Financial Services

National Association For Latino Community Asset Builders; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Raza Development Fund is seeking an experienced Director, Investment Professional to underwrite and structure debt financing for affordable housing. You will engage borrowers, perform due diligence, and draft credit memoranda while coordinating closings for complex transactions across public/private partnerships and subsidy programs.

You will work with underserved communities, provide technical assistance, monitor portfolio health, and defend investment theses to credit committees while

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, real estate, business administration, urban planning, or related field.
• 5-7 years in affordable housing or community development finance with underwriting and deal experience.
• Experience with LIHTC, NMTC, tax-exempt bonds, and subsidy programs preferred.
• Experience serving underserved communities and communicating with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite and tailor debt financing solutions for complex transactions.
• Vet lending opportunities, conduct due diligence, and draft credit memoranda.
• Present financing requests for approval and manage closings.
• Provide technical assistance and ongoing portfolio monitoring post-closing.
• Engage with industry groups and collaborate across teams on financing opportunities.

Skills

Financial analysis

Underwriting

Portfolio management

Stakeholder communication

Debt financing

Industry knowledge

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Real Estate, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial modeling software

Impact measurement databases

Job description

RDF is a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Driven by a mission to unlocking lasting prosperity in communities across the United States, RDF provides responsible and attainable financial solutions to community-based organizations focused on health, education, affordable housing, homeownership, and entrepreneurship.

RDF was founded in 1999. As a testament to its exceptional financial strength and impact, RDF stands out as one of the few CDFIs with a prestigious AA- S&P rating. Since its inception, RDF has invested more than $1.6 billion across 38 states, leveraging over $7.2 billion in additional capital.

OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY

Our investment strategy is predicated on an ultra-high touch and value-added approach to supporting organizations that prioritize premium outcomes to create economic prosperity and bridge wealth gaps. RDF’s market position as a preferred debt capital partner enables superior project sourcing capabilities, and our team of impact investment professionals care deeply about the success of our clients. To that end, we bring more than just capital to the table – we make key connections, provide valuable advice, design and lead structured financings, and deliver innovative solutions. Operating as a non-regulated, specialty finance company, our due diligence process is decidedly values-based; forward looking; and we actively embrace complexity to capitalize on differentiated, impact investment opportunities.

Summary

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing, this position provides community development underwriting support to the Affordable Housing lending team. The Director, Investment Professional will tailor debt financing solutions for complex structured transactions that could involve public/private partnerships, traditional debt, grant capital, and/or Low-Income Housing Tax credit financing. In this role, you will work directly with borrowers, vet lending opportunities, provide technical assistance, conduct due diligence and financial analyses, draft credit memoranda, defend recommendations to credit committee(s), and coordinate the documentation and closing of secured and unsecured credit products for clients in the assigned industry.

Responsibilities

As a Director, Investment Professional, of Affordable Housing Finance you will be expected to:

• Adhere to RDF’s core values, including a commitment to working in economic development endeavors with diverse, under-resourced communities.
• Actively manage and monitor a portfolio of affordable housing loans and provide deep, ongoing technical assistance to new and existing client relationships.
• Serve RDF’s clients as a trusted advisor throughout the full cycle of client relationships and provide high-value, technical assistance services, when necessary.
• Apply knowledge of the affordable housing and community development marketplace and programs and policies affecting the community development industry.
• Engage in industry groups and relevant conferences and events.
• Develop and defend insightful investment theses by screening and underwriting financing requests, including analyzing community impact, historical and projected financial performance, management capacity, the feasibility of budgeted financing sources, and conducting prospect site inspection visits.
• Present financing requests for approval and manage closings.
• In collaboration with the loan operations team, complete post-closing financing follow-up activities, including project construction management, construction draw requests and supporting documentation, and collecting all applicable reporting requirements, monitoring borrower financial performance and compliance with loan covenants, and tracking key financial ratios, as necessary.
• Maintain a group calendar of events, including industry-related events, and client groundbreakings. fundraisers; and represent RDF at those events, as necessary.
• Collaborate with other industry specific teams on financing opportunities, as necessary.

Perform other tasks, as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Real Estate, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in affordable housing and other community development finance, real estate development, investment banking, or a related field, with a proven track record of successfully sourcing, underwriting, and managing community development investments.
• Familiarity with affordable housing principles and practices, with experience working on projects or initiatives that address housing inequities.
• Experience working with or within underserved communities, particularly communities of color, to understand their unique needs and challenges related to access to education, healthcare, or housing.

Financial Analysis Skills:

• Strong financial analysis skills, including proficiency in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and risk assessment, with experience in underwriting complex real estate transactions.
• Deep understanding of community development finance mechanisms, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), tax-exempt bonds, and various subsidy programs.
• Understanding of investment structures and financial instruments relevant to nonprofit finance.

Community Development Knowledge:

• Understanding of community development principles and practices for education and healthcare facilities financing.
• Knowledge of CDFIs and their role in providing capital to underserved communities.
• Awareness of policy issues affecting community development, such as charter school, healthcare, affordable housing policies and economic development initiatives.

Communication and Relationship-Building Skills:

• Strong time management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure timely follow-up with clients, partners, and internal teams.
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders, including investors, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with community partners, investors, and other stakeholders to advance health equity initiatives.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities, particularly within the Latino/Hispanic community.

Analytical Skills and Attention to Detail:

• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail in financial analysis, impact measurement, and reporting.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and data to inform investment decisions and measure social impact.

Passion for Social Impact:

• Commitment to social justice, economic equity, and community development with a passion for serving low-income and underserved communities and advancing Raza Development Fund’s mission.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues across different departments and functions to achieve shared goals.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.

Technical Proficiency:

• Proficiency in relevant software applications such as Microsoft Excel, financial modeling software, and databases used for impact measurement and reporting.

Certifications:

Relevant certifications in finance, community development, or public health may be beneficial, but not required.