Collections Manager
Vibrant Credit Union, Moline, IL, United States
Position Overview
The Collections Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the credit union's collections and asset recovery functions. This role is responsible for managing the collections team, handling delinquent accounts across all stages, and working to reduce loan losses while ensuring members are treated fairly and respectfully. The Collections Manager ensures that processes run smoothly, staff are supported, and the credit union stays compliant with applicable regulations.
What You Will Do
Collections Operations & Portfolio Management
Manage collections activity across all delinquency stages, including early-stage, default, and charge-off
Monitor loan and share accounts for delinquency and take appropriate action to resolve past‑due balances
Handle consumer loan and mortgage default processes, including drafting notices and coordinating recovery actions
Work collection queues alongside staff and assist with complex or escalated accounts
Risk Monitoring & Loss Mitigation
Review high‑risk accounts and flag potential losses for leadership and reserve consideration
Process charge‑offs in accordance with policy and submit recommendations as needed
Evaluate and pursue appropriate resolution options such as repayment plans, settlements, repossessions, or referrals to legal counsel
Team Leadership & Development
Supervise, train, and support the collections team in their daily work
Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and hold staff accountable to performance standards
Create a positive team environment that encourages growth and consistent follow‑through
Vendor & Legal Coordination
Coordinate with third‑party collection agencies, attorneys, and recovery vendors
Track vendor activity, review results, and ensure all partners are operating within compliance guidelines
Gather and organize documentation needed to support legal proceedings or external recovery efforts
Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
Ensure all collections activity follows applicable federal and state regulations, including FDCPA, SCRA, MLA, BSA, and OFAC
Maintain consistent processes and controls to reduce compliance and reputational risk
Keep up with regulatory updates and communicate relevant changes to the team
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the go‑to resource for collections questions across departments
Work closely with Lending, Accounting, Finance, and Operations on reporting, reconciliation, and account resolution
Assist staff in handling difficult member conversations and escalations
Reporting & Analytics
Pull and review delinquency, charge‑off, and recovery reports on a regular basis
Contribute data for NCUA Call Reports and other internal reporting needs
Share findings and trends with leadership to support decision‑making
Requirements
Our Ideal Candidate
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
At least 5 years of experience in financial services, with direct responsibility for collections or risk management and some supervisory or team lead experience
Knowledge & Skill
Solid understanding of collections practices, lending products, and basic financial analysis
Working knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including FDCPA, SCRA, MLA, and OFAC
Comfortable leading a team, providing coaching, and having direct performance conversations
Clear communicator with the ability to negotiate effectively with members and external partners
Core Competencies
Thinks through problems and makes sound decisions, including under pressure
Keeps members at the center of the work while still driving results
Stays organized and manages competing priorities without dropping the ball
Adapts well in a fast‑moving environment and helps the team do the same
Technical Skills
Hands‑on experience with core banking systems and familiarity with loan origination platforms
Proficient in Microsoft Excel; comfortable pulling and working with data from reporting tools or data warehouses
Familiar with skip‑tracing methods, collateral valuation, and recovery processes
Experience preparing legal documentation and coordinating with courts or outside counsel as needed
Reports to
VP Asset Management
Environmental and Physical Activity Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The daily responsibilities of this position constantly require effective talking, hearing, walking, finger dexterity, reaching, stooping, and grasping functions. The position also often requires reaching and lifting (up to 25 pounds). Frequent sitting, standing, and repetitive motion activities are also required. Must be able to read print and computer‑based materials and to do so with consistent accuracy. Most of these functions require light physical exertion and are conducted indoors at controlled degrees of temperature.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
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The Collections Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the credit union's collections and asset recovery functions. This role is responsible for managing the collections team, handling delinquent accounts across all stages, and working to reduce loan losses while ensuring members are treated fairly and respectfully. The Collections Manager ensures that processes run smoothly, staff are supported, and the credit union stays compliant with applicable regulations.
What You Will Do
Collections Operations & Portfolio Management
Manage collections activity across all delinquency stages, including early-stage, default, and charge-off
Monitor loan and share accounts for delinquency and take appropriate action to resolve past‑due balances
Handle consumer loan and mortgage default processes, including drafting notices and coordinating recovery actions
Work collection queues alongside staff and assist with complex or escalated accounts
Risk Monitoring & Loss Mitigation
Review high‑risk accounts and flag potential losses for leadership and reserve consideration
Process charge‑offs in accordance with policy and submit recommendations as needed
Evaluate and pursue appropriate resolution options such as repayment plans, settlements, repossessions, or referrals to legal counsel
Team Leadership & Development
Supervise, train, and support the collections team in their daily work
Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and hold staff accountable to performance standards
Create a positive team environment that encourages growth and consistent follow‑through
Vendor & Legal Coordination
Coordinate with third‑party collection agencies, attorneys, and recovery vendors
Track vendor activity, review results, and ensure all partners are operating within compliance guidelines
Gather and organize documentation needed to support legal proceedings or external recovery efforts
Compliance & Regulatory Adherence
Ensure all collections activity follows applicable federal and state regulations, including FDCPA, SCRA, MLA, BSA, and OFAC
Maintain consistent processes and controls to reduce compliance and reputational risk
Keep up with regulatory updates and communicate relevant changes to the team
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the go‑to resource for collections questions across departments
Work closely with Lending, Accounting, Finance, and Operations on reporting, reconciliation, and account resolution
Assist staff in handling difficult member conversations and escalations
Reporting & Analytics
Pull and review delinquency, charge‑off, and recovery reports on a regular basis
Contribute data for NCUA Call Reports and other internal reporting needs
Share findings and trends with leadership to support decision‑making
Requirements
Our Ideal Candidate
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent work experience
At least 5 years of experience in financial services, with direct responsibility for collections or risk management and some supervisory or team lead experience
Knowledge & Skill
Solid understanding of collections practices, lending products, and basic financial analysis
Working knowledge of relevant laws and regulations, including FDCPA, SCRA, MLA, and OFAC
Comfortable leading a team, providing coaching, and having direct performance conversations
Clear communicator with the ability to negotiate effectively with members and external partners
Core Competencies
Thinks through problems and makes sound decisions, including under pressure
Keeps members at the center of the work while still driving results
Stays organized and manages competing priorities without dropping the ball
Adapts well in a fast‑moving environment and helps the team do the same
Technical Skills
Hands‑on experience with core banking systems and familiarity with loan origination platforms
Proficient in Microsoft Excel; comfortable pulling and working with data from reporting tools or data warehouses
Familiar with skip‑tracing methods, collateral valuation, and recovery processes
Experience preparing legal documentation and coordinating with courts or outside counsel as needed
Reports to
VP Asset Management
Environmental and Physical Activity Requirements
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. The daily responsibilities of this position constantly require effective talking, hearing, walking, finger dexterity, reaching, stooping, and grasping functions. The position also often requires reaching and lifting (up to 25 pounds). Frequent sitting, standing, and repetitive motion activities are also required. Must be able to read print and computer‑based materials and to do so with consistent accuracy. Most of these functions require light physical exertion and are conducted indoors at controlled degrees of temperature.
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
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