Chief Appraiser

SecoLink Settlement Services, LLC, with 100 plus employees is a subsidiary of KeyBank National, located in Amherst N.Y.  We provide title-related products, appraisal, flood and settlement services.  SecoLink provides services for first mortgage refinances, home equity loans/lines and nonprime business.  SecoLink is a licensed title agent in 35 states, offers title insurance in 42 states and provides abbreviated title search in all 50 states.

Focused on servicing the customer needs, SecoLink delivers consistent, quality services and fast turnaround times at an attractive price.  As consumer demand for first mortgage and home equity products remains an attractive business for financial service companies, there will continue to be a high demand for SecoLink?s services.

We are currently seeking a seasoned professional for the following position:

 Chief Appraiser

 

This position will supervise our real estate appraisal group (currently 6 employees) and will report directly to the President of the organization.  Responsible for achieving corporate technical service goals by adding value to real estate transactions through the efficient management of the human resources allocated to the appraisal department/technical services group, encompassing the maximization of value added potential in the overall customer service chain at the same time enhancing the development of the staff members as professionals and valued Bank employees. Candidate will also be responsible for developing a for-profit commercial appraisal division within the organization.

 

Within the first few weeks, the Chief Appraiser will be expected to gain a clear understanding of Key?s Residential and Commercial Real Estate Capital organization, the appraisal team, and the culture of the organization.  The ideal candidate will work to quickly grasp the key near-term initiatives and opportunities and gain a clear perspective of the long-term operating challenges and issues confronting the team.  He/she will also need to quickly evaluate the current talent pool within this group and make the necessary adjustments that will provide the team the best chance for long-term success.  Through listening and learning sessions with the appraisal team and key members of the organization, it is expected that the Chief Appraiser will quickly gain the respect of subordinates and peers.

Additional responsibilities will include:

 

? Technical oversight of appraisal functions. 

? Forming and directing operational procedures in the appraisal organization.

? Oversight of the implementation and compliance with federal appraisal regulations and bank policies with respect to all Appraisal functions. 

? Setting and achieving technical service/appraisal productivity goals.

? Directing corporate-wide internal education with respect to both federal regulation and Bank policies that impact services. 

? Training and supervising, through internal and external programs, the appraisal staff and ensuring that the appraisal department has proper technical support including computer software and appropriate market publications.

? Directing corporate-wide programs for maintaining the highest level of appraisal staff proficiency and market knowledge through the attendance of seminars and continuing education classes.

 

The Chief Appraiser must be able to quickly energize the organization and to focus them throughout the entire transformation process.  He or she should be a self-motivated, results-oriented team player who leads by example, holds him or herself accountable for performance, takes absolute ownership, and champions all aspects of the program. The successful candidate's communication style should be diplomatic and direct. He or she must be able to articulate clear, strategic, tangible goals for the organization, negotiate agreements where each party benefits, and deliver an honest assessment of the level of achievement of those goals. The successful candidate will reject setbacks and will enthusiastically persist until ambitious goals are achieved, both personally and from a team perspective. The successful candidate will possess a high energy level that allows them to react to situations quickly and decisively, possessing self-confidence to be assertive when taking a position, not being afraid to make decisions.

 

The successful candidate will be market savvy, have strong industry relationships, and bring broad perspective and experience that will enable him/her to gain immediate credibility.  Additionally, successful candidates will demonstrate interest in new business methodologies and pursue new systems and processes. The successful candidate will have direct proven experiences in building, managing and directing a successful organization. 

 

Additional requirements include:

 

? Minimum of ten years of residential and commercial real estate appraisal experience with a minimum of three years of senior review and regional management experience. 

? An undergraduate degree in business, finance or real estate.  Candidate must hold, and continue to maintain, appropriate state appraisal certifications and demonstrate compliance with continuing education requirements. 

? Must possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

 

 

Our compensation package includes a competitive salary and provides a complete benefits package including medical/dental/life insurance, pension and 401(k) savings plans, tuition reimbursement, vacation, paid holidays, and the opportunity for career growth.  Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to Laura_Duvall@KeyBank.com for immediate consideration.