Regional Market Executive

Background

CRF is a national nonprofit and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission to expand economic opportunity by reimagining the way capital and resources flow to small businesses and communities. CRF partners with community stakeholders to deliver sustainable, tailored financial solutions that support long-term economic growth with the goal of building a just economy where small businesses and local communities thrive. Since 1988, CRF has provided nearly $4 billion in funding to transform local economies across the country.

Summary

The Market Executive serves as CRF’s senior representative in Minnesota, responsible for advancing the organization’s visibility, relationships, and strategic influence across the state. This role is accountable for cultivating and managing key stakeholder relationships—including funders, policymakers, coalition partners, and ecosystem leaders—to strengthen CRF’s position and expand access to capital and impact.

The position sits at the intersection of market strategy, government and coalition engagement, and funder development, acting as the primary connector between CRF and the Minnesota community development finance ecosystem. The role requires significant amount of travel time throughout the state of Minnesota and could expand throughout the Midwest region.

The individual in this role must be a strategic relationship builder and influencer with strong political and ecosystem acumen.  Exceptional communication and executive presence is required.  A high level of independence is needed in this role and it comes with high accountability.  Those skilled at navigating ambiguity and aligning diverse stakeholders will be most successful in this role.

Responsibilities

Role Accountabilities (include, but not limited to)

Regional Market Leadership & External Representation (30–40%)

• Serve as CRF’s primary external ambassador in Minnesota, representing the organization with credibility across public, nonprofit, and financial sectors, could include broader regional work in the future
• Maintain a strong, ongoing understanding of Minnesota political, policy, and stakeholder landscape, advising CRF leadership on implications
• Represent CRF in public forums, events, and stakeholder meetings to elevate visibility and influence

Coalition & Policy Engagement (20–25%)

• Serve as CRF’s lead representative to the Minnesota CDFI Coalition and similar bodies
• Actively contribute to coalition priorities, including advocacy, funding opportunities, and ecosystem coordination
• Partner internally to shape CRF positions on relevant state policies and funding opportunities

Funder & Partner Relationship Development (25–30%)

• Develop and deepen relationships with current and prospective funders, philanthropic partners, and institutional investors in Minnesota
• Partner with internal teams to convert relationships into funding, partnerships, and programmatic opportunities
• Identify new funding sources and support grant, capital, and partnership development strategies

Governance & Strategic Influence (10–15%)

• Serve as CRF’s designated representative for board or advisory roles (e.g., Minnesota Catalyst Alliance)
• Leverage board participation to strengthen CRF’s strategic positioning, partnerships, and visibility
• Provide feedback loops to CRF leadership on market opportunities, risks, and emerging trends

Market Intelligence & Internal Alignment (10–15%)

• Gather and synthesize market insights, stakeholder feedback, and political/environmental signals
• Ensure CRF strategies reflect local needs, opportunities, and ecosystem dynamics
• Coordinate with internal teams (lending, programs, partnerships) to align priorities

Requirements

About You

•  8–12+ years of experience in one or more areas:
• • Community development finance (CDFI or related)
  • Government relations / public policy
  • Philanthropy or funder relations
  • Economic development or nonprofit leadership
• Demonstrated success building and leveraging senior-level relationships across sectors
• Strong understanding of Minnesota ecosystem (government, nonprofit, funders, or business community)

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with CDFIs, coalitions, or advocacy organizations
• Prior board service or governance participation
• Knowledge of public funding streams, state programs, and policy processes

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 annually (exempt).

CRF is proud to extend its employees a wide array of benefits including, but not limited to:

• Most positions offer flexibility for remote work
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K with a 5% match – eligible to participate after 6 months
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid Sick Time
• Hybrid Reimbursement Program
• Educational Assistance
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• 10 Federal Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]