Director of Lending

Company description Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development and viability of local farms and food businesses. Our mission is to build a thriving, resilient, and equitable local food economy across the Berkshire-Taconic region, which lies in the region where present-day states of Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut meet. We offer technical assistance, resource and network connectivity, and low-cost flexible loan capital to farms and food businesses in our region. Berkshire Agricultural Ventures is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our Values: BAV is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. These values are intertwined with our mission to support the development and viability of local farms and food businesses. We know that there is more work to be done to make the local food system just and equitable for all. BAV is committed to shifting our own practices through listening, learning, and organizing with our community. Read our full statement on our website. Job description The Director of Lending will lead BAV’s lending program, which seeks to provide low-cost loans to farms and food businesses in and near our four-county service area. Since our inception in 2017, BAV has provided $3.6 million in loans to over 50 businesses, enabling equipment purchases, facility improvements, and other investments. The Director of Lending guides prospective borrowers through all phases of BAV’s loan intake and review process; underwrites and structures loans; and serves as a support resource for borrowers after loans close. They set annual program goals and objectives, and work with other program, development, and executive staff to lead the long-term strategy for the program. This is a leading-by-doing and relationship-driven role. The role is ideal for someone with commercial lending experience who is excited to work in a mission-driven environment, and excited to address business- and system-level financing gaps in the food system. The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, self-driven, and passionate about expanding non-extractive financing as a tool for agricultural producers and local economic development. Lead Lending Program (85%) Lead and implement all aspects of BAV’s lending work, including outreach, underwriting, servicing, holding relationships with borrowers, and setting strategic direction. Develop relationships with farm and food businesses we serve. Guide and coach entrepreneurs through the process of evaluating their financing needs/gaps and their own loan readiness. Guide constituents through BAV’s loan application process. For businesses that opt to apply for a loan, perform due diligence, analyze business and credit risks, evaluate and recommend loan structure, and prepare loan proposal memorandum for BAV’s Loan Advisory Committee. For approved loans, assemble loan documentation and oversee closing and funding. Manage engagement and communication with BAV’s Loan Advisory Committee, which comprises Board and community members and reviews and approves all loans. Work with the Finance Manager to determine the annual program budget and monitor actual financial activity vs budget targets throughout the year. Maintain information about prospective pipeline and fund capacity to ensure adequate funding for near-term needs. Build relationships and trust with prospective and active borrowers to understand operating context, support loan due diligence, and maintain relationships through challenges and growth opportunities. We strive to connect with farmers and ranchers on their terms and meet on-farm with most new applicants. Report program outcomes and portfolio status to Board at regular quarterly Board meetings; engage with Board about program goals and direction. Work with Finance Manager to complete reporting required for federal and state grants that support the lending program, including disbursements, loan performance, and business outcomes (qtly & annual). Also with Finance Manager, complete audit deliverables for lending activities as part of annual organizational audit. Organizational Leadership (15%) For someone with prior leadership experience, this role is intended to be part of the executive leadership team that leads overall direction, public presence, and day-to-day success of the organization. Collaborate with staff, Board, and community members to continue to hone how lending should contribute to BAV’s mission and work over the next 3-5 years, with a north star around understanding the needs of the folks we serve. Collaborate with Communications and Development staff to promote the outcomes of BAV’s work, raise awareness about our programs, support funding applications/reporting as needed. Represent BAV among other food system and economic development organizations including lenders, service providers, and funders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. What you bring: 6-10+ years of progressive responsibilities in commercial or institutional lending 3+ years of direct portfolio management responsibility for small business loans 3-5+ years of accountable leadership experience for a program or business line Experience evaluating small business PnL statements and balance sheets and developing basic financial projections under base- and stress-case scenarios Demonstrated interest in impact lending, regenerative finance, local agriculture, food systems, and/or economic development Adept knowledge of conventional loan products, typical terms, legal documentation Willingness to put on boots, literally & figuratively, to help our young organization continue to thrive Trust- and community-building mindset Experience with Down Home Loan or similar commercial loan management software Familiarity with conventional loan security provisions, collateral valuation methodologies, lien searches, and security perfection methodologies Proficiency with MS Office & collaborative software tools (Google suite, Asana, Zoom, etc.) Experience in non-profit financial management, governance, and/or funding strategies is a plus, but not required Existing network connections in the Hudson Valley or Berkshire Taconic region are a plus, but not required Location/travel: This position requires travel every 2 to 3 weeks within/near our four county service area to visit prospective & active borrowers. Salary & Benefits: $87-95k depending on experience for a full-time exempt position. BAV provides health insurance benefits, 401K Plan with matching, generous time off policy (including vacation, office closure for the December holiday week, floating holidays, volunteer days, and sick days), tech stipend, and opportunities for professional development. Compensation this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000