Lending Origination Officer

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 Lending Origination Officer, you will be responsible for developing new lending relationships within a specific industry vertical across the food and agriculture ecosystem. This role is designed around deep industry expertise and relationship development, rather than broad generalist banking coverage.

Your focus will align with one of Walden Mutual’s priority sectors, which may include:

• Agriculture and agricultural production businesses
• Food and farm value-chain infrastructure
• Consumer packaged food brands (CPG)

This role is designed for someone who thrives out in the field, meeting business owners, visiting facilities, attending industry events, and building long-term relationships. The ideal candidate enjoys being on the road and developing trust directly with entrepreneurs and operators. Lending Origination Officers work as part of a paired lending team, partnering closely with a Lending Execution Officer who supports financial analysis, deal structuring, and coordination with internal credit and operations teams. Together, this partnership is responsible for sourcing, structuring, and delivering new commercial lending relationships.

This is a highly relationship-driven role that requires significant time in the field. Lending Origination Officers should expect to spend three to four days per week traveling throughout the region visiting borrowers, attending industry events, and building relationships. You will be required to be in person in our Concord location 2-3 days per quarter for team and culture building purposes.

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• Develop new commercial lending relationships within your industry vertical of expertise.
• Spend significant time in the field meeting borrowers, visiting businesses, and attending industry events.
• Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, operators, and industry partners within the food and agriculture ecosystem.
• Serve as Walden Mutual’s primary representative within your industry vertical.
• Identify and develop lending opportunities aligned with the bank’s mission and strategy.
• Work closely with your Lending Execution Officer partner to evaluate opportunities and structure appropriate financing solutions.
• Collaborate with internal credit and operations teams to move opportunities from initial discussion through closing.
• Maintain strong awareness of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities affecting your sector.
• Continue expanding Walden Mutual’s presence and credibility within the industries we serve.

• 5–10+ years of experience working with businesses in one of Walden Mutual’s priority sectors:
  
  • Agriculture and farm businesses
  • Food production or food infrastructure
  • Consumer packaged food brands
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong business relationships and referral networks.
• A strong interest in building long-term partnerships with mission-driven businesses.
• Comfort working independently while traveling frequently throughout the region.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to represent Walden Mutual’s mission and lending approach.
• A collaborative mindset and ability to work closely with a paired Lending Execution Officer and internal teams.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Additional industry training or certifications are a plus.

• Health insurance coverage with dental and vision
• Unlimited PTO
• 401k
• Allocated time for volunteering
• Life and accidental death and disability insurances
• Parental leave policy
• 11 paid holidays
• Walden-branded swag!