The Northern California Community Loan Fund (NCCLF) was founded in 1987 to create a socially responsible investment vehicle to provide capital and expertise to revitalize low-income communities.  NCCLF has grown into a $35 million intermediary nonprofit organization that provides loans, consulting, and technical assistance to groups that develop low-income housing, community facilities, essential health and human services, nonprofit enterprises, and solutions to the critical issues facing the nonprofit sector.  For more information on our programs and services, please visit our website at www.ncclf.org.

Position Summary

The Loan Associate will be responsible for the day-to-day lending operations for a highly successful community development financial institution.  The candidate’s primary responsibilities will be to document and close commercial real estate, construction and working capital loans and lines of credit to nonprofit organizations serving low income communities in Northern California. The Loan Associate will also be responsible for all Lending Department operations and monitoring functions to ensure compliance with terms and conditions of all loans including preparing and maintaining all lending records and reports.  Finally, the Loan Associate will be responsible for the social impact data collection and analysis needs of the organization.  NCCLF currently has a portfolio of 49 borrowers with aggregate outstanding balances of $19 million.

The position requires an experienced professional with a background in commercial real estate lending operations and a strong aptitude for financial analysis.  The ideal candidate is also someone who understands the unique needs of the nonprofit sector, particularly nonprofit human service providers and affordable housing developers.  The candidate must be a self-starter, have the demonstrated ability to accurately and efficiently work on several tasks simultaneously and have superior written and verbal communication skills.  Finally, the candidate should enjoy working in an active and expanding nonprofit and thrive in a friendly, cooperative, and fast-paced environment.

Background

NCCLF’s Revolving Loan Fund provides term loans, construction, bridge, gap and subordinate financing, including working capital and lines of credit to meet the capital needs of nonprofits throughout the 46 northernmost counties of California.  Our loans are utilized to develop affordable housing; the purchase, rehabilitation or construction of community facilities, including healthcare clinics, child care centers, charter schools and nonprofit office and program space; and economic development projects that make a difference in the lives of those who need help the most.  Since making our first loan in 1988, we have committed $106 million in loans to nonprofits; financing 309 projects valued in excess of $1.2 billion with minimal losses to date.

Responsibilities

Loan Documentation and Closing

• Coordinate closing and funding process in conjunction with the loan officer, borrower, outside legal counsel, title officers and other related parties
• Document highly complex commercial real estate loan transactions (including construction loans and New Markets Tax Credit loans) from initiation of commitment to funding in a timely manner
• Review title reports, escrow instructions, loan documents, surveys, environmental, property condition reports, insurance and other exhibits ensuring no losses as a result of improper closing procedures
• Ensure compliance with all loan requirements, commitment and approval conditions
• Anticipate and effectively manage closing problems by identifying and recommending solutions to meet the needs of NCCLF and our borrowers
• Ensure files are kept organized, maintaining an audit trail of all closing steps  
• Undertake special projects and other duties as assigned
  

Lending Operations and Portfolio Monitoring

·         Effectively communicate with borrowers and act as the primary point of contact post-closing

·         Collect and analyze quarterly financial statements and reporting documentation to determine financial condition, credit worthiness and project compliance for all borrowers

·         Ensure compliance with credit policies covering risk management and lead quarterly monitoring and loan loss reserve meetings

·         Maintain working knowledge of loan policies and protocols

·         Assist Finance Department with the accounting function for all borrowers

·         Effectively analyze, communicate, and make recommendations to address loan delinquencies

·         Maintain post-closing credit and monitoring files

·         Prepare and maintain Lending Department operations and activity reports

·         Maintain the loan portfolio management system and related databases

Social Impact Tracking and Analysis

• Collect and analyze social impact data from borrowers
• Provide assistance to Development and Finance Departments with the analysis of data needed for funding requests and investor compliance
• Undertake special projects and other duties as required to measure social impact of the organization

Minimum Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in business, finance, accounting or related field
• Minimum of three years of commercial real estate loan operations experience with a demonstrated expertise in loan closing and monitoring, preferably in the field of community development lending
• Broad operations experience in a lending environment with a general understanding of accounting and legal principles
• Must possess an obsessive attention to detail and accuracy
• Superior judgment and prudent decision making abilities
• Demonstrated ability to consistently multi-task and manage a heavy workload
• Exhibit a high degree of professionalism demonstrating urgency, accuracy, timeliness, and teamwork
• Ability to build individual relationships internally and externally and elicit confidence by demonstrating reliability, sense of urgency and sound judgment
• Excellent financial analysis and database skills with a demonstrated proficiency in MS Office Suite
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Strong team player skills and ability to work effectively in a cooperative and diverse environment
• Enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, and a passionate commitment to work in community development

Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Underwriting experience in commercial lending or community development field
• Knowledge and experience with nonprofit community-based organizations
• Working knowledge of New Markets Tax Credits
• Understanding of and experience with affordable housing development, nonprofit community facility construction and asset management
• Understanding of nonprofit finance and management best practices

Relationships

Position reports to the Director of Lending; communicates regularly with borrowers; attends and participates in Loan Committee meetings; interacts extensively with the lending team and staff/management in other NCCLF departments; and represents NCCLF to outside constituencies.

Job Context

Position is pivotal to the success of the Lending Department and operates in a collaborative, cooperative, team environment.  Workload will vary requiring flexibility with time. Outside and evening meetings are occasionally required. 

Hours and Location

• Full-time position
• Work hours will be predominantly during regular business hours, although occasional evening or weekend hours will be required.  A flexible schedule can be accommodated.
• Worksite will be based within the offices of NCCLF in San Francisco

Compensation and benefits

Starting salary is commensurate with experience with a range of $46,000 to $50,000, plus an excellent benefits package including health, dental, retirement plan and three weeks vacation. 

NCCLF is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and women are strongly encouraged to apply.

To Apply

To Apply:  Send resume and cover letter:  Northern California Community Loan Fund.  Attn:  Loan Associate Search, NCCLF, 870 Market Street, Suite 677, San Francisco, California  94102 OR fax to 415-392-8216 OR email to [Click Here to Email Your Resumé].  Application Deadline: December 31, 2009 or until filled.