EVP - Chief Lending Officer

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

THE DETAILS

Job Code:

11394

Grade:

EVP4

Status:

Exempt

POSITION AND PURPOSE

The Executive Vice President – Chief Lending Officer (CLO) is an enterprise leader and key member of the executive team, reporting directly to the CEO and accountable for Golden 1's overall lending strategy, credit risk discipline, portfolio performance, and member lending experience. The CLO provides strategic and operational leadership across lending origination, credit administration, product strategy, pricing, delivery channels, and governance to support responsible growth, financial strength, regulatory soundness, and long-term organizational success.

This role establishes and advances Golden 1's credit vision, ensuring loan policies, underwriting standards, approval practices, and portfolio management frameworks are aligned with the Credit Union's strategic priorities, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements. The CLO is responsible for balancing member needs, competitive market positioning, asset quality, profitability, and compliance while serving as the senior executive authority for lending integrity and credit risk management.

As an enterprise leader, the CLO partners across the executive team, business lines, risk, finance, technology, operations, and member-facing channels to translate organizational strategy into disciplined lending execution. The role drives innovation, operational excellence, talent development, and cross-functional accountability to strengthen Golden 1's lending capabilities and deliver sustainable value for members and the Credit Union.

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 passionate about helping members achieve their goals through lending solutions that balance growth, service, and responsible risk management. Leading lending operations, shaping portfolio strategies, and developing future-focused teams allow you to combine business leadership with member advocacy. Your vision helps drive both operational excellence and financial success.

THE WORK

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Provide enterprise leadership for Golden 1’s consumer, mortgage, and business lending functions, ensuring strong execution across origination, underwriting, fulfillment, credit administration, delivery channels, and member experience.

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Set and execute lending strategies that drive responsible growth, portfolio performance, profitability, competitive positioning, product relevance, and promotional effectiveness.

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Oversee consumer lending product management, including evaluation, design, enhancement, pricing, promotion, and delivery of solutions that meet evolving member needs.

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Establish and maintain loan policies, underwriting standards, approval practices, and risk tolerances that align with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and Golden 1’s risk appetite.

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Manage credit risk and portfolio quality through effective monitoring, loan review, documentation, impairment analysis, and sound governance practices.

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Provide clear, timely, and forward-looking communication to the CEO and executive stakeholders on high-risk matters, portfolio trends, strategic priorities, business performance, and the future direction of Golden 1’s lending business.

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Ensure lending and other relevant policies and procedures are developed, documented, updated, and followed, meeting all necessary legal requirements, regulatory guidelines,

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credit risk appetite requirements, and other governance policies.

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Build, coach, and engage high-performing teams that model Golden 1’s mission, vision, core values, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

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Perform other duties as assigned.

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Develop and maintain an understanding of the pertinent regulatory requirements and risks inherent to job responsibilities, establish, and maintain control activities that mitigate those risks consistent with the Credit Union’s risk appetite, and ensure operational integrity and compliance with applicable regulations.

    GOLDEN 1 RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

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Mission and Vision: Establish and implement programs that support the Credit Union’s mission, vision, Core Values, and strategic business objectives.

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Lead with Purpose: Build and mentor high-performing teams. Champion Golden 1’s culture by creating an environment that prioritizes collaboration, high-performance, inclusivity, innovation, service excellence, and the well-being of our employees.

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Leadership and Guidance: Establish strong partnerships, act as a trusted advisor, and provide leadership, counsel and a strong voice to achieve Golden 1’s business strategy, operating plan, and performance goals through strategies. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.

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Engagement & Culture: Drive employee engagement and culture, and retention strategies to position Golden 1 as an employer of choice.

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Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute short and long-term strategies aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and growth objectives. Serve as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including board members, partners, and clients.

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Operational Oversight: Lead and manage departmental operations, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and performance. Monitor KPIs and implement data-driven improvements across functions.

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Risk & Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards. Identify and mitigate strategic and operational risks.

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Industry Trends: Stay informed on trends, laws, and practices, and represent Golden 1 at industry-related events.

QUALIFICATIONS

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Bachelor’s Degree in related field plus equivalent work experience required

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10+ years of progressive leadership experience in credit risk management, lending product management, lending operations, credit administration, or related financial services functions, including seven (7) or more years of financial institution management with an emphasis in consumer, mortgage, and business lending required

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Executive-level experience leading enterprise lending strategy, large lending portfolios, credit risk governance, regulatory engagement, and cross-functional business execution is preferred

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Advanced expertise in credit risk management, underwriting standards, loan policy, portfolio monitoring, credit administration, and asset quality governance.

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Extensive understanding of lending regulations, credit union compliance requirements, safety and soundness expectations, and related governance practices.

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Strong knowledge of consumer, mortgage, and business lending strategy, including product design, pricing, promotional effectiveness, competitive positioning, fulfillment, delivery channels, and member experience.

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Deep expertise in credit union operations, financial management, budgeting, forecasting, performance management, and investment decision-making.

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Ability to assess market dynamics, competitive landscape, industry trends, member needs, and business functions to identify opportunities and manage risk.

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Demonstrated ability to lead enterprise initiatives, align cross-functional teams, and translate strategy into measurable operational, financial, member, and risk outcomes.

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Strong leadership capability in change management, talent development, performance optimization, employee engagement, and culture-building.

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Ability to inspire, align, and mobilize senior leaders and cross-functional teams toward shared enterprise goals.

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Capacity to anticipate market shifts, identify opportunities, and make data-informed decisions that support responsible growth and long-term sustainability.

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Ability to drive transformation, strengthen operating disciplines, and adapt to evolving business, market, technology, and regulatory environments.

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Ability to translate strategy into execution plans that deliver measurable results and clear accountability.

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Ability to drive change and foster agility, accountability, inclusion, and results through enterprise leadership.

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Proven track record of leading teams and aligning culture and engagement strategies to achieve business objectives.

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Strong interpersonal communications, presentation, and coaching skills with the ability to engage and influence senior leadership and employees at all levels.

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Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and consistently with the CEO, executive team, Board-level stakeholders, and key internal partners on high-risk matters and future strategic direction.

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Familiarity with technology and systems to optimize workflow efficiency.

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Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as Golden 1 policies and guidelines.

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None required

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTACTS AND RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL:

Management, staff at all levels, Audit Department, various Committees, and Board of Directors.

EXTERNAL:

Potential employees, peers in other financial and other industry organizations, outside vendors and consultants, legal counsel, governmental agencies, trade organizations, financial industry training associations, and community organizations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work time includes weekend and after-hours time, based on organizational needs. This position works in-office where working conditions, lighting, temperature, audio, and workspace are all sufficient.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires the ability to constantly operate a computer and the ability to read, type, and communicate. Work may require the ability to move work-related supplies weighing up to 10-15 pounds.

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.

DECLARATION/ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description outlines the essential functions and physical/mental requirements necessary to perform this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.