Business Development Officer

The Business Development Officer (BDO) plays a crucial role in advancing LiftFund’s mission by facilitating access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses. This position drives economic development and financial inclusion by originating loans, cultivating community partnerships, and providing client support throughout the lending process. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Generate small business loan production to meet assigned goals. Proactively build and maintain a pipeline of qualified applicants through community outreach and strategic marketing. Develop and manage a network of referral sources including banks, CDFIs, chambers of commerce, and economic development entities. Deliver high-touch client support throughout the lending cycle: inquiry, application, underwriting, closing, and servicing. Conduct in-depth borrower assessments including site visits, collateral evaluation, financial analysis, and credit readiness. Provide individualized and group educational sessions on LiftFund products and small business finance. Analyze business financials, market trends, and borrower capacity to make sound lending recommendations. Present loan proposals to credit committees in alignment with LiftFund’s credit policy and impact goals. Manage an active loan portfolio by maintaining client engagement and monitoring for early risk indicators. Partner with collections and servicing teams to resolve delinquent loans and support loss mitigation efforts. Ensure all client and loan records are accurately documented in LiftFund’s CRM and loan servicing systems. Participate in loan closings and assist clients with document collection and pre-closing requirements. Represent LiftFund at community forums, events, and partner engagements to enhance visibility and credibility. Design and implement process improvements for loan pipeline management and operational efficiency. Identify new lending opportunities through data analysis, market research, and community feedback. Support efforts to raise funds and build partnerships to further LiftFund’s mission and reach. Performance Metrics Volume and quality of loan originations. Growth and engagement of referral networks. Accuracy and timeliness of CRM entries and loan documentation. Contributions to organizational visibility and strategic initiatives. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. Three (3) years of experience in small business lending, banking, credit analysis, or economic development. Familiarity with SBA 7(a), 504, and other government-guaranteed lending programs highly preferred. Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding lending/sales goals. Strong financial and credit analysis skills; able to assess risk and structure deals. Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills. Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, including underserved entrepreneurs. Knowledge of financial literacy principles and lending compliance. Familiarity with business planning and cash flow projections. Collaborative team player with a solution-oriented mindset. Experience working with nonprofit or mission-driven lenders a plus. Strong organizational and time management abilities; self‑motivated and goal‑driven. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Travel Routine travel within the local area and infrequent overnight travel, in and out of state, as necessary. Position Type, Days and Hours This is a full‑time, exempt position. The days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, but the schedule may vary based on the needs of the position and the timing of key meetings and events. Physical Demands When working on‑site, work is performed in a routine office environment. Prolonged sitting and some standing required. Occasionally lift, pull, carry and push items weighing up to twenty‑five (25) pounds. This job requires working under stressful conditions to meet deadlines and address unexpected work challenges. LiftFund Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all our applicants and employees without regard to age, color, mental or physical disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Also, LiftFund provides reasonable accommodation, and it is committed to engaging in the interactive process. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations, LiftFund Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, activities, or employment practices. LiftFund Inc. does not exclude or treat individuals differently because of disability. Reasonable accommodations are available to ensure equal access to all programs and services, including auxiliary aids and services such as qualified interpreters, accessible electronic materials, or alternate formats upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr