Vice President of Client Management

Illinois Facilities Fund; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 175,000 - 227,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Hybrid workplace

Job summary

Illinois Facilities Fund is seeking a Vice President of Client Management to oversee borrower relationships and ensure effective portfolio management. This critical role involves both internal strategy and managing partnerships to support nonprofit clients across the Midwest.

The ideal candidate will possess over 10 years of experience in lending operations, portfolio management, and team leadership, driving excellence and fostering strong relationships. A Bachelor's degree is required, with advanced degrees preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in lending, portfolio management, or lending operations.
• Strong understanding of the full lending lifecycle.
• Experience managing borrower relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee borrower relationships and portfolio performance.
• Ensure proactive communication with partners.
• Monitor portfolio performance to identify opportunities and risks.

Skills

Lending operations

Portfolio management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in business, accounting, or finance

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Title

Vice President of Client Management

Employee Status

Full Time, Exempt

Salary

Grade 10

Locations and Compensation Ranges

Starting range of $175,000 - $227,000 | Chicago | Detroit | Milwaukee

Starting range of $160,000 - $210,000 | Indiana | Grand Rapids | Ohio | Missouri

Reports to

Chief Business Officer

Department

Capital Solutions

Location

Any IFF Office

Hybrid Work Schedule

In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function

Capital is a critical resource that’s often beyond the reach of nonprofits serving communities with limited resources. IFF works hard to change that. For more than 30 years, IFF has specialized in flexible lending products that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities. IFF's clients include human services agencies, supportive housing providers, schools, health clinics, arts organizations, community centers and a full spectrum of other nonprofit organizations. Racial inequality in property values still exists today. IFF takes a different approach to underwriting that isn’t limited by appraisals, but instead is informed by a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and the importance of nonprofit facilities to communities. IFF provides lending to our clients uniquely designed to serve nonprofits with no appraisals on commercial projects, as low as five percent up front, and long-term loans with no prepayment penalties. Loans can be used for acquisition, facility improvement, equipment and vehicles, and affordable housing. Capital Solutions is part of IFF's Core Business Solutions which is a cross-cutting team that sits at the nexus of nonprofits, communities, and IFF technical knowledge. The group provides thought leadership and expertise to drive corporate strategy across markets. The primary business units in Core Business Solutions are Capital Solutions, Real Estate Solutions, Community Development Solutions, Home First, and Legal.

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real-estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

This role is intentionally structured to bring discipline, continuity, and relationship depth to loan clients.

The VP Will

• Operate as both an internal strategist and relationship leader.
• Balance internal process rigor with external partnership management.
• Bring structure while remaining flexible to borrower needs.

The role requires both operational excellence and strong interpersonal judgment.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Requirements

Core Responsibilities

Lending Operations & Execution Infrastructure

Build and oversee the internal systems and processes that support post-closing execution.

1. Design and manage processes for–
   • Deal handoff from originations to portfolio management.
   • Seamless coordination between closing and construction loan administration.
   • Ongoing portfolio monitoring and reporting.
   • Thoughtful and responsible management of client relationships under stress and/or experiencing repayment challenges.
2. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency with long-term client interface.
3. Identify and implement process improvements to increase client satisfaction, build trust, and reduce risk.
4. Establish clear ownership and accountability across post-origination activities.

Portfolio & Partnership Management

Oversee borrower relationships and portfolio performance across the lifecycle of closed deals.

1. Serve as senior leader for borrower relationships post-closing.
2. Ensure consistent, proactive communication and engagement with partners.
3. Monitor portfolio performance, with ongoing identification of opportunities and risks.
4. Support borrowers through opportunities and challenges with a solutions-oriented, relationship-driven approach.
5. Reinforce long-term partnerships aligned with IFF's mission and investment strategy.

Cross-Functional Alignment & Lifecycle Management

Ensure seamless coordination across the full lending and relationship lifecycle.

1. Partner closely with–
   • VP of Originations (pipeline, structuring, approving and closing).
   • VP of Credit (credit, risk and policy).
   • VP of Operations (process improvement and compliance).
2. Create clarity around roles, responsibilities, and handoffs between teams.
3. Ensure alignment between deal intent at origination and execution post-closing.
4. Support organizational visibility into portfolio performance and key risks.
5. Contribute to broader strategy by identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities within the portfolio.

Leadership and Cultural Expectations

1. Maintain approachable, steady, and relationship-oriented leadership style.
2. Operate with low ego and a strong sense of ownership.
3. Bring structure and clarity without rigidity.
4. Lead with patience and sound judgement, particularly in complex or sensitive situations.
5. Act as a connector across teams, fostering alignment and collaboration.
6. Navigate ambiguity and system building in real time.
7. Contribute as a positive cultural influence and 'cultural seed' for IFF.
8. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

Performance Measures

1. Borrower relationships are strong, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
2. Portfolio performance is well-understood, with risks identified and managed early.
3. Post-origination processes are clear, consistent, and efficient.
4. Handoff between originations, credit, and operations is seamless.
5. Deals are executed and managed in alignment with original intent and strategy.
6. IFF has improved visibility, confidence, and discipline in its portfolio.
7. Culture of openness in information sharing, encouraging open communication, cooperation, and knowledge sharing.
8. Model personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
9. Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
10. Value and support differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
11. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in business, accounting or finance. Advance degree preferred or equivalent experience in a similar position.

Previous Experience

• Significant experience (10+ years) in lending, portfolio management, asset management, or lending operations.
• Strong understanding of the full lending lifecycle, particularly post-closing execution and portfolio oversight.
• Demonstrated success leading and managing high performing teams.
• Experience managing borrower or partner relationships over time.
• Demonstrated ability to build or improve operational processes and systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to identify and manage risk proactively while maintaining relationships.
• Clear communication skills and strong organizational judgment.
• Comfort working in evolving, ambiguous environments.
• Ability to balance detail-oriented execution with broader strategic awareness.

Additional Requirements

Regular travel throughout the Midwest region; occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work.

Standard Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Life Insurance.
• Short and long term disability.

Work-Life Balance Benefits

• Hybrid workplace.
• Summer Fridays.

Employee Development Benefits

• Professional development stipend.
• Mentorship program.

Miscellaneous

• Wellness programs.
• Employee assistance.
• Referral Bonuses.
• Relocation package not offered.
• 100% remote not offered.
• No sponsorship for work permit required applicants.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Application Instructions

Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.