Commercial Lending Program Associate

Job Description:

Who We Are:

Self-Help started in 1980 with a focus on economic inequality especially in communities that have faced systemic barriers in building wealth. At the core of what Self-Help does is a drive to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity. In other words, we’re committed to economic justice! Economic Justice means that all communities have the basic infrastructure they need to thrive, from high-quality schools to grocery stores selling fresh food resources that support opportunity at a neighborhood level regardless of demographics, income, or wealth. Since our founding, we’ve constantly sought to find new ways to pursue greater economic justice: from providing fair and affordable loans to working with partners to demand that lawmakers change unjust policies.

We are seeking a Commercial Lending Program Associate to join our team in Durham, NC!

The Commercial Lending Program Associate will be responsible for managing the pipeline and marketing of three Affordable Housing Loan Funds in Wake County, Chapel Hill, and Durham.  This will involve managing prospective borrower relationships, vetting project and developer financials, and building relationships with affordable housing stakeholders in the three geographies.

What you'll do:

Sector Outreach and Partner Relations

• Support sector/geography pipeline development activities including communicating with potential borrowers.
• Supports responses to borrower and partner inquiries under direction of Supervisor, handles routine borrower communications; escalates to Supervisor as needed.
• Support outreach and marketing to potential borrowers, including preparing for conferences and organizing meetings pertaining to the Program.
• Coordinate w/ the marketing and communications dept to maintain external websites, newsletters + storytelling for program.
• Conduct initial vetting of prospective borrowers through analysis of capital sources, project and borrower financial capacity, project delivery and management capacity, collateral strength, and market conditions.
• Collaborate with Lending Manager and other lending staff to prepare Letters of Interest (LOIs) and term sheets for prospective borrowers.

Program & Process Management

• Support changes to products, processes, etc.; working closely w/ Program Leadership to implement strategic projects.
• Coordinate w/ internal and external teams for data management and program compliance tracking.
• Calendar and meeting support for program meetings, in coordination with program leadership.
• Support program leadership in managing budgets, payment of invoices, and tracking memberships and conference preparation and attendance.
• Identifies process issues and surfaces recommendations to supervisor. Supports implementation of process changes as directed.
• Exercises judgment on routine tasks; seeks guidance from supervisor on non-routine matters. Works under general supervision with structured priorities.

Credit Team Support

• Support credit teams with 3rd party reporting.
• Perform other duties as may be deemed necessary.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree (4-year) in a related field OR equivalent relevant experience required; 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• Strong commitment to Self-Help’s mission – creating economic opportunity for traditionally underserved communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and economic justice.
• Preference for working in organizations that place a priority on teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong quantitative aptitude, including the ability to develop skills to complete the following:
• Analyze financial statements and operating projections.
• Study and evaluate information and make sound recommendations based on risk assessment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to form and maintain strong relationships with both internal and external partners.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and/or individuals.
• Ability to initiate and manage multiple projects and work independently to meet goals and objectives.
• Highly resourceful self-starter with excellent interpersonal skills and good judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs. Ability to utilize Salesforce or similar CRM to enter loan data accurately and develop/run reports, as needed.
• Ability and willingness to travel and attend work-related events as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate Self-Help’s Core Values:

o Mission Before Self

o Service With Excellence

o Embracing & Promoting Change

o Results Not Credit

o Diversity as a Strength

o Financial Sustainability for Mission Impact

Please note that this role may be available at a more senior level depending on the candidate’s number of years of relevant experience and education.

Expected salary range for Program Associate in Durham, NC:

$60,744 - $91,116

Self-Help is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Company Disclaimer: 

Self-Help is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, class or family status.