Construction Lending Specialist

Background

Neighborhood Impact Investment Fund is a place-based, non-profit loan fund with a mission to mobilize capital and leverage partnerships that support community development, drive economic opportunity, and promote equity in Baltimore’s disinvested neighborhoods. Launched in 2019, NIIF is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certified by the US Department of Treasury that has committed over $75 million in loans for projects and initiatives in Baltimore communities.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced Construction Lending Specialist to design and oversee the construction loan administration function as we expand our lending activities and support redevelopment in Baltimore City. Reporting to the Chief Lending Officer, this role ensures efficient, compliant, and mission-driven oversight of construction loans throughout their life cycle, including draw approvals, budget management, and general project oversight. NIIF envisions that the Construction Lending Specialist will create and implement robust procedures as necessary in alignment with NIIF’s mission and impact goals.

This position requires specialized expertise and, as such, offers flexibility to be a part-time or full-time opportunity pending the candidate’s preferences. We’re seeking an experienced, collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented leader who is deeply committed to community investment and urban development.

Successful candidates for the position will need to demonstrate the following:

• Ability to design and build organizational capacity and growth to help NIIF execute and achieve our mission.
• Experience overseeing construction project finance with public, private, and non-profit clients and partners.
• Effective communication skills, high integrity, and dedication to delivering high quality service to support clients, partners, and co-workers

Responsibilities

Construction Loan Administration

• Assist in construction loan closings and client on-boarding to provide a smooth transition at project launch.
• Oversee loan servicing and collections in collaboration with lending and finance staff to ensure compliance with NIIF policies and credit approvals.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders such as borrowers, contractors, inspectors, and community partners.

• Review and improve NIIF construction lending processes and procedures to ensure they are optimized for serving target communities.
• Coordinate all aspects of the draw request process, which includes ordering inspections and reviewing related reports, reconciling project budgets, reviewing AIA forms and invoices, calculating draw funding, and obtaining internal approvals for disbursements.
• Review any reallocations from change orders, obtaining internal approval to fund, coordinating with Loan Servicing for execution of disbursements, and providing confirmation of funding to the client.
• Identify potential budget issues and make recommendations on resolutions.
• Collaborate with lending staff to prepare construction modification, extension, conversion, or annual review approvals and/or documentation.

Construction Portfolio / Risk Management

• Collaborate with the Chief Lending Officer and Director of Portfolio Management to set ongoing construction loan reporting requirements and oversee closing collection and evaluation of required reporting of financial and impact data for all transactions.
• Maintain current insurance policy for all construction loans including those in the midst of construction and ensure policy is properly converted at completion.
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management on strategic initiatives related to credit and construction lending administration, considering the social and economic needs of target communities.

Other

• Foster a collaborative and high-quality work environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Serve as a key point of contact for NIIF team and external stakeholders, including borrowers and public and philanthropic partners regarding construction lending matters.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, community development, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in construction lending, including managing, servicing, and collections for construction loans.
• Strong project management skills with demonstrated success managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office applications including Excel and loan management systems.
• Enjoy collaborating with diverse team members who are working together to re-envision how we combine investments and financial expertise to drive change in communities.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated annualized salary range is $100,000-$130,000, along with a benefits package, including medical insurance, HSA, retirement benefits, and a generous paid time off program. NIIF has a hybrid work environment, and part time options will be considered.

How to Apply

NIIF will begin a review of applications immediately and will continue its work until an appointment of a Construction Lending Specialist is made. For full consideration, applicants MUST submit the following in a Word Document:

• Letter of interest: Please address how you can help lead NIIF as Construction Lending Specialist in achieving our mission and strategic initiatives.

• Professional Resume.

Apply here: Construction Lending Specialist – HR Strategy Group, LLC