Senior Lending Officer

Background

UMEZ is an independent not-for-profit corporation and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over $80 million in assets. Since our inception in 1995 the mission of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) has been to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities in Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments and small business investments.  In pursuit of this mission, UMEZ has facilitated economic development and invested more than $250 million in real estate projects, leveraging over $1.5 billion in private capital, funded 100 small businesses, supported the arts and culture communities, and built the capacity of workforce development organizations in the neighborhoods of Central, East and West Harlem; Washington Heights; and Inwood.

As we enter our fourth decade, we are expanding our financing to borrowers across New York City while continuing to deliver on our commitment to Upper Manhattan. Over the past several months, we have closed loans in Queens and Brooklyn and are eager to continue this work.

Summary

Summary:

UMEZ is implementing a strategic growth plan to expand its lending activities, and we are looking for individuals to join our team and help us realize this growth plan.   The Senior Lending Officer will play a key role in this work.  Working with the Senior Vice President, they will lead efforts to explore and identify market opportunities, develop partnerships, and build networks that will drive sustainable growth in line with UMEZ’s mission and goals.

The Senior Lending Officer will be involved in all aspects of the lending process and be responsible for building a portfolio of viable and impactful projects.   Working closely with the Business Investments Team, the Senior Lending Officer will conduct research and outreach to identify and develop new lending opportunities, cultivate new and manage existing relationships, and actively promote UMEZ’s products and services. This position requires a commitment to UMEZ’s community development mission through financial services.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Include the following and other duties as may be assigned:

Analyze potential markets and develop partnerships and referral networks to benefit our growth plans Identify communities, organizations, and projects that would benefit from UMEZ’s financing products. Manage the full loan lifecycle, including initial vetting, due diligence, underwriting, credit approval, and closing process Recommend appropriate loan terms by conducting risk management assessments to evaluate creditworthiness Conduct site visits Prepare financial and narrative analyses and recommendations, present transactions to approval bodies Provide one-on-one counseling on financing and loan application processes and credit criteria Assist with borrowers’  efforts to secure adequate funding; strategize on viable sources and provide referrals Attend and represent UMEZ at conferences, events convenings, and meetings to cultivate community partnerships and promote lending activities.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree required, advanced degree in business, finance, or related field preferred 5-7 plus years in Business lending experience or relatable financial services Prior related experience in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Ability to work independently with strong experience in lending and underwriting Advanced writing and oral presentation skills Strong financial skills, business accounting, interpersonal, and communications skills Excellent business development, outreach, detail oriented, and have strong follow-up skills Must be able to engage tactfully with potential borrowers, existing borrowers, and community partners Familiarity and experience in NYC community or economic development

 

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $130,000-145,000, with final compensation based on relevant skills and experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should e-mail or mail a resume and cover letter to:

 

Danessy Pico

Director of HR Operations

55 West 125^th Street, 11^th Floor

New York, New York 10027

[email protected]

Attn: Senior Lending Officer

No Phone Calls or Faxes Please