Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Manager

Council for Community and Economic Research; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

LEDC’s Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Manager leads the organization’s lending and real estate development efforts across Minnesota, driving market analysis, loan execution, and development initiatives that create lasting economic opportunities for LEDC’s clients.

The role underwrites commercial real estate loans, manages acquisitions and development projects, and builds partnerships with banks, CDFIs, and public funders to finance community-driven projects and strengthen

Qualifications

• Underwrite commercial loan opportunities and manage real estate acquisitions.
• Lead end-to-end real estate development projects from concept to completion.
• Cultivate partnerships with banks, CDFIs, and public lenders.
• Ensure compliance with CRA, fair lending, and CDFI Fund requirements.
• Present loan recommendations to loan committee.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of real estate development, including feasibility studies.
• Represent LEDC at workshops, panels, and community events.
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, and builders.
• Provide technical assistance to clients on financing options.

Skills

Commercial lending

Real estate development

Loan underwriting

Credit analysis

Relationship management

Job description

Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Manager

Saint Paul, MN

Date Posted: August 6, 2026

Organization:
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that serves all of Minnesota and whose mission is to transform our community by creating economic opportunities for Latinos/as/e Since 2003, LEDC has worked with aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small businesses to offer technical assistance, business development strategies, and access to affordable capital for equipment, working capital, and/or land/building acquisition or rehabilitation needs. Our vision is a thriving multicultural community enriched with Latino leadership, culture, and economic influence. With over 370,000 Latinos in MN representing 6% of the population it is imperative to have a presence in the region.

Position: Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Manager
Reports to: Deputy Director, Operations
Employment Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Saint Paul, MN. Hybrid (3 days in office), Travel throughout MN

Job Summary:
LEDC’s Commercial Lending and Real Estate Development Manager leads the organization’s commercial lending and real estate development functions across Minnesota driving market analysis, strategic planning, loan execution, and development initiatives that create lasting economic opportunity for LEDC’s clients and communities.

This role is responsible for underwriting commercial loan opportunities, managing real estate acquisitions, overseeing building rehabilitation and development projects, cultivating partnerships with local stakeholders, and securing funding for community-driven real estate initiatives. Operating similarly to a relationship manager in a commercial lending division, this individual serves as a trusted advisor and financing partner, guiding clients through the full lifecycle of commercial real estate lending and development.

The Manager is a strategic thinker who aligns lending and development work with LEDC’s mission of community empowerment, wealth building, and economic development. This role collaborates across LEDC’s CDFI lending and business development divisions, represents the organization through workshops, panels, and public communications, and oversees Main Street funding, marketing, and grant opportunities statewide. The Manager also serves as a technical advisor for Plaza Del Sol, LEDC’s market hall, commissary kitchen, and event center in St. Paul, and reports directly to the Deputy Director.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads the full lifecycle of commercial real estate and small business loan origination, underwriting, closing, and portfolio management for LEDC’s CDFI lending program.
• Underwrites commercial real estate loans including acquisition, construction, bridge, and permanent financing, conducting financial statement analysis, cash flow underwriting, debt service coverage, loan-to-value assessments, and collateral evaluation.
• Prepares credit memos and presents loan recommendations to LEDC’s loan committee, clearly articulating risk, mitigants, and alignment with LEDC’s lending policies and mission.
• Structures loan terms and negotiates covenants, collateral requirements, and closing conditions in coordination with legal counsel and the Deputy Director.
• Monitors portfolio credit quality, conducts annual reviews, and develops remediation strategies for underperforming credits.
• Identifies and connects clients to complementary capital sources including SBA 504/7(a), USDA, NMTC, CDFI Fund, and state/local programs to close financing gaps.
• Builds and maintains relationships with banks, credit unions, CDFIs, and public lenders to colend, participate in loans, and leverage capital on behalf of LEDC clients.
• Identifies, evaluates, and leads real estate development opportunities including property sourcing, feasibility studies, and project execution for mixed-use, commercial, and industrial properties.
• Manages all phases of real estate development projects from concept through completion, coordinating with architects, contractors, and builders to meet schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Serves as technical advisor for Plaza Del Sol, providing guidance on operations, tenancy, and capital improvements.
• Oversees Main Street funding, district marketing, and applicable grant programs throughout Minnesota; collaborates with the Director of Advancement on fundraising opportunities.
• Provides technical assistance to clients on real estate acquisition, financing options, and development processes; engages community stakeholders to ensure projects meet local needs.
• Develops and implements commercial lending and real estate strategies aligned with LEDC’s mission; represents LEDC at conferences, workshops, panels, and community events.
• Ensures compliance with LEDC lending policies, CDFI Fund requirements, fair lending, CRA, and all applicable state and federal regulations; prepares regular reports for senior management and the board.