Compensation: $85,000 to $100,000 annual plus excellent benefits
Position status: Full-time, Non-exempt

*** This position is on-site at our DTLA HQ office ***

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

PACE is local community nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to provide job training and placement services for the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles. PACE has since expanded into a variety of service areas, all tailored to meet the growing and changing needs of the multi-ethnic communities in Los Angeles County. Now, in addition to job training and employment services, significant PACE programs encompass: Business Development; Early Childhood Education (Head Start); Financial Education and Asset Building; Housing and Rehabilitation Services; Weatherization and Energy-conservation programs; and Affordable Housing Development. PACE serves more than 40,000 people each year with our wide scope of services with approximately 350+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation of being responsive to community needs and is known for creating innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients. https://pacela.org/

PROGRAM SUMMARY

PACE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (PACE BDC) promotes the growth and economic expansion of diverse Los Angeles communities through the infusion of capital and the provision of business consultation services and financial literacy training. Housed in the PACE Business Development Center (BDC), the Procurement Team assists small businesses in securing contracts from government agencies and private sector companies. PACE is the only Southern California Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote the growth and global competitiveness of small and minority businesses. PACE is also partnering with Mayor Karen Bass in administering the City’s ProcureLA program, a procurement initiative connecting small and minority businesses to contract opportunities with an emphasis on preparing for the 2028 LA Olympics.
https://pacela.org/
https://pacelabdc.org/

POSITION SUMMARY:

PACE is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Loan/Bond Counselor II to join our team, with a primary focus on assist small businesses in obtaining loans and bond to support their business growth and operational needs in contracting under the ProcureLA program (Procurement Team) and the Loan Department / PACE Finance Corporation (PFC). This role involves recruiting new loan clients, conducting outreach events loan packaging, underwriting support, financial counseling, and servicing activities. The Loan/Bond Counselor II will work closely with business owners, providing guidance on loan application processes and ensuring that businesses are financially ready to meet their growth goals with contracts. The Loan/Bond Counselor II will collaborate with internal teams to ensure that all loan processes are carried out efficiently and in compliance with organizational policies.

This position requires someone with a solid background in commercial lending, loan management, License and Permit bonds as well as Payment and Performance bonds and a passion for helping underserved communities grow through access to financial resources.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Primary Focus - Loan packaging, underwriting support, financial counseling, and servicing activities for ProcureLA and Loan Department:
  • Assess loan applicants for the ProcureLA program and PACE Finance Corporation, ensuring all loan packaging is completed accurately and in compliance with policies.
  • Evaluate borrowers' financial health by reviewing tax return financial statements, credit reports, and business documents.
  • Oversee the underwriting process for business loans, ensuring a thorough assessment of risk and eligibility for the programs
• Loan Servicing & Collections:
  • Collaborate with small business owners to assess financial needs, package loan applications, and provide counseling on loan options.
  • Work closely with loan underwriters to evaluate financial statements, creditworthiness, and loan eligibility, supporting the underwriting process.
  • Coordinate with internal departments such as accounting and compliance to ensure proper loan documentation and adherence to lending policies.
  • Monitor loan repayment schedules for clients in ProcureLA and PFC, providing advisory services to ensure loan objectives are met.
  • Conduct regular site visits to assess business progress and strengthen client relationships.
  • Manage delinquent loans by creating and implementing collection plans, and restructuring loans as necessary.
• Bond Counseling & Advisor:
  • Provide Counseling/training with experts in surety bonds for contractors and are equipped to guide them through the bonding process, how to bond ready, and provide support increase bond capacity
  • Establish/develop relationships external bond companies to attract business opportunities
  • Match the business with the bond company most aligned with where they are and their goals
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with bond insurance partners to provide the best service to our small business client
  • Identify and capture new business opportunities using consultative marketing and sales skills
• Secondary Focus: Outreach & Recruitment:
  • Assist in recruiting new loan clients through outreach events and business development activities.
  • Conduct workshops and loan orientations, particularly for ProcureLA, to educate small business owners on the loan process and available financial resources.
  • Network with community leaders and business service providers to build a referral pipeline for loans.
• Technical Assistance & Business Development:
  • Support entrepreneurs by providing technical assistance in business planning and financial management
  • Offer guidance on how to prepare for and succeed in loan applications, bond ready, and increase bond capacity particularly for those participating in ProcureLA and PFC.
• Collaboration with Loan Department & Procurement Teams:
  • Work closely with the ProcureLA team to ensure loan services are aligned with procurement assistance goals.
  • Provide input for improving loan management processes and ensure that services meet the needs of small businesses.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; MBA is highly desirable.
• 5+ years of experience in commercial lending, loan underwriting, or financial services, with a focus on small business loans.
• Experience with SBA loan products is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of loan packaging, underwriting guidelines, and financial analysis.
• Progression toward certification in area of expertise preferred; appropriate certifications could include Associate in Surety and Fidelity Bonding (AFSB), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and/or Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU).
• Proven track record in loan servicing and collection for business loans.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience conducting workshops and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in CRM and loan management software is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Report to the Procurement Lead and work under the direction of the Director of Business Development.
• Collaborate closely with the ProcureLA team and other members of the Loan Department / PFC to ensure program goals are met.
• Network with business service providers and community leaders to support outreach efforts.

SPECIAL REQUREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and have access to an insured vehicle.
• Ability to attend events, conduct site visits, and travel as required for outreach and loan servicing.
• Must pass employment and professional verification/reference check
• COVID vaccination required; must have two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Please upload resume and complete online application on our website https://pacela.org/about/work-at-pace/
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions have been filled.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.