Commercial Agricultural Lender

We are developing deeper connections between communities and the ecosystems that sustain them. We accept deposits from individuals, businesses, and non-profits who want to drive positive and lasting change with their dollars. We lend those funds to impact-oriented organizations, with special focus on farms and food businesses. The word “mutual” in our name means cooperative; we are governed by our depositors, funded by those with a bias towards the long-term, and engineered to endure the test of time. Building bridges is core to who we are, as we believe more interconnected and localized ecosystems support better community resilience and economic viability.

As a Commercial Agricultural Lender, you will be responsible for promoting Walden Mutual to farms and producers across the local, sustainable food and agriculture ecosystem to provide loan, deposit and cash management services. You’ll thrive in this role by building sound, long-term business relationships, responsibly identifying borrowers’ needs, and developing creative financial solutions. We’re looking for an ambitious teammate interested in learning and growing as we build our loan portfolio in the coming years.

• Work with our Chief Commercial Officer and Commercial team leader to build our pipeline of commercial lending opportunities across New England and New York, specifically focused on food & agriculture.
• Collect loan application documentation, analyze applicants’ creditworthiness, financial condition and performance, and financial projections, relative to economic conditions and other risk mitigators.
• Work with Credit function to underwrite agricultural loans under a strong credit framework; manage loan portfolio, identifying potential risks and concentrations; ensure loans are properly risk rated, and loan files are current and adequately documented; and conduct periodic loan reviews, appraisal, inspections, and collateral evaluations. Make or recommend changes / enhancements to the loan structure as appropriate.
• Take lead in developing a training program for commercial lenders, credit staff and associates specific to the agricultural industry trends, developments, and financial analysis.
• Interact regularly with the Loan Committee. Occasional interaction with regulators, auditors, and third party agencies for the examination of borrowers and the portfolio.
• Keep up to date with our products, services, and regulatory requirements.
• Complete required compliance-related bank training (and other related activities).

• Strong working knowledge of agricultural lending.
• Minimum of 5-7 years experiencein ag lending; credit training and / or related lending training; strong analytical and judgment skills, as well as attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree. Working knowledge of third party / government related credit, guarantee & enhancement programs (i.e., SBA, BFA, USDA programs, CDFI programs, etc.) and state and federal banking requirements, as well as other industry requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively present material to customers, prospects, fellow employees and management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and expand referral networks and centers of influence.
• Team-first attitude with a strong desire to achieve long-term quality results, taking initiative and thinking strategically to accomplish shared goals and objectives; and strong ethical standards and integrity.

• Advanced degree or certification
• Broader knowledge offood related businesses and general C&I lending

• Health insurance coverage with dental and vision  
• Unlimited PTO 
• Allocated time for volunteering 
• “Quiet” Fridays 
• Life and disability insurances 
• Parental leave policy 
• 11 paid holidays 
• Walden-branded swag! 
• Hybrid/remote work option available.

During initial onboarding, you may be asked to be onsite at the Bank a few days per week. Following onboarding, we require a few in person team days quarterly. This role will travel frequently to spend time on-site with borrowers and at community events.

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