Program Officer, Lending

POSITION DESCRIPTION

LISC Upstate SC seeks a Lending Program Officer to advance its community development lending program. This position is charged to support LISC Upstates' work towards increasing transformative impact by facilitating and deploying capital and guiding development capacity at the local and regional level. This person will be responsible for lending business development and loan originations that support LISC’s strategic priorities and a comprehensive approach to neighborhood revitalization. We seek an experienced professional who desires to strengthen communities through thoughtful, impactful lending, technical assistance, and project management. Primary responsibilities will include identifying project opportunities; providing technical assistance to local borrowers; initial vetting of projects and structuring financing needs; deep ties and experience building relationships, networking, and collaborating effectively with, culturally, and socio-economically ranging communities and organizations that serve them; and deep passion for and commitment to lending. This position requires a hybrid work arrangement.

The Program Officer, Lending will be expected to work closely with other LISC team members, be action oriented, results-driven and enjoy working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Program Officer, Lending will:

• Develop a strategic approach to support the growth of lending and real estate-based transactions, design new lending programs and create related marketing, informational and application materials.
• Build and manage a pipeline of projects for Upstate SC to invest in such asset classes as affordable housing, community facilities, educational facilities, commercial developments and economic infrastructure with the primary goal of generating loan activity for the LISC loan fund and other LISC-managed loan pools to meet LISC Upstate’s agreed upon lending goals.
• Work with LISC partners on the full cycle of activities related to business and real estate-based lending and development, providing technical assistance and identifying appropriate LISC resources as needed. This includes assessing project feasibility and the financing request, developing financing strategies and helping partners access other forms of capital including philanthropic contributions and/or public subsidies.
• Develop and manage relationships with other strategic partners, including for-profit and nonprofit financial institutions and local, state, and national governmental subsidy programs, that could support potential permanent financing structures for LISC borrowers.
• Ensure integration and alignment of Upstate SC’s real estate development activities and financing pipeline with the strategic direction and goals of LISC National and Upstate SC by collaborating with LISC team members and strategic neighborhood partners.
• Provide capacity building support to partners to position their organization to successfully implement more complex real estate developments. Identify LISC resources that could be used to strengthen the organization.
• Serve as primary underwriter, including working with borrowers to structure the transaction, conducting due diligence and financial analyses, drafting credit memoranda, and presenting loan recommendations to LISC’s national Credit Committee and the LISC Board of Directors, as applicable.
• Coordinate between National Lending and local program staff through regular pipeline meetings and other channels.
• Compile and share best practices in business development and sourcing from within the LISC community and from sources outside of LISC. Represent LISC as an expert on community development lending and share best practices at conferences, trainings, and events.
• Prepare reports and findings for investors, funders and other stakeholders as needed.
• Lead new initiatives as called upon to do so.
• Perform other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree OR relevant related work experience
• Minimum of at least three (3) years of relevant experience in lending, finance, community development or related field. Proven track record of delivering results.
• Familiarity with the real estate markets in the Upstate SC together with familiarity with city, state and federal housing, commercial and mixed-use financing programs available to support projects.
• Knowledge of financing products such as predevelopment, acquisition, construction, bridge and permanent loans; lines of credit; and tax credit equity.
• Experience with working with lower-income communities and with a community-based, resident-driven model of neighborhood revitalization preferred.
• Ability to evaluate financial statements.
• Ability to identify financing opportunities and to creatively solve problems.
• Capacity to work on multiple tasks and projects, prioritize a challenging workload, be positive and solution oriented.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and demonstrate flexibility and poise in dealing with a diverse range of individuals and organizations.
• Commitment to working in a small team with a desire to learn from colleagues, supporting and encouraging each other in the pursuit of excellence.
• Excellent judgment, maturity, integrity, professionalism, interpersonal and managerial skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, particularly Microsoft Excel.

The position will be based in Upstate SC with some local travel to potential or current borrowers, and travel to LISC and industry related events. LISC offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Please include a cover letter with your submission.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

LISC offers a competitive salary of $79,600-$99,600 commensurate with experience and excellent benefits.