Loan Officer / Relationship Manager

strategichr; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Cincinnati Development Fund in Cincinnati, OH is seeking a Loan Officer / Relationship Manager to lead commercial real estate lending, originating, underwriting and structuring loans, while guiding borrowers from lead generation through closing.

You will build relationships with borrowers, developers and partners, assess loan requests, and coordinate with Credit, Loan Committee and construction teams to support successful financing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years in community development or CRE finance.
• Experience with affordable housing, tax credit transactions, CDFIs, or mission‑driven lending.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and apply underwriting criteria.
• Strong relationship‑building, networking and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Originate and evaluate loans and lead the lending process from start to close.
• Serve as main contact for borrowers, guiding projects through lead generation to closing.
• Collaborate with Credit staff to present loan packages to committees and boards.
• Prepare commitment letters reflecting approved terms and conditions.
• Support closings, coordinate with legal counsel and partner banks as needed.
• Work with Construction and Portfolio managers on disbursements and conversion.
• Monitor portfolio and assist with troubled loan resolution.
• Foster relationships with borrowers, developers, and community partners.

Skills

Relationship building

Financial analysis

Sales

Communication

Time management

Collaboration

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/real estate

Tools

Excel

Word

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Career Opportunity: Loan Officer / Relationship Manager with Cincinnati Development Fund in Cincinnati, OH

Are you a community development finance or commercial real estate lending professional with experience originating, underwriting, and structuring financial products? Do you enjoy building relationships, working collaboratively with borrowers and partners, and helping bring impactful development projects to life? If so, Cincinnati Development Fund has an exciting opportunity for you.

As the Loan Officer / Relationship Manager you will lead the commercial real estate lending process by originating, evaluating, and structuring loans. You will act as the main point of contact for borrowers, guiding projects from initial lead generation through closing.

Other responsibilities include:

• Originate mission‑aligned loans by managing an existing customer base and developing new relationships through active business development and participation in industry and community events.
• Serve as a trusted resource to borrowers by maintaining strong knowledge of loan products and programs and providing guidance throughout the lending process.
• Collect, analyze, underwrite, and structure loan requests in alignment with CDF's risk profile and Loan Committee and Board expectations.
• Partner with Credit staff to prepare and present loan packages to the Loan Committee and Board, and clearly communicate loan decisions to borrowers.
• Prepare preliminary and final commitment letters that accurately reflect approved terms and conditions.
• Support loan closings in accordance with CDF's lending policies, including coordination with legal counsel and participating banks, as applicable.
• Collaborate with the Construction Manager and Portfolio Manager to support construction loan disbursements, monitoring, and conversion to permanent financing.
• Assist with ongoing portfolio monitoring and resolution of troubled loans, as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with borrowers, internal teams, and public, private, and community partners.
• Stay current on real estate development lending practices through ongoing professional development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, real estate, or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience in community development, commercial real estate finance, banking, or a similar field.
• Experience in community development finance, commercial real estate lending, banking, or a related field. Experience with affordable housing, tax credit transactions, CDFIs, or mission‑driven lending is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of community development financing tools and resources (NMTC, LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits, and other local, state, and federal programs).
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and develop business opportunities through networking, community engagement, and partnerships with borrowers, developers, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and apply established underwriting criteria and risk profiles.
• Strong sales, customer service, and relationship‑building skills.
• Highly organized with strong time‑management skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative relationship‑builder with a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Passion for community and economic development, including affordable housing.
• Experience with affordable housing programs and developing partnerships to support affordable housing lending, preferred.
• Nonprofit or mission‑driven lending experience, preferred.
• Professional certification in community or economic development finance (Grow America, Novogradac, IEDC, NeighborWorks, or similar).

What We Offer:

• Competitive pay: $85,000-$105,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• Hybrid schedule with three days in office and two days remote
• Generous paid time off
• Comprehensive benefits options including medical, dental and vision insurance
• Long‑term and short‑term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan (with company contribution)
• Company-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Technology stipend

Cincinnati Development Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit lending institution that fills a gap not covered by traditional lenders. CDF provides funding for real estate development in underserved markets in the Greater Cincinnati area as well as facilities and equipment funding for nonprofit organizations in the region. CDF's mission is to provide innovative real estate financing for projects that strengthen low‑income neighborhoods and improve lives. Our vision is to be at the forefront of redevelopment plans in Greater Cincinnati, helping low‑income communities preserve their historic buildings and create vibrant, inclusive neighborhoods.

Learn More:

https://cindevfund.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cincinnati-development-fund/