disclosures, and supporting documents. * Identify defects, inconsistencies, control gaps, potential risk indicators, and noncompliant conditions; resolve or escalate concerns before funds are released. * Maintain documentation and audit evidence sufficient to support quality assurance, regulatory review, and operational accountability. Funding and Booking Execution * Execute funding and disbursement activities accurately and timely across assigned consumer lending products. * Validate payees, proceeds, payoff information, member disbursements, account information, and booking details before completing the transaction. * Prioritize funding-ready loans and urgent transactions according to established service levels and business priorities. * Confirm successful booking and identify or correct post-funding discrepancies in partnership with appropriate operational teams. Funding Exceptions and Escalation Resolution * Research and resolve complex funding exceptions, documentation deficiencies, system issues, failed disbursements, and booking discrepancies. * Coordinate resolution with Processing, Underwriting, Retail, MSCC, Loan Servicing, Collections, Fraud Prevention, Compliance, and other partners. * Communicate clear requirements, status, ownership, and next steps for unresolved funding matters. * Escalate policy exceptions, suspected fraud, material compliance concerns, or risks outside assigned authority. Subject Matter Expertise and Continuous Improvement * Serve as a subject matter expert for final audit, documentation, funding, booking, and fulfillment controls. * Mentor processors and support teams on funding readiness, common defects, documentation standards, and corrective actions. * Participate in user acceptance testing, procedure reviews, automation, workflow improvements, and implementation of new lending products or services. * Analyze recurring defects and exceptions and recommend changes that improve accuracy, control effectiveness, turnaround time, and member experience. QUALIFICIATIONS AND PREFERENCES: H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required Associate’s Degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related field preferred Equivalent relevant experience may be considered 5+ years of related consumer lending, loan processing, funding, financial services, or regulated operations experience preferred Demonstrated experience with complex consumer loan documentation, final audit, funding execution, exception resolution, and operational controls required WHY JOIN US: Golden 1 Credit Union provides its employees a market-competitive and internally equitable total rewards compensation package through a variety of programs. These programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain employees that drive and support the achievement of Our Mission, Vision, and Strategic Goals. The Credit Union is committed a total rewards philosophy built on; a comprehensive compensation package, well-being and work-life balance, career development and growth, rewards and recognition, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is recognized, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. Please view the full job description detailing the complete list of duties and expectations for this role by clicking or copying this URL into your browser: https://golden1.jdxpert.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=2&id=3375 DISCLAIMER/INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification. Because the nature of positions and job functions can change over time, this job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all essential functions, duties, responsibilities and qualifications requirements of team members assigned to this job. Job duties may be changed or modified in the Credit Union’s discretion. The Credit Union will keep team members updated on key functions, duties, and requirements of their position by communications from the Credit Union and by updating the job description from time to time. Any team member with questions about the nature of their job duties is encouraged to consult with their supervisor.