VP Appraisal

Job Summary

Due to company growth and the recent retirement of a long-time Appraisal Team leader, we are excited to expand our already strong team. We are seeking an experienced leader to oversee the real estate sales data collection and verification process, as well as the real estate and chattel appraisal processes for our Retail Lending portfolio (including Consumer Lending). A key aspect of this role is acquiring and retaining top talent, ensuring a skilled and motivated team. Success will be measured by meeting Associations goals for appraisal and valuation production, managing collateral risk, embracing technology, and maintaining high standards for appraisal administration and customer service. You will also drive the training and development of your team, helping them grow into efficient, modern appraisal experts. Additionally, you will provide leadership in developing specialized appraisal programs, establishing sound appraisal practices, and ensuring that all evaluations align with Associations, FCA, and USPAP standards, in collaboration with the Appraisal Leadership Team.

The ideal candidate will be a servant leader, General Certified Appraiser, comfortable working independently and have a passion to serve customers, lending teammates, and the communities in which they live. This position may involve 50% of travel primarily in the states of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide team leadership to inspire the Associations vision, consistent with core values and team principles. Instill a participative team environment as well as recruiting and developing the team and individuals. Lead coordination of evaluation activity and service needs. Work collaboratively with other Appraisal, Credit, Operations, and Lending Teams to meet the Associations goals and objectives including leading change.
• Responsible for leading the real estate and chattel evaluation activities for traditional producers, commercial livestock and grain producers, agribusinesses, recreational enthusiasts, and rural residents. Lead the workflow and analysis of evaluation requests to provide service which meets and exceeds customer expectations. Manage collateral risk in the portfolio to meet the Associations strategic goals and objectives.
• Lead and manage the day-to-day real estate and chattel appraisal and valuation processes for retail, corporate, and customized (fee) appraisals, and collaborate with other Appraisal leaders to support the evaluation process for the entire Appraisal Team. Review appraisals within delegated authorities and make recommendations as to outcomes. Recommend decisions on assignments that exceed delegated authorities.
• Lead and manage the process of attracting and hiring new team members through coordination with the HR team and other Appraisal leaders with a focus on the acquisition of motivated and skilled talent and maintaining that talent pool.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and personal development to team members to ensure efficient, sound appraisal quality, and administration. Develop team members through coaching, training as well as ongoing performance feedback. Development includes administration of Development Plans and annual Performance Evaluations.
• Participate and contribute to the Associations due diligence and front-end guidance activities for selected specialized lending products or programs, including monitoring and reporting on industry and enterprise concentrations of risk; communication of industry information; recommending appraisal standards, appraisal programs, and procedures; and presenting training programs to the Associations staff as requested.
• Provide leadership to support comprehensive Associations efforts in establishing and applying a sound evaluation philosophy through leadership and participation in Appraisal Team responsibilities. Identify concerns and weaknesses to ensure that risk is accurately identified and credit and appraisal administration, policy, and procedures are all balanced in the best interest of the customer and the Associations. This includes being the primary appraisal contact for Retail and Corporate Lending and Credit, Risk, and Business Technology Teams.
• Responsible for all appraisal and collateral related issues. This includes establishing effective internal controls, including delegations, reviews, and approved appraiser lists to ensure appraisals completed by team members and external appraisers are prepared according to the Associations' standards and USPAP.
• Maintain focus on technology improvement, change management, industry updates and forward thinking to ensure the Appraisal Team remains relevant, informed, and fully positioned with Associations goals and direction.

Travel Time

• Percentage of time required to travel during the day - 50%
• Percentage of time required to travel overnight - 50%
  

Education Requirements

• 4 Year / Bachelors Degree Preferred in Agriculture, Business, Finance, or Economics

Years of Experience

• Certified General Appraiser in good standing (in state of residency).
• 7-10 years related experience in completing real estate and chattel appraisals
• Leadership experience is preferred
• Knowledge of agricultural related trends.
• Excellent skills required in judgment, decisiveness, analysis, organizing and planning, communications (verbal and written), interpersonal skills, negotiation skills and adaptability.
• Knowledge and ability to accurately interpret USPAP, FCA regulations, and district and Association policies, procedures, standards and expectations.