VP, Commercial Underwriting- Solar Projects

IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis); United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a Vice President of Commercial Solar Underwriting to manage and oversee the underwriting of solar project loans. This role involves collaborating with teams, conducting credit analyses, and ensuring compliance with regulations, aiming to support under-resourced solar businesses.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in commercial credit analysis and underwriting.
• 3+ years of experience in solar or renewable energy transactions.
• 3+ years of management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial solar lending for multifamily and community Solar for All projects.
• Manage the underwriting team in evaluating and approving solar project loans.
• Present credit memoranda to HOPE’s Executive Leadership.

Skills

Strong computer skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting

Tools

Moody’s KMV

Baker Hill / NextGen

Job description

About HOPE:

Recognized as one of the most successful Black and Women owned credit unions in the nation, HOPE continues to deepen its impact by expanding access to financial services and engaging in advocacy to mitigate the extent to which factors such as race, gender, birthplace, and wealth limit one’s ability to prosper. Over the last 30 years, HOPE’s work has benefitted millions of people in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee, influencing billions of dollars in investment. This work has supported small business owners struggling to gain access to capital, families seeking homeownership, and individuals looking for better ways to manage their finances with a trusted institution. Learn more at www.hopecu.org.

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Commercial Solar Underwriting will lead and oversee the underwriting of commercial solar project loans, ensuring the safety, soundness, and risk management of HOPE’s solar portfolio. This includes conducting credit and financial analyses for solar transactions, collaborating with HOPE’s Commercial Lending and Community and Economic Development teams to evaluate projects and build customer relationships, and managing the underwriting team. The VP will also oversee portfolio reviews, present credit memoranda to HOPE’s Executive Leadership, and contribute to project compliance and performance reports for the Environmental Protection Agency. The role may include supporting Servicing, Portfolio Management, and other areas as needed.

Primary and Essential Functions

• Lead HOPE’s commercial solar lending for multifamily and community Solar for All projects, including financing for small- and medium-sized solar businesses in Arkansas and Mississippi.
• Lead and mentor the underwriting team in evaluating and approving solar project loans.
• Develop underwriting policies for solar loan products aligned with HOPE’s market needs and risk appetite.
• Manage the pipeline of borrowers, primarily solar developers and multifamily building owners.
• Build equitable approaches to support under-resourced solar installation businesses in Arkansas and Mississippi.
• Maintain strong relationships with borrowers and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Present credit memoranda and recommendations to HOPE’s Executive Leadership.
• Prepare reports for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Greenhouse Gas Reduction.
• Stay informed on solar industry trends, regulations, and credit culture.
• Perform administrative duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.
• 7+ years of experience in commercial credit analysis and underwriting.
• 3+ years of experience in solar or renewable energy transactions.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Strong credit and financial analysis skills, excellent communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 25% for work-related activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Moody’s KMV Financial Analyst or Baker Hill / NextGen is preferred.

Regulatory Compliance Requirements

Must comply with BSA, NCUA rules, ECOA, Fair Credit Practice, Flood Disaster Protection, Flood Insurance, and Truth in Lending Act provisions.

Competencies/Skills:

Strong computer skills, especially with financial spreadsheets; experience with Moody’s KMV or Baker Hill / NextGen preferred. Excellent interpretative, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to evaluate creditworthiness, restructure loans, and assess team capabilities. Perseverance and understanding of organizational systems and culture are essential.