Who We Are
Southwest Initiative Foundation is an independent community foundation supported by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who want to strengthen southwest Minnesota. Founded in 1986, we’ve become a trusted partner and a regional leader. We work hard to make southwest Minnesota a great place.
We believe that dignity and belonging are core human values and that all people deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.
We are a human-centered organization and acknowledge that people have different needs and aspirations. We commit to removing barriers that prevent full participation in southwest Minnesota’s abundant opportunities. We use our resources to create opportunities for all people to thrive in
the communities they call home.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
How We Work
We believe the future of southwest Minnesota is bright! And we aspire to achieve great things in our region by working together. Caring for the well-being of our amazing team is important to us. Physical, financial, and emotional health is essential for our staff to succeed and for the advancement of our mission. Our talent management focuses on the whole person, their family and how the foundation can help people find their passions and talents and align them with the mission of the organization.
Staff members are expected to be trustworthy, fair and respectful, and we’re accountable for our words and actions. We embrace courageous leadership required to live out our mission. We treat our colleagues, partners and communities with empathy and respect and approach our role in collaborative processes with humility, hospitality and heart.
We value learning and innovation. We continuously seek to expand both personal and organizational knowledge, and we are willing to take healthy risks in pursuit of big ideas.
And we’re fun! Whether it’s some work-related poetry, a story shared across cubicles or a bowl of hot soup on a cold Monday, we like to make each other smile.
At the Southwest Initiative Foundation, we have a ‘Total Rewards’ strategy that includes an extensive package of benefits. Explore the benefits available to our team.
Open Positions
Commercial Loan Officer
If you’re a mission‑driven finance professional who wants to make a meaningful impact through access to capital and small business success, apply to be our Commercial Loan Officer. You will originate, underwrite, and manage commercial loans and business financing programs. This role works directly with entrepreneurs, applicants, and community partners to structure and negotiate financing solutions, guide loans through closing and servicing, and manage a diverse loan portfolio. The position also ensures compliance and reporting for multiple state and federal programs while providing practical business technical assistance to support borrower success.
The ideal candidate brings strong independent judgment, analytical thinking, and discretion, along with the ability to build trusted relationships and navigate complex financial and human situations with empathy. This role requires a solid foundation in credit analysis, commercial finance, economic development, small business operations, and entrepreneurship, as well as experience with government-funded lending programs and their compliance requirements. Strong communication skills, proficiency with Microsoft
Office and database systems, and comfort working in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment are essential. Knowledge of the southwest Minnesota economy and regional stakeholder network is highly valued.
Deadline extended: Apply by July 3, 2026
Loan Portfolio Specialist
Are you detail‑oriented, systems‑savvy, and motivated by work that strengthens small businesses and communities? The Southwest Initiative Foundation is seeking a Loan Portfolio Specialist to support the servicing, documentation, and management of business loan programs that strengthen entrepreneurs and communities across southwest Minnesota.
This role focuses on loan portfolio management, database administration, due diligence, and compliance across multiple state and federal financing programs, including SBA Microloan, USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program, and others. The Loan Portfolio Specialist ensures data accuracy, supports loan servicing and reporting, and balances strong customer service with a compliance‑focused mindset.
The ideal candidate brings experience in commercial lending or economic development, high proficiency with Salesforce and Microsoft Office tools, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. Comfort working with financial data, loan documentation, and basic accounting concepts is essential. Occasional regional and statewide travel is required.
Application deadline Friday, May 22, 2026