Community Development Underwriter

Background

New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC) is a community development financial institution with a mission to create thriving communities through strategic investments and knowledge. Fulfilling the needs and improving the quality of life of low- and moderate-income families and individuals would not be possible without our talented staff and motivating environment. NJCC embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Summary

The Underwriter executes the underwriting and financial analysis of all loan requests and loan portfolio performance, identifies new business opportunities, and maintains external relationships. Works closely with the entire Lending team.

Responsibilities

• Reviews, evaluates, and analyzes loan application materials and other data to determine loan viability and to identify risk and potential fraud.
• Identifies, recommends, and negotiates alternative loan requirements, funding or loan structuring solutions.
• Develops and maintains external relationships to optimize business opportunities.
• Underwrites various lending asset classes, including affordable housing, schools, child care facilities, community facilities, economic development projects, and small businesses.
• Underwrites financing requests for on- and off-balance sheet transactions, including New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations and third party delegated underwriting within NJCC’s credit policy guidelines.
• Works with borrowers through all stages of the loan application and approval process.
• Prepares analytic reports on loan portfolio performance on a quarterly and annual basis.
• Works with the Lenders to prepare Credit Approval Memoranda.
• Analyzes financial statements, tax returns, and other financial and/or project/borrower information.
• Analyzes credit checks/credit bureau reports.
• Maintains client and portfolio information in a rigorous and timely manner, ensuring that information from these sources is used to generate investor and internal reports that are accurate and updated.
• Prepares loan portfolio reports, on an as-needed basis, for investor, grant, and/or program applications.
• Accompanies lenders on client calls and site inspections.
• Prepares call memos and other reports summarizing client meetings and/or site inspections.
• Ensures completeness of loan applications/requests.
• Works with lenders and borrowers in identifying and collecting missing financial and/or project information. Interacts with borrowers to resolve any outstanding issues/items related to new borrowing requests.
• Maintains a culture of quality customer service at all points of contact with NJCC clients when responding to borrower and/or participant inquiries and requests.
• Assists the lenders in structuring new loan requests and extensions of existing loans.
• Supports the Portfolio Management and Compliance team, including providing relationship management for delinquent borrowers.
• Assists lenders in the management, restructuring, and/or analysis of any required loan restructuring or workout.
• Assists the Lending Team in completing funding applications for specific loan programs, and/or funding requests to investors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience with Business, Finance, Accounting, and Economics.
• 3+ years of underwriting commercial loans; familiarity with non-profit accounting.
• Strong quantitative, financial modeling, and analysis skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills and an ability to think “outside the box” and pivot to various priorities as needed.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Loans.net! (by the Benedict Group) or similar loan servicing software is preferred.
• Must possess a high-level of moral judgment for handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Strong networking, relationship management, customer, and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to travel throughout the state to meet with borrowers.
• Reporting to the office the whole week is required.
• COVID-19 Vaccine Required: As of the first day of employment, employee must be able to demonstrate proof that you are fully vaccinated (as defined by the CDC) against COVID-19, unless employee is granted a medical or religious exemption in accordance with company policy.

Compensation and Benefits

We offer a competitive nonprofit salary based on experience and skills, as well as a generous benefits package, including health, dental, disability and life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan after a year of service; flexible spending accounts, including medical, dependent care, and transportation; and 25 paid leave days, including sick and personal days plus 13 paid holidays.

How to Apply

To apply,  please submit your resume to hrnjcc@newjerseycommunitycapital.org.