Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, PA. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
OFN is an important source of affordable and flexible capital for the CDFI industry. Currently, the Financial Services team manages more than $600 million of capital and offers a range of products and services to help CDFIs lend and invest in markets underserved by mainstream banks.
Why OFN?
CDFIs are private financial institutions that are 100% dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help disinvested people and communities join the economic mainstream. As mission-driven lenders, CDFIs leverage funding from private and public sources to finance small businesses, microenterprises, nonprofit organizations, commercial real estate, and affordable housing. In addition to connecting capital to communities and people that need it, many CDFIs also provide financial education, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to the organizations, businesses, and individuals they serve. OFN supports our member CDFIs by aligning capital with social, economic, and political justice for underserved communities across the nation.
Position Summary:
This position is primarily responsible for evaluating new investments and assisting to manage OFN’s on and off-balance sheet portfolios. The Investment Officer will analyze debt and equity investment opportunities using loan portfolio and financial statement data and in-depth conversations with organizations’ senior management teams. Through attending conferences and events, he/she will develop relationships with OFN’s CDFI members and work across OFN’s teams to support OFN’s mission.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare and present credit and financial risk analyses reports to OFN senior leadership and respective investment committees.
- Analyze CDFIs’ financial statements, loan portfolios, lending policies and procedures, and strategies to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit, as well as recommend risk mitigation strategies.
- Generate financial ratios and models to evaluate borrowers’ current and prospective financial status.
- Generate loan and investment opportunities by developing relationships with OFN’s CDFI members.
- Actively participate in the portfolio management of OFN’s on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet investments. Ensure borrowers maintain compliance with quarterly covenants and strengthen borrower relationships.
- Coordinate with team members to complete loan closings, documentation, and fund disbursements.
- Collaborate with the financial services team to maintain accurate borrower and loan information in OFN’s loan system.
- As part of the financial services team, develop and implement investment strategies and investment policies and procedures. Support OFN’s participation in the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program as requested.
- Supervisory Role - Manage interns.
- Work across OFN’s teams to support OFN’s mission.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 5-7 years direct work experience in lieu of degree.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Master’s Degree in a relevant field of study not required but preferred.
- 5+ years demonstrated experience with financial statement analysis, financial modeling, and credit analysis, including underwriting, is required. Experience with equity investment analysis is a plus.
- Demonstrated experience writing and presenting detailed investment recommendations with emphasis on clarity, conciseness, and relevance.
- Experience with loan management systems and CRMs (Customer Relationship Management software) a plus.
- Solid understanding of accounting principles with ability to apply knowledge to assessing risk and performing financial underwriting.
- Demonstrated leadership ability with superior interpersonal skills and ability to work well with diverse constituents.
- Superior organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently under minimal supervision as well as ability to set priorities and meet deadlines under pressure without sacrificing quality.
- Understanding of loan documentation and risk mitigation strategies.
- Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and financial modeling skills.
- Commitment to community and economic development.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with teams across OFN.
- Comfort working in a small-office environment and/or experience working in a nonprofit environment preferred.
- Some travel required (15% of time).
- Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience
How to Apply:
Background:
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. CDFIs are private financial institutions that are 100% dedicated to delivering responsible, affordable lending to help disinvested people and communities join the economic mainstream. As mission-driven lenders, CDFIs leverage funding from private and public sources to finance small businesses, microenterprises, nonprofit organizations, commercial real estate, and affordable housing. In addition to connecting capital to communities and people that need it, many CDFIs also provide financial education, technical assistance, and capacity-building support to the organizations, businesses, and individuals they serve. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
Graduate student internship available for spring (Feb-May), summer (June-Aug), and/or fall(Sept-Nov) semesters. Candidates enrolled in graduate programs for Business Administration (MBA) or Economics are preferred, though students with a background in Accounting and/or Finance are encouraged to apply regardless of their current program.
Responsibilities:
The Intern’s primary responsibility is to confirm and analyze OFN’s Annual Member Survey data on the CDFI industry. Additional tasks will support the Knowledge Sharing team’s broader scope of work. The Annual Member Survey includes data on CDFI capitalization, financing, operations, and impact, and is critical to all aspects of our business. The Intern will review individual survey responses, comparing them to each CDFI’s audited financial statements and accounts receivable aging reports.
Requirements:
- Enrolled in a graduate degree program in Business (MBA), Economics, Accounting, Finance, or related area of study.
- Knowledge and familiarity with Excel as well as basic financial statements and terms are essential.
- Ability to work a minimum of 16 hours per week.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple and varied assignments.
- Strong writing ability, and quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
- Unwavering attention to detail and ownership of work.
- Commitment to OFN’s mission.
- Ability to work independently or in team environment as required.
- Comfortable working in a small-office environment.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently under moderate supervision.
- Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position.
Compensation:
The internship is paid via stipend and based out of our Washington, D.C. office. Available beginning in February, 2019 through May, 2019. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
How to Apply:
Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
The Senior Associate, Knowledge Sharing is responsible for coordinating a collaborative design process for developing new programs, and the implementation of complex programs that build the capacity of CDFIs. This position involves coordinating cross-departmental teams within OFN, liaising with external stakeholders such as funders and members, and leading processes that may include these and other constituencies.
Responsibilities:
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Coordinate the development and implementation of a comprehensive collaborative design process to develop new initiatives.
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With EVP Knowledge Sharing and other senior OFN leaders, create an internal process for developing a collaborative design process for new initiatives.
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Coordinate the implementation of the internal process.
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Once the collaborative design process is established, develop a timeline and coordinate its implementation. The collaborative design process may include gathering and analyzing background data, developing draft program designs, gathering input from a range of stakeholders including CDFIs, funders, and investors through in-person and virtual meetings, and incorporating this input into the design.
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Coordinate implementation of programs. For each program, tasks may include:
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Coordinate all aspects of program delivery including: application and selection process; development and delivery of program services including training, peer learning, and financing; analysis of program results; communication of program results to internal and external audiences; external Advisory Committee activities; and identification of potential reforms to related public sector programs.
Requirements:
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Bachelor’s degree or 5-7 years of direct professional work experience in lieu of degree.
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3-5 years of professional experience in project management, communications, or other related organization activities.
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Experience supporting organization level operations.
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Exposure to and/or experience in community development finance, finance, and/or banking is valuable.
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Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work constructively with diverse constituents including internal and external stakeholders, and individuals in senior leadership positions to drive initiatives and results.
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Superior written and verbal communication skills with the ability to appropriately adjust for different audiences.
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Superior project planning and project management skills.
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Ability to identify and complete technical and complex tasks and/or assignments.
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Understanding of and commitment to community development finance.
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Ability to work independently and in team environment.
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Ability to manage multiple tasks and set priorities under minimal supervision in effective and efficient manner.
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Proficient with MS Office Products.
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Moderate to heavy travel required (30%-50% of time).
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Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
The primary responsibilities and essential functions of the Member Services Specialist are to assist in member recruitment, retention, and engagement; develop and administer content for OFN’s peer learning activities; and assist in creating content and driving adoption on CDFI Connect.
Responsibilities:
- Membership
- Conduct prospecting research to identify potential new members.
- Create initial draft of audience-appropriate, clear and concise written communications to potential new members.
- Assist in onboarding new members.
- Oversee the membership renewal process by coordinating with the accounting department. This includes sending email notices, printed invoices, and coordinating telemarketing efforts.
- Ensure membership directories are accurate and maintain accurate database records.
- Peer Learning
- With guidance from the EVP, Membership, develop content, organize, and execute bi-monthly Staying Connected Calls for OFN membership.
- With guidance from EVP, Membership, develop regional meeting agendas and oversee registration and logistics.
- Coordinate one or more programmatic elements of the annual Small Business Finance Forum and OFN Conference such as tours, a track of Conference sessions, a portion of Small Business Finance Forum sessions, or networking sessions.
- Assist in creating content and driving user adoption on CDFI Connect, OFN’s online community platform
- Assist the Knowledge Sharing team on special projects as requested.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or 5-7 years of work experience in lieu of a degree
- 1-3 years of professional experience in the CDFI industry, nonprofit sector, or in project management.
- Professional experience drafting original audience specific communications for publication required.
- Experience with Customer Relationship Management Software (CRM) and Higher Logic preferred.
- Experience in community development finance industry is strongly preferred.
- Experience using social media for professional purposes is beneficial.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across all levels and departments of the organization.
- Must be proficient with MS Office Suite products and social media platforms.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Ability to work independently or as a flexible team player is required.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with ease and efficiency under moderate supervision.
- Understanding of and commitment to opportunity finance is a plus.
- Ability to work constructively with a diverse audience.
- Light to moderate travel required (5-10% of time).
- No extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
To apply visit our online application portal at:
https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=OF144
Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
The Events Coordinator will assist the EVP, Membership and the EVP, Knowledge Sharing in coordinating, planning, and executing OFN’s events. Specifically, this position coordinates and organizes event logistics to ensure successful Annual Conferences, Small Business Finance Forums, regional meetings, advocacy days, webinars, trainings, and other meetings and events as necessary.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and coordinate events (both in-person and virtual) with the direction of the EVP, Membership and EVP, Knowledge Sharing.
- Anticipate event needs, manage event planning calendar and scheduling, discern work priorities, monitor event timelines ensuring deadlines are met.
- Lead the call for sessions process: update and send invitation, organize responses, recruit reviewers, prepare ranking sheets, organize reviewer responses.
- Manage event registration: update web site content, track comp codes, handle all registration inquiries, provide registration information to Meeting Planner in a readily usable form and on a timely basis, conduct on-site registration and handle attendee issues.
- Coordinate Conference breakout session presenters: communicate key dates, gather speaker needs, handle inquiries, communicate needs to Meeting Planner.
- Coordinate internal and external requests for meeting space at conference hotel: create request forms, communicate with those making requests, and coordinate approved requests with Meeting Planner for space assignment.
- Maintain inventory of event-related items (e.g., name badges, lanyards, binders), prepare meeting materials such as agendas and name badges, ensure training binders are properly assembled, and ensure materials are shipped to event location on time.
- As needed, assist with site search and selection, and communicate AV and food/beverage needs to site.
- Update and issue event evaluations and collect responses. Prepare summary reports for staff and Board.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or 5-7 years of work experience in lieu of a degree.
- 1-3 years of professional experience in the CDFI industry, nonprofit sector, or in project management.
- Professional event planning experience of events up to 1,500 people.
- Experience drafting original audience specific communications for management review and publication required.
- Experience in community development finance industry is strongly preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across all levels and departments of the organization.
- Must be proficient with MS Office Suite products and social media platforms.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Ability to work independently or as a flexible team player is required.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with ease and efficiency under moderate supervision.
- Knowledge of CVENT is strongly preferred.
- Understanding of and commitment to opportunity finance is a plus.
- Ability to work constructively with a diverse audience.
- Light to moderate travel required (5-10% of time).
- No extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
To apply visit our online application portal at: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=OF143
Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
Creates and publishes online content to advance OFN and CDFI visibility and reputation. The successful candidate will have a keen interest in telling the story of the impact of community development financial institutions, noting news and milestones in the field, and tracking and reporting on legislative issues. Includes OFN blog, bi-weekly blog digest, social media, storytelling, web content, and other writing as needed. Proposes editorial calendar for the OFN blog and authors or secures content to help build digest subscribers and blog traffic. Implements OFN’s presence on social media platforms. Launches social media campaigns throughout the year to boost impressions and engagement. The Senior Associate will also develop OFN’s borrower story program, including story gathering, editing, curation/management of database, and publication to digital media. Provides results reporting and analysis on a quarterly basis. Other writing and communications as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Produces blog/digest editorial calendar; authors content or secures content to publish on the OFN blog in collaboration with internal staff and external stakeholders; pursues annual target of subscribers to the bi-weekly blog digest.
- Builds and maintains social media presence, including campaigns to increase engagement and impressions.
- Maintains and enforces online content best practices that uphold OFN brand principles and writing styles.
- Supports growth of OFN’s borrower story program, including recruiting and collection, editing, fact checking, and other coordination with CDFIs and partners.
- Identifies trends and insights using marketing analytics software, contributes to goal setting, measures, and reports on performance of online platforms. Recommends adjustments to plans and content delivery based on results.
- Writes, edits, and/or produces other online content as assigned.
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Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or 5-7 years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
- 5-7 years of experience producing online, multi-channel content in a professional setting to connect with stakeholders through compelling messages and stories.
- Demonstrated knowledge of digital and social media trends.
- Experience in social media analytics, including understanding the key measurements to track.
- Knowledge of AP Stylebook or Chicago Manual of Style and demonstrated experience at writing within editorial and brand guidelines.
- Exceptional copy writing and editorial skills, including the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to nontechnical audiences.
- Demonstrated experience with content management systems (such as Drupal); social media management software (such as Hootsuite); and email marketing software (such as Exact Target/Salesforce Marketing Cloud).
- Understanding of HTML and CSS.
- Sound judgment and the ability to juggle multiple tasks and priorities.
- Ability to work in a rapidly changing, dynamic environment.
- Motivated, self-starter, independent, and results oriented.
- Attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
- Minimal travel required (up to 5% of time).
- Understanding of and significant commitment to community development required.
- No extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel.
- Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position.
Compensation:
$60,000-$70,000 annually
How to Apply:
To apply visit our online application portal at:
https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=OF142
Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
The Senior Associate, Public Policy is responsible for promoting OFN’s public policy priorities to key audiences. The Senior Associate, Public Policy is responsible for staying current on legislative and regulatory policies impacting the CDFI industry; effectively engages the OFN membership in advocacy activities; represents OFN with federal policy makers, national coalitions and other ally organizations. The position requires knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process, community and economic development, and strong writing and communication skills.
Responsibilities:
- Communicates OFN’s public policy positions to Members of Congress, Congressional staff and Administration officials.
- Participates in strategy development and implementation of OFN’s public policy advocacy agenda.
- Develops and maintains close working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including but not limited to Congressional staff, national coalitions and ally organizations
- Monitors relevant legislation and regulations impacting the CDFI industry.
- Prepares policy documents, including position papers, and fact sheets.
- Represents OFN at events and meetings related to OFN’s public policy agenda
- Other duties as assigned by the Chief External Affairs Officer
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or 7+ years of direct professional experience in lieu of a degree.
- 5+ years of direct professional experience such as work in a national organization with an active policy agenda.
- Experience working with federal, state and/or local legislative and regulatory processes required.
- Knowledge of community development and economic development policy issues highly beneficial.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate persuasively verbally and in writing.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks independently in an effective and efficient manner.
- Ability to define and set priorities.
- Ability to be self-motivated and take initiative for new projects and departmental needs.
- Ability to interpret, analyze, and draft legislative, policy and regulatory proposals.
- Moderate travel required (10 - 15% of time).
- Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position; no extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel.
Compensation:
$68,000-$81,000 annually
How to Apply:
To apply visit our online application portal at: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=OF141
Background:
Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, OFN is governed by a 13-member board of directors with an annual operating budget of approximately $10M and a staff of 30. The Financial Services team manages $600M in lending capital.
Position Summary:
The Position
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Lending & Investment Officer (CLIO) has the overall responsibility for the strategy, development, implementation, and risk management of OFN’s financial services. Priorities for the CLIO include: driving growth in CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, CDFI Financing Program and Asset Management business; developing new market opportunities which support OFN’s strategic goals; and growing OFN’s capital under management with new capitalization vehicles and new investors alongside of the President and CEO. A member of OFN’s 8-person Leadership Team, the CLIO is responsible for the overall management of the Financial Services team which includes two direct reports and a total current staff of 8.
Responsibilities:
Core Responsibilities:
- Lead growth opportunities in the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, CDFI Financing Programs, and Asset Management business with third party investors.
- Research and develop market opportunities for new financing strategies, products, services, and systems to support OFN’s strategic goals, and directly lead or participate in their design and implementation.
- With the President & CEO, grow OFN’s capital under management with new capitalization vehicles and with new investors.
- Oversee senior management in the CDFI Bond Guarantee and CDFI Financing Programs, including new originations, portfolio management, credit policies, and documentation.
- Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the market forces that influence and impact the opportunity finance industry and OFN’s business and strategic goals, reporting to President & CEO with analysis and recommendation as appropriate.
- Serve as a member of OFN’s Leadership Team and participate in strategic and business planning for OFN.
- Manage, develop, and grow (as appropriate) the Financial Services team to execute on departmental and organizational goals and strategies efficiently and effectively.
Requirements:
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 12+ years of work experience in the financial services field in lieu of a degree; MBA or Master’s Degree preferred.
- Direct lending experience required.
- 12+ years leading and managing a lending or investment team required.
- 7+ years in a supervisory or managerial capacity required.
- Experience in corporate or structured finance preferred with experience in credit risk analysis and management; formal credit training required.
- Strong lending and investment underwriting knowledge, with an understanding of the unique characteristics of the community development finance required.
- Experience in community development as well as lending to financial institutions preferred.
- Ability to manage a division independently under strategic direction as well as the ability to champion new opportunities for growth, develop staff and possess a keen understanding of financial markets and products, with exceptional financial, market, and qualitative analysis skills.
- Excellent writing, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and motivational ability, superior interpersonal skills, ability to manage and work in teams, and interacting constructively with diverse constituents.
- Highly energetic, entrepreneurial thinking, creative problem solver exhibiting sound judgment and deep commitment and passion for OFN’s mission.
- Moderate to heavy travel required (35% of time).
Compensation:
See below.
How to Apply:
Application Process
To apply, e-mail resume, cover letter and salary requirements to: OFN@raffa.com (e-mail applications are required). For other inquiries contact Eve McGowan at emcgowan@raffa.com.
Opportunity Finance Network is an equal opportunity employer and ADA compliant.
Background:
OFN is a leading national network of CDFIs (community development financial institutions) with offices in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. In pursuit of a mission to align capital with social, economic, and political justice, OFN supports its member CDFIs with money, strength, and voice to drive transformational change in underserved communities nationwide.
Position Summary:
This position is primarily responsible for assisting the Vice President, Loan Operations in the administration of OFN’s Bond Guarantee Loans. Such assistance will include collateral management, compliance management, database management, loan servicing monitoring and recordkeeping. Responsibilities also include assistance with OFN’s existing loan portfolio.
Responsibilities:
- Support the preparation and submission of the Bond Guarantee Program application via collection, organization and remittal of financial documents.
- Review and coordinate documents associated with borrowers requisition of Bond funds for completeness and compliance with the Bond Guarantee Program requirements.
- Provide payment oversight of Bond Loans, management of Bond Loan collateral. Ensure proper administration of all Secondary Loan documents by the borrower including the creation and perfection of required security interests and liens on Secondary Loans.
- Perform first level review of the performance, replacement and removal of Bond Loan Collateral and ensure non-performing collateral is replaced in a timely fashion.
- Ensure borrowers maintain the required amount of collateral per Bond Loan legal documents.
- Monitor escrow agent activities and the custody of Secondary and Tertiary Loan documents held by the escrow agent.
- Review, coordinate and test for compliance with covenants of the borrower.
- Track and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports to the CDFI Fund to support compliance with the terms and conditions of the Bond documents via database management systems.
- Process documentation as needed to declare Events of Default under the Bond Guarantee Program and initiate remedies when necessary.
- Assist with administration of OFN’s existing loan portfolio including collection and coordination of loan documentation, on-boarding and modifications to existing loans, ensure closing conditions are met, and initiate the funding for each loan closing.
- Prepare timely submissions of internal and external departmental reports.
- Prepare and review invoices for loans and asset management.
- Preserve, maintain and update borrower files and legal documents as needed.
- Assist other financial services team members on projects or deliverables, as requested by the VP, Loan Operations.
Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 5+ years direct work experience required.
- 1-3 years of experience in lending markets that have similar characteristics to the loans of OFN, and/or title or mortgage industry experienced required.
- Experience in loan operations with a financial and /or nonprofit institutions preferred.
- Experience in multi-party lending structures, with borrowers, lenders, banks and servicers and backup servicers preferred.
- Experience preparing loan documents utilizing a Loan Servicing Software or standard templates as well as CRM system experience desirable.
- Experience or knowledge of the CDFI Industry a plus.
- Experience in nonprofit or small office environment a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Physical Requirements:
- Knowledge of accounting or lending practices required.
- Superior analytical and organizational skills required.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills required with emphasis on clarity, conciseness and relevance.
- Ability to understand and modify financial statements is preferred.
- Ability to understand loan documentation is required.
- Ability to review the work of other partners/subcontractors is required.
- Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work well with diverse constituents is required.
- Knowledge of and commitment to community development preferred.
- Proficiency with MS Office and database software is required.
- Ability to work independently or in team environment as required.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently under moderate supervision.
- Some travel required (<10% of time).
- No extraordinary physical requirements beyond ability to travel.
- Job involves normal physical requirements for an office position.
Compensation:
Commensurate with experience
How to Apply:
To Apply visit our online application portal at: https://theapplicantmanager.com/jobs?pos=OF139
Background:
The Alliance for Rural Impact is a nonprofit organization serving rural and tribal communities across America. We are a collective partnership of technical assistance experts focused on community equity for rural and tribal regions. Our team is solutions-focused and adept in financial stabilization and growth, strategic planning and analysis, capacity building and long-term implementation of priorities. Our ultimate goal is to bring about positive changes that result in community prosperity.
The Alliance for Rural Impact is designed to provide all aspects of the community and economic development process utilizing unique and comprehensive delivery methodology. We identify a community’s foundational assets and drive progress until outcomes are achieved.
Position Summary:
**Applicant may live outside the state of Arkansas**
As a critical component of Alliance for Rural Impact’s strategic plan developed in 2017, the
Board of Directors identified the need for business development capital through CDFI
programming. This is considered a vital step in reaching the organization’s mission. In
September of 2018, the Alliance for Rural Impact (ARI) was notified that its application for
technical assistance from the CDFI grant program was successful. ARI is an emerging CDFI
looking for guidance in the development of its lending program to meet the unique aspects of
the community and economic development service delivery we offer.
ARI desires to provide a multi-tiered suite of business and community lending products
and services to support and inspire economic development in rural communities. Of equal
importance in the “bottom line” equation is the social capital involved in the creation of thriving healthy communities. We are seeking creative ways to partner with businesses and communities
to leverage resources and investment for long-term impacts on the overall economic health of
the region.
Responsibilities:
Business lines: how we structure our lending programs to meet the needs and fill
gaps in lending services within our targeted market area.
➢ Geography/expansion plan: initially, we’ve identified a number of counties in
Arkansas. However, we believe that an expansion of our geographic boundaries will
be quickly needed to encompass the work we are delivering as well as generate
enough of a market to ensure sustainability of a lending program. While expansion
into other areas of the Mid-South would be preferable in the short term, we would
like to consider a national scope over the long term.
➢ Market entry strategies: recommendations for launching points, potential partners
and promotional strategies to generate the most interest.
➢ Organizational Structure: the ideal structure of the organization, as well as its
relationship to ARI.
➢ Capitalization options: identifying partners and cultivating those relationships to
acquire initial seed capital and ongoing investment.
Requirements:
➢ Demonstrated experience in conducting strategy development in the community
investing arena.
➢ Demonstrated experience in exploration and development of business line
expansion/business model that include financial products with a service delivery
component.
➢ Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of community investing organizations including
CDFI’s, community development credit unions, community development corporations,
community loan funds and the like, including how they are organized, capitalized,
resourced, and how they operate.
➢ Knowledge of Opportunity Zones, New Market Tax Credits and historic tax credits;
knowledge of how a CDFI can be designed to incorporate private investments into the
lending structure.
➢ Demonstrated knowledge of the competitive landscape for community investing at
minimum in Arkansas, but ideally the Mid-South as well as nationally.
➢ Demonstrated experience in the development of start-up lending programs. Extensive
knowledge of the best practices for establishing a progressive and impactful program
with a range of lending services for small, rural and underserved communities and
businesses in those areas.
Compensation:
To be determined
How to Apply:
If Contractor is interested in submitting a proposal, the following requirements should be
observed:
• Proposals shall be submitted electronically to the Alliance for Rural Impact by Friday,
February 8, 2019, at 5:00 PM Central Time.
• Proposals shall be submitted via email to Jamie Wright at jamie@ruralimpact.org.
• The subject line should be: “Qualification Submittal for Lending Program Development.”
• Contractors will be required to interview with Alliance for Rural Impact Board, Loan
Committee and staff members. When possible, interviews will be scheduled via video
conference.
Questions about the request for qualifications or the project itself may be directed to Jamie
Wright at jamie@ruralimpact.org.
All responses should be attached to the email submission in one PDF document. Any examples
of previous work should be limited to no more than two additional attachments, also in PDF
format.
Response Content
Responses should include the following information:
1. Letter of introduction: provide a summary of Contractor background and experience,
especially as relevant to work with small and/or start-up lending programs, as well as
work with underserved and/or rural communities or organizations.
2. A detailed summary of experience and background in developing and/or managing
lending programs, especially CDFI certified programs.
3. Identification of the person responsible for managing this initiative with a resume to
include role with the organization, project experience, and professional credentials.
4. Identification of additional people and their qualifications, who will be staffing this
initiative (if applicable).
5. Description of Contractor’s approach to the specified scope of work, including any
recommended adjustments to what has been outlined.
6. Detailed budget and schedule based on a monthly rate of payment. An estimated
timeline of deliverables should be included with an end date no later than December 31,
2019.
