Director, Lending & Relationship Management, Community Development Fund

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

LOCATION : NCRC is an in-office employer based in Washington, DC with a hybrid work environment (HWE). Our offices are open five days a week, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as in-office Community Days for all Washington, DC, area-based employees. Monday and Friday are designated remote work days where employees may choose to work remotely.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: 

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) was formed in 1990 by national, regional and local organizations to develop and harness the collective energies of community reinvestment organizations from across the country to increase the flow of private capital into traditionally underserved communities. NCRC has grown into an association of more than 600 community-based organizations that promote access to financial service sector products and services in order to create and sustain affordable housing, job development and vibrant communities for America’s working families. NCRC’s vision is for a nation where all people, regardless of class or race, have the same opportunity to build wealth, be upwardly mobile, and realize their full potential. It is a vision of a more democratic society through the creation of a fairer and more equal economic and financial services system. 

NCRC’s Community Development Fund is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to expanding access to capital for small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community development projects in underserved communities. Through responsible lending, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, we support entrepreneurs, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

Our work focuses on serving low- to moderate-income communities, minority-owned businesses, women entrepreneurs, and historically undercapitalized markets .

Position Summary

The Director, Lending & Relationship Management is responsible for developing and managing lending relationships with small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community-based institutions . This position plays a critical role in advancing the organization’s mission by helping entrepreneurs and organizations access the capital and support they need to grow and thrive.

This role combines business development, credit analysis, and community engagement . The Director, Relationship Management will originate and manage loans for working capital, business expansion, equipment purchases, and owner-occupied commercial real estate. The Director may also support financing for community facilities, mixed-use developments, and other community development projects .

The Director works closely with the Credit team and senior leadership to structure loans that balance responsible risk management with mission-driven impact .

This role is ideal for professionals who want to apply their financial expertise to advance economic opportunity and community development .

Key Responsibilities

Business Development

Develop and manage a pipeline of lending opportunities with small businesses, nonprofits, and community developers , particularly those located in underserved communities.

Proactively build relationships with:

• Entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Nonprofit organizations
• Community development corporations
• Local chambers of commerce
• Economic development organizations
• Technical assistance providers
• Community and industry partners

The Director, Relationship Management will actively represent the organization in the community through outreach, workshops, industry events, and networking opportunities.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying borrowers who may not qualify for traditional bank financing
• Structuring financing solutions that meet borrower needs while managing risk
• Collaborating with community partners to reach underserved entrepreneurs
• Supporting financial education and technical assistance initiatives
• Identifying opportunities to expand the organization’s lending programs and services

Relationship Management

Serve as a trusted advisor to borrowers by building long-term relationships and supporting their financial success.

Responsibilities include:

• Guiding borrowers through the loan process
• Helping clients understand financing options and loan requirements
• Connecting borrowers with technical assistance and business support resources
• Maintaining regular communication with clients throughout the life of the loan

Loan Origination & Portfolio Management

Originate, structure, and manage loans consistent with the organization’s credit policies and community development mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Conducting preliminary financial analysis and borrower assessments
• Preparing loan requests and presenting them to internal credit committees
• Collaborating with Credit staff on underwriting and risk assessment
• Monitoring portfolio performance and borrower financial health
• Supporting annual loan reviews and covenant compliance
• Participating in the management or restructuring of challenged loans when necessary
• Presenting to the Credit Committee of the NCRC CDF as requested regarding loan pipeline, loan origination activity and client management. 

Community Impact & Reporting

Support the organization’s community impact goals by helping track and document outcomes associated with lending activities. The Director, Relationship Management may contribute to reporting required for CDFI Fund programs, grant funders, and impact investors.

Examples may include:

• Job creation and retention
• Support for minority- and women-owned businesses
• Investment in low- to moderate-income communities
• Small business growth and sustainability

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Accounting, or related field strongly preferred
• 5+ years of experience in commercial lending, small business lending, credit analysis, or community development finance
• Experience working directly with small businesses, entrepreneurs, or nonprofit organizations
• Demonstrated business development and relationship management skills
• Ability to analyze financial statements and assess credit risk
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred

• Experience working at a CDFI, community bank, nonprofit lender, or impact investing organization
• Familiarity with SBA lending programs (7(a), 504) or other government-backed lending programs
• Knowledge of community development finance tools such as New Markets Tax Credits, program-related investments, or grant-supported lending
• Experience working with underserved entrepreneurs or diverse communities
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Commitment to economic inclusion and community development
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills
• Ability to evaluate credit risk while supporting mission-aligned lending
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving ability
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams

Why Join Us

At NCRC’s CDF, you will have the opportunity to apply your financial expertise to create meaningful community impact .

Our team is committed to expanding economic opportunity and supporting the success of entrepreneurs and communities that have historically faced barriers to capital.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Life, FSA and Legal Plans
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid parental leave
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development and training
• Opportunity to contribute to mission-driven community impact