The Lead Analyst – Loan Processing serves as a subject matter expert and operational leader supporting during the loan processing lifecycle of agricultural real estate loans. This role is responsible for owning complex loan reviews, driving process efficiency, mentoring team members, and ensuring adherence to Farmer Mac standards.

In addition to hands-on execution, the Lead Analyst guides workflow prioritization, identifies risks, and partners cross-functionally to resolve issues, ensuring loans progress efficiently from underwriting approval through appraisal, title review, and preparation for closing.

With Whom You Will Work

This position reports directly to the Manager – Loan Processing and Closing and works closely with members of the Operations team as well as Underwriting, Client Services, Farm and Ranch Credit, Client Services, Appraisal Reviewers, and Central Servicers. The Lead Analyst will also act as a key liaison across teams, provide guidance and support to other analysts within the team, influence workflow coordination and operational consistency across stakeholders.

Where and When You Will Work

Farmer Mac embraces a Presence-with-Purpose work environment, which allows for flexible work locations while providing opportunities for teams to come together in the office with purpose. The position will be based in Farmer Mac’s Washington, D.C. office, Johnston, IA, office or remotely outside of those two metropolitan areas. Work outside core hours may be required for planned and unplanned activities, including completing time-sensitive projects and attending off-site meetings or events.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as the primary point of contact between Sellers, Underwriting, Appraisal Reviewers and Central Servicers.
• Serve as a primary point of contact and escalation resource for Sellers, Underwriting, Appraisal Reviewers, and Central Servicers
• Own end-to-end review of complex or high-risk loan files post-underwriting, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and alignment with Farmer Mac standards
• Identify and mitigate risks proactively, escalating critical issues with recommended solutions
• Identify process gaps and recommend operational improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce cycle times
• Support implementation of standardized procedures and best practices
• Lead appraisal workflow coordination, including review validation, exception identification, and issue resolution
• Perform and/or guide preliminary title review analysis, including complex ownership structures, legal descriptions, and policy sufficiency
• Serve as a resource for resolving complex appraisal and title issues
• Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and support to analysts and newer team members
• Assist with onboarding and development of team members by sharing knowledge, reviewing work, and reinforcing standards
• Promote accountability and consistency in execution across the team
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues, streamline communication, and ensure alignment
• Support Manager in workload balancing, coverage planning, and escalation management

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Strong understanding of collateral, borrower structures, and complex lending transactions
• Demonstrated ability to lead workflows, influence outcomes, and drive results
• Advanced critical thinking with the ability to analyze risk and recommend solutions
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across teams and levels
• Proven ability to mentor, coach, and support team development
• Highly detail-oriented with strong process discipline and quality control mindset
• Ability to manage competing priorities and guide others in a deadline-driven environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Salesforce
• Reliable, professional, and proactive

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, agriculture, or real estate
• 5+ years of experience in banking, lending, loan servicing, or financial operations
• Demonstrated experience handling complex transactions and cross-functional coordination.

Our compensation philosophy is targeted pay positioning relative to peers, our industry, and external markets. Farmer Mac is committed to a compensation program that will enable the organization to attract, motivate, reward, and retain highly skilled and creative talent to maintain sustained long-term performance and achieve the organization’s strategic business objectives. The typical starting salary range for this position is between $82,000-$90,000 although wages can vary based on experience and geography.