Director, Loan Origination (NJ)

About the role

The Director, Loan Origination (New Jersey) is responsible for driving lending activity in the state of New Jersey. The role involves developing and nurturing client relationships, evaluating loan requests, and coordinating with various departments within NFF.

Responsibilities

• Develop and nurture new and existing client relationships ensuring a smooth transition through the financing process
• Engage with clients in ways that demonstrate empathy and garners understanding of their experiences and needs
• Build a continuous pipeline of new lending opportunities consistent with NFF’s loan products, programs, deployment goals, mission, and strategy
• Audit new loan requests, discuss product options with clients, and propose viable loan structures for internal approval
• Monitor industry and regional trends, policies, funding, and other external drivers that may inform strategies for pipeline development
• Originate loans from NFF’s BEACoN NJ program, a $20MM 10-year statewide revolving loan fund to support community ownership of assets for nonprofits
• Represent NFF and the BEACoN NJ program in public events, conferences, media, partner and funder meetings, and other external-facing opportunities as needed
• Support the development and implementation of a tactical plan that will consistently generate a viable pipeline of high credit quality clients and transactions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in financial services and/or lending
• Seven (7) years of progressive professional experience in the financial services industry as a loan officer or similar lending roles
• Demonstrated experience in credit analysis, loan structuring, and business development, with sector expertise in at least one of the following: affordable housing, education, healthcare, human services, or other community facilities
• Market knowledge and existing relationships with nonprofits and related stakeholders in New Jersey
• Proven ability to handle sensitive, confidential information with high degree of integrity and discretion
• Proven effectiveness in clear, proactive verbal and written communication, coupled with strong interpersonal skills
• Proficiency with online collaboration tools, Salesforce or similar CRM software, and Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications

• Commitment to NFF’s values, mission, and approach to community impact
• Strong understanding of CDFIs and their role in nonprofit financing
• Familiarity with real estate and financing structures
• Experience with nonprofit accounting, financial statements, and business models
• Experience with common community development finance programs, including New Markets Tax Credits and Low Income Housing Tax Credits
• Strong organization and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a remote environment and build strong relationships with colleagues and partners across geographies and time zones
• Learning orientation and commitment to continuous learning and improvement
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing, and at times ambiguous context

Skills

• Excellent relationship-building and client engagement skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with financial modeling and analysis tools

Benefits

NFF offers a generous benefits package that includes up to twenty (20) paid holidays/business closure days, three (3) floating holidays, flexible time off, group medical insurance with a funded health reimbursement account, dental and vision plans, life insurance and disability plans, a retirement plan with both a non-elective employer contribution (4%) and additional match contribution (up to 2%), a “work from home” fund, and flexible spending accounts to cover health, dependent care, and commuter costs. This is an exempt, full-time role with a compensation range of $129,400 - $143,800. A compensation offer is based on a candidate’s background and years of relevant experience, with consideration for internal equity.