The USDA Closing Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the USDA loan closing process to ensure compliance with USDA Rural Development guidelines, investor requirements, company policies, and regulatory standards. This position leads the closing function, coordinates activities among underwriting, processing, title companies, attorneys, and borrowers, and ensures loans are closed accurately, efficiently, and within established timelines. The USDA Closing Manager serves as a subject matter expert on USDA loan programs and provides leadership, training, and guidance to closing staff.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage the end-to-end USDA loan closing process from closing approval through funding. 
• Review loan files to ensure closing readiness and compliance with USDA Rural Development requirements. 
• Coordinate loan closing activities with borrowers, processors, underwriters, title companies, attorneys, and other third parties. 
• Ensure all closing packages are prepared accurately and delivered within established service levels. 
• Monitor closing pipelines and prioritize workloads to achieve operational goals.
• Maintain compliance with USDA Rural Development regulations, investor guidelines, state laws, and federal lending requirements. 
• Review closing documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to funding. 
• Ensure all required USDA conditions have been satisfied before loan closing. 
• Identify and resolve issues that could delay closing or affect loan salability. 
• Support internal and external audits, examinations, and quality control reviews.
• Develop and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and enhance the customer experience. 
• Maintain accurate records and reporting related to USDA loan closings. 
• Track and report key performance indicators, including turn times, closing volumes, funding timelines, and quality metrics. 
• Collaborate with underwriting, processing, secondary market, compliance, and operations teams to improve workflow effectiveness.
• Ensures BSA compliance by reading and being familiar with the BSA/AML program/policy; following all BSA/AML/OFAC policies and procedures; and completing all BSA/AML/OFAC related online courses.
• All other tasks, responsibilities, or duties, as directed by management.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Banking, or a related field preferred. 
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of mortgage loan closing experience
• Minimum of 2 years of experience with USDA Rural Development loan programs. 
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred. 
• Experience working in a banking, mortgage lending, or financial services environment.
• Thorough knowledge of USDA Rural Development loan programs and guidelines. 
• Strong understanding of mortgage closing procedures, title requirements, and loan documentation. 
• Knowledge of TRID, RESPA, ECOA, HMDA, and other applicable lending regulations. 
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. 
• Effective leadership and team development skills. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Proficiency in mortgage origination systems, document preparation software, and Microsoft Office applications.