Position Description
LISC is seeking an experienced housing development professional to originate and underwrite loans, provide financial and technical assistance to LISC’s community development partners, and build and nurture such partnerships in diverse communities throughout Greater Cincinnati and Indianapolis. The successful candidate should have a commitment to community-based development, experience in developing affordable housing and/or other community-based real estate development, knowledge of financing real estate projects, and an ability to share this knowledge by providing technical assistance to local groups. This is a hybrid position with presence required in both Cincinnati & Indianapolis.
Responsibilities
The Program Officer for Lending and Investment works with the Executive Directors of Greater Cincinnati & Indianapolis to develop and execute a program of strategic housing investments to advance the goals of each market’s strategic plan. Primary areas of focus include sourcing affordable housing development and preservation, building capacity of community development corporations, identifying strategic housing opportunities, and building partnerships with nonprofit and for-profit development entities in coordination with state and local agencies.
- Building partnerships: Provide project technical assistance and coaching to emerging developers and non-profit partners. Assist non-profit and for-profit partners with real estate development and related community development strategies for neighborhood revitalization. Strengthen and expand external relationships with local and state funding agencies, private financial institutions, and other program partners. Maintain internal relationships with Lending and other national and local staff, and LISC affiliates, National Equity Fund, Broadstreet, and Strategic Investments. Position LISC as a valuable resource to emerging developers by supporting the development of pipeline opportunities. Refer developers to qualified consultants or professional services to ensure that due diligence meets LISC lending standards. Expand LISC’s visibility to organizations with projects in other asset classes, such as multi-tenant commercial or non-profit facilities. Cultivate opportunities for Green lending products.
- Project Investments: Originate and underwrite pipeline of LISC investments that are critical to growth of the local market lending portfolio. Underwrite project grants and lending transactions, including LISC predevelopment, acquisition, construction, and bridge loans. Assess project feasibility as well as Borrower financial capacity by conducting due diligence items and originating loans that meet program goals. Work with national LISC credit and legal staff to manage the closing and asset management process. Work with National and local staff to develop new funding sources and engage institutional partners.
- Program Design: Develop new programs, products, and tools that advance the development and preservation of affordable housing. Develop expertise in regional housing needs and the impact to each local market, as well as create housing tools for each respective area including local, state, and other public and private resources.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university or relevant commensurate work experience; Master’s degree in urban planning, community development, economic development, finance or related field preferred.
- At least 5 years of experience in community development, affordable housing development or related field, preferably in the non-profit sector.
- Demonstrated understanding of affordable housing issues in the Midwest region.
- Demonstrated capacity to analyze quantitative and qualitative information. Knowledge of financing products for real estate development, such as predevelopment, acquisition, construction, bridge and permanent loans; lines of credit; and tax equity. Experience in lending, project management or related field preferred. Previous underwriting experience is not required.
- Strong understanding of and experience with community development financial programs, including but not limited to Low Income Housing Tax Credits and federal and state tax credit and subsidy programs.
- Experience providing coaching, capacity building and/or technical assistance to individuals and organizations.
- Demonstrated commitment to racial equity.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically to implement LISC’s program goals. Ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and projects, set priorities and coordinate with multiple internal and external parties to meet project guidelines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and consistently demonstrate professionalism in diverse settings, with a positive and solution-oriented outlook. Capacity to work independently as needed.
- Highly detail-oriented.
- Excellent computer skills including competency in full Microsoft Office suite.
LISC offers a competitive salary and excellent fringe benefits. Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education, work location and other qualifications.