Lending Product Operations Associate

Lending Product Operations Associate
Ascent is a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success. Everything Ascent offers is designed with the best-in-class teams and technology to increase every student's ability to plan, pay, and succeed in their education and career. Ascent's planning tools and financing resources are co-created by students for those in college, graduate school, and career training programs. Ascent offers financial wellness education, student success services, and one-on-one and digital career coaching that put students' academic and professional goals within reach. Ascent has been widely recognized for its strong culture – named “Best Places to Work” by the San Diego Business Journal for the past 5 years – and as an industry leader – named “Best Student Loan” by NerdWallet for the past 3 years

Description
We are seeking a Lending Product Operations Associate who will play a central role on the Career Training and Trade School Team, in managing cross-functional initiatives, supporting product implementation, and driving operational improvements. The Career Training and Trade School Loans team builds products that enable access to vocational programs with strong career outcomes. These programs are typically not eligible for federal financial aid, and students have limited options for funding these programs which are gateways to economic mobility. This role sits on a small, tight knit team with shared responsibilities and support. This role blends product support, project coordination, and day-to-day business operations, providing broad exposure to multiple areas of the company. You’ll work with internal teams and external partners to ensure smooth execution of initiatives while continuously optimizing processes. We’re seeking a candidate who is looking to grow and develop into a key player on the Career Loan team.  

Responsibilities:
Product Support & Operations (40%)

• Assist in the implementation of new loan products and student support services, including documentation and operational setup.
• Become an internal product expert on our Career Products.  Support management of product guidelines, product disclosures, and partner-facing materials.
• Assist with resolution of customer and partner complaints, escalating issues as needed and driving continuous process improvements.
• Monitor product and service performance, flagging operational risks and opportunities for optimization.
• Support team standardization by helping to create Standard of Process documentation and support systems for out of office back up.
• Work closely with our Impact Products – supporting products that increase access to higher education.
• Collaborate with marketing to update and maintain key product and partnership web pages.
• Assist in preparation of internal product training and partner onboarding materials.

• Coordinate key cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment across Product, Engineering, Operations, and Compliance.
• Track project milestones, manage tasks in ClickUp, and drive accountability to timelines.
• Facilitate team check-ins, maintain project status reports, and assist in project documentation.
• Support product rollout activities including internal testing and operational readiness.

• Build positive working relationships with partner schools and external vendors.
• Fulfill partner requests for program updates and changes.
• Support onboarding activities for new schools and partners.
• Support behind the scenes operations management, cross training on loan administration activities.
• Help coordinate partner reporting and respond to partner data and operational requests.
• Serve as back up for Account Manager.

• Bachelor's degree in business, Communications, Education, or related field.
• 3-8 years of professional experience spanning product support, project management, or business operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; high attention to detail.
• Comfort working across multiple teams and managing both projects and recurring operational tasks.
• Experience working in a startup; SaaS, fintech, edtech, or consumer finance environment preferred.
• Ability to analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Experience with financial products or regulated environments.
• Experience in Higher Education, traditional or non-traditional (vocational)
• Familiarity with website CMS tools (e.g., WordPress) and basic content updates.
• Familiarity with Project Management Tools (e.g. Clickup), and CRM tools (e.g., HubSpot).
• Exposure to complaint handling processes or regulatory complaint management.
• Agile or PMP certification.

• Problem solver who enjoys balancing strategic projects and tactical tasks.
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity, finding a path where priorities are competing, and complexities exist.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.
• A collaborative mindset with a desire to improve processes and experiences.
• Proactive communicator who keeps teams informed and aligned.
• Interest in education access and improving student outcomes.

• Compensation includes a base salary of $75,000 - $100,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus and options.
• Company Stock Options
• 401(k) + Company Match
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Annual HSA contribution of $1,650
• Life insurance, disability, and critical illness
• 14 Paid Holidays! Eleven (11) + Two (2) Community Days + Your Birthday!
• Snacks and drinks in the office
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Generous paid leave policies
• $2,000 Vacation Incentive Plan after 3 years + $1,000 Sabbatical Day
• Wellness, Work from Home funds, and more!

Job Description Disclaimer

The Job Description serves as a general overview of the key responsibilities and requirements for the position. Please note, however, that this description may not cover all aspects of the role, and both responsibilities and requirements are subject to change.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability (sensory, physical, or mental), marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws. This policy extends to all areas of employment, including hiring, job assignments, compensation, promotions, benefits, training, discipline, and termination. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.