Downeast Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative created in 1941 to provide additional value and financial options to its membership. We partner with our members and tailor our products and services to meet their specific individual needs. Our credit union is much different than a bank, with our sole purpose being to continually improve the financial well-being of all members collectively – not just a few stockholders. Our credit union promotes a “People helping People” philosophy and culture; a culture where we serve people, not profit.

We are searching for an Subprime Auto Lending Underwriter. The chosen candidate will work in one of our 9 locations or work remotely. This candidate must reside in the State of Maine.

Summary

The Subprime Auto Lending Underwriter is responsible for underwriting, credit risk management, and portfolio growth.

Underwriter will evaluate, structure, and approve consumer auto loan applications for borrowers with sub-prime credit profiles across both the direct and indirect auto lending channels. This role balances member service, responsible lending practices, and portfolio growth by identifying lending opportunities that fall outside traditional credit standards while maintaining sound risk management.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluate and underwrite loan applications submitted through dealership/Indirect lending partner and our direct channels.
Review credit reports, income documentation, debt-to-income ratios, payment history, and collateral value.
Structure loan terms including loan amount, term, rate, appropriate collateral and stipulations based on risk profile.
Apply sound credit judgment to balance member service with responsible risk management.
Clearly document underwriting decisions and rationale within the loan system.
Perform Applicant Interviews when necessary, based on risk profile
Assist lending staff in structuring loan options for members who may not qualify under traditional lending guidelines.
Provide guidance to lending staff when evaluating complex or sub-prime credit situations.
Support lending staff in identifying solutions that help members improve their financial position.
Apply appropriate stipulations to ensure loan quality and proper documentation.
Maintain strong working relationships with indirect lending partners to support loan growth.
Ensure underwriting decisions comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and fair lending guidelines.
Maintain consistency in underwriting decisions across both lending channels.
Monitor loan performance trends within the sub-prime portfolio.
Escalate high-risk or exception requests when appropriate.

Education & Experience

5 + years of consumer lending, underwriting, or credit analysis experience preferred.
2-4 specifically in subprime lending
Experience with indirect auto lending and dealer relationships is a requirement.

Skills & Competencies

Strong credit analysis and underwriting skills.
Knowledge of consumer lending regulations and compliance standards.
Ability to interpret credit reports, income documentation, and collateral valuations.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced lending environment while managing multiple loan decisions.
Strong fraud detection and prevention skills, including the ability to identify red flags, inconsistencies, and potential misrepresentation in credit applications.

Key Performance Indicators

Underwriting turnaround time
Portfolio performance, charge-offs and delinquency trends
Responsible loan growth in the sub-prime segment
Maintain a look to book ratio of 10% or higher
Average yield, structure quality, and loan profitability metrics.

Benefits Include:

Personal Paid Time Off up to 5 weeks
11 Paid Holidays Per Year
Paid 3-Day Weekends in months without a federal holiday falling on a Monday or Friday
Paid Birthday Off
5% 401k Contribution Match
90% Paid Health Insurance Premiums
100% Paid Dental Insurance Premiums
100% Paid Life & Disability Insurance Premiums
Paid Training, Education, and Certifications
Health Club Reimbursement
Loan Discounts

Elective Employee Paid Benefits

Colonial Life Accident, Critical Care, Cancer & Life Insurance
Colonial Life Income Protection
Anthem Vision
Patriot Auto Insurance
Patriot Life Insurance

Downeast provides a strong base salary paired with a comprehensive incentive plan that recognizes and rewards performance.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calais, ME 04619

Downeast Credit Union

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Subprime Auto Lending Underwriter