Senior Commercial Loan Documentation Specialist

First American Bank was founded in Chicago, and over the years has expanded throughout Wisconsin and Florida. As the largest privately held bank in Illinois, we now have over 60 locations and assets of $8+ billion. We are a community bank at heart with international expertise, traditional values, and a forward-looking philosophy. Our employees have the experience and vision to meet the needs of savers, borrowers, and businesses in the 21st century. First American Bank can offer employees a level of visibility, career growth, and stability that is difficult to find in many larger corporations.

This hourly (non-exempt) position is a legal documentation preparation position within the Commercial Loans Department. This position prepares and reviews commercial loan documentation to support accurate closings, booking, and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities include analyzing loan writeups, reviewing executed loan packages, coordinating UCC and title documentation, and assisting with audits and system upgrades. The position also supports training, committee documentation, and special projects within the Documentation team.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Analyze commercial loan writeups and credit approvals to prepare accurate, enforceable loan documentation in LaserPro, ensuring alignment with approved loan structure, collateral, covenants, regulatory requirements, and closing conditions.
• Review signed loan packages for completeness and advise Loan Operations on booking the signed loan.
• Assist in ensuring proper closings of commercial real estate loans.
• Responsible for auditing loan packages for booking.
• Assist with training and mentoring less experienced support staff on procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Serve as primary trainer for new Commercial Loan Documentation Specialists.
• Back-up as liaison between Documentation Team and IT on all department projects, including all systems upgrades.
• Assist as mentor to other documentation specialists.
• Assist in conducting LaserPro upgrades tests.
• Assist with audits and regulatory examinations.
• Order, review, and analyze UCC filings, entity authority documents, flood determinations, tract searches, and title commitments to ensure loans are legally enforceable, properly secured, compliant, and free of unresolved title or collateral risks prior to closing.
• Primary lead for drafting minutes for the Executive and Senior Loan Committees.
• Assist with follow-ups with other banks for their UCC terminations.
• Perform general administrative functions for the department, including filing, scanning, maintaining computer files and spreadsheets. Audit and organize signed loan packages for the purpose of booking.
• Work independently on special projects and complete additional assignments/projects as designated by management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum three years Commercial Loan Documentation experience required.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities and exercise sound judgment when navigating complex loan scenarios under strict departmental timelines.
• Must be professional, comfortable speaking with external and internal contacts with a demonstrated ability to tailor the message appropriately to the audience and situation effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to convey thoughts and ideas effectively and succinctly via written formats, including emails, letters, and electronic platforms. Maintain professional standards relating to spelling and grammar.
• Maintain credibility through professional demeanor, appearance, and presence by modeling standards appropriate to our environment and industry.
• Maintain good working relationships with internal partners by exhibiting exemplary interpersonal skills, adopting a constructive, solutions-focused approach.
• Use sound professional judgment to balance the interests of the organization and customer, understanding and using available resources to mitigate risks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 products and applications, including the ability to effectively prepare or review documents, procedures, and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new systems and applications, as well as the ability to understand, adapt and adjust responsibilities/workflows as a result of system upgrades.
• Experience with additional banking systems is preferred, including LaserPro.
• Occasional travel to other First American Bank locations, Bank functions, and training facilities may be required.
• Typical schedule is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional hours may be required depending upon business need.
• Punctuality is required to maintain First American Bank's customer service standards.