Chief Operating and Credit Officer

Position Overview:

The Chief Operating and Credit Officer will be a strategic and operational leader responsible for the seamless management and oversight of lending operations, credit quality, and organizational efficiency within the CDFI. This blended role combines responsibilities of a Chief Operating Officer and Chief Credit Officer, to align operational strategy with the mission of supporting underserved communities through impactful lending.

This position will lead loan origination, servicing, and portfolio management, ensuring compliance, risk management, and financial performance while driving operational excellence. As a key executive, this individual will collaborate across departments to meet organizational goals, foster community partnerships, and ensure mission alignment.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the CDFI’s mission and goals.
• Oversee day-to-day organizational operations, ensuring efficient workflows and resource allocation.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to streamline loan administration and servicing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as funding requirements.

Credit and Lending Oversight:

• Manage the loan portfolio, including underwriting, closing, and servicing of diverse loan types (e.g., affordable housing, small business, community facilities).
• Supervise the credit approval process, ensuring adherence to risk management and underwriting standards.
• Monitor portfolio performance, managing watch lists and problem loans while maintaining credit quality.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive credit policies and procedures in collaboration with the lending team.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor a blended team of loan officers, credit analysts, and operations staff.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, and Board of Directors to align operational and financial strategies.
• Foster partnerships with external stakeholders, including community organizations, funding partners, and regulatory bodies.

Strategic Planning and Reporting:

• Provide strategic input on organizational goals, lending programs, and impact metrics.
• Prepare and present financial and operational reports to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the implementation and optimization of technology platforms for loan management and organizational efficiency.

Mission-Driven Community Impact:

• Support efforts to increase access to capital for underserved communities, including BIPOC- and women-owned businesses.
• Drive initiatives that promote equitable lending practices and inclusive economic growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 5 years of professional experience in financial services, community development finance, or a related field.
• Proven expertise in lending, credit analysis, and portfolio management.
• Strong leadership skills, with 3 years of management experience.
• Familiarity with affordable housing, small business financing, and community development lending programs.
• Exceptional ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Advanced proficiency in loan management systems, financial modeling, and data reporting.
• Commitment to the mission of advancing economic equity and supporting underserved communities.