Dealer Relationship Representative

Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with over $4 billion in assets. With an occupation-based field of membership, Ascend is focused on the expansion and diversification of the select employee groups it serves, which creates greater security for the credit union and its member-owners. Approximately 650 employees serve more than 260,000 members from 27 Middle Tennessee branch locations, Regional Operations Center, Teller Center and Corporate Headquarters. Ascend recognizes that its employees are critical to the credit union's sustained success and future growth. Our employees are the face of the credit union and their personal successes fuel the success of the team. Through collaboration between employees, management, our membership and our Board, we fuel an engine that propels the credit union forward.

Thank you for your interest in a career with Ascend Federal Credit Union! Being employed by Ascend is vastly different than just holding a job. The credit union prides itself on providing employees rewarding career opportunities, competitive benefits and a unique work culture. The credit union's commitment to its employees is fostered by its commitment to the member-owners, ensuring dedicated and engaged employees to serve the membership. Ascend's vision to be the most loved credit union in our market by employees and members alike has earned the credit union distinctions including Federal Credit Union of the Year (NAFCU, 2015), Best Credit Union to Work For (2016-2025) and Training MVP Awards (2015-2025).

Responsible for driving business results by expanding the credit union's indirect auto loan portfolio dollars through effective relationship building. Work closely with key dealer staff to enhance quality auto loan applications. Perform due diligence on prospective dealers and make recommendation on adding/removing dealerships from the program.

#LI-Onsite

Make regular visits to participating Indirect dealerships and potential dealership partners, develop and maintain new and existing dealer relationships through the Indirect Lending program and be responsible for achieving a pre-determined level of routine and pre-scheduled visits.
• Work closely with dealerships and credit union management to resolve issues where the action(s) of the dealer violates our contractual dealer agreement.
• Create and conduct presentations to auto dealers to develop new relationships.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in attending relevant community and trade association meetings to develop new dealer prospects.
• Track key performance indicators concerning loan application processing measures.
• Review monthly statistic reports related to indirect lending and communicate results with participating dealerships.
• Maintain a working knowledge of regulations, economic trends, and credit union trends related to indirect lending.
• Responsible for developing strategies to increase dealer participation
• Utilize reports to target indirect dealer business activity.
• Document each dealer visit and retain documentation for annual dealer management review.
• Provide dealer activity reports. Reports should be maintained and monitored on a regular basis and provide any additional statistical information as requested.
• Responsible for conducting annual due diligence to ensure dealers comply with credit union policies and standards.
• Perform initial due diligence on potential new dealerships. Make recommendations to add or deny entry into the indirect lending program.
• Monitor competitor's rates, make recommendations when it is identified that our rates are not competitive.
• Maintain overall market knowledge of auto industry and local competition and community awareness
• Communicate with dealers, branch personnel and indirect lending personnel by phone and email. Provide timely responses or direct the questions to the appropriate subject matter expert.
• Responsible for working and training financial center managers to develop business opportunities beyond indirect i.e. recruiting dealerships as Select Employee Groups (SEG's).
• Use discretion and judgment in resolving problems that are within authority to resolve and refer problems that are beyond authority to supervisor along with recommendation.
• Follow policy and procedures related to Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Customer Identification Program (CIP), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) daily to ensure compliance with current regulations.
• Review and process indirect applications within time guidelines and in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations set forth by the credit union. Validate the accuracy of the dealership's loan paperwork prior to loan disbursement.
• Contact dealer by phone or through the loan origination system's web message functionality for additional information or paperwork needed. Follow up with dealers by phone concerning approved applications.
• Read all internal publications including HUB and Possibilities.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Please note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. The organization reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties at any time, with or without notice, to meet business needs.

Education

• Two years college or equivalent experience

Work Experience

• 3-5 years of similar or related experience is required
• 3-5 years of experience in a credit union or similar financial institution or auto dealership with sales managerial experience is required
• At least four years of experience in indirect lending is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to analyze loans and be able to handle problems that arise with dealerships.
• Must possess strong knowledge of financial products and services.
• A high level of problem solving skills, and the ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner.
• Interpersonal skills must include the ability to motivate or influence others which requires a high level of diplomacy and tact. Must be able to obtain cooperation (internally and externally) and possess a high degree of poise and tact to represent the credit union positively in outside contacts.
• Excellent verbal, written, pitching and presentation skills to communicate professionally.
• Must present a friendly and professional manner toward members/dealers. Maintain a professional work environment and businesslike appearance.
• Effective organizational and analytical skills with high degree of computer literacy and fluency in various Microsoft programs as well as standard spreadsheet tools.
• Must be accurate in all transactions.
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license.
• Ability to operate or have the ability to be trained to operate related office equipment including calculator, computer terminal (PC), multifunction copier, telephone and typewriter.
• Constantly maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity to portray Ascend in a positive manner.
• Professional demeanor, selling style, and appearance.
• Able to build and maintain lasting relationships with dealers.
• Exceptional verbal communication and excellent listening skills.
• Self-motivated with high energy and an engaging level of enthusiasm.
• Able to perform basic calculations and mathematical figures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High level of integrity and work ethic.
• Flexibility to deal with unexpected events, and occasionally attend meetings and events that may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.
• Capacity to manage many responsibilities simultaneously.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

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Ascend Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.