Director of ESOP Lending

Job Description

Job Description

We are changing FINANCE to finance CHANGE!

At Climate First Bank , we're redefining what banking can be. As a Florida Benefit Corporation and FDIC-insured commercial bank, we offer a full suite of personal and business services—including solar, residential, commercial, ESOP Banking, Structured Finance and SBA loans—all designed to power a better future. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% for the Planet, and part of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), reflecting our deep commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical banking.

With branches in St. Petersburg, Winter Park, Mount Dora , and a growing digital presence , we're proving that banking can be a force for good. We don't just support environmental and social causes—we're built on them.

Under our Holding Company, Climate First Bancorp , we are also powered by OneEthos. OneEthos operates at the intersection of fintech and traditional banking to expand access to inclusive, values-driven financial services. Regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank, it equips Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks with ethical lending tools—especially in climate finance and solar lending.

Join the Movement

We're seeking driven, mission-aligned individuals ready to make an impact. If you're passionate about sustainability, thrive in a fast-paced, results driven environment, and want to be part of something bigger, you will feel right at home.

Our team is one of goal-setters, go-getters, problem solvers, thought leaders, and changemakers . We celebrate wins, tackle challenges head-on, and push boundaries. Fueled by purpose, we thrive where perseverance and passion turn ambitious goals into reality.

Thrive at Climate First Bank

At Climate First Bank, we're investing in your future. We offer a comprehensive, people-first benefits package that supports your health, finances, and work-life balance.

Compensation — In addition to the base salary, this position may be eligible for an annual bonus, incentives and equity. Actual compensation is based on industry salary ranges, internal salary structures, experience, skills and other job-related factors.

Health Coverage — 100% employer-paid for employees; employer contribution for dependents by Us

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc

Financial Wellness & Wealth Building

• 401(k) with 6% Employer Match — No Vesting Period.
• Employee Stock Options
• Exclusive Employee Banking Perks
• 0% Financing for Employee Solar Loans
• Employee Only Mortgage Product with exclusive interest rates and terms.
• 0% Financing for Eligible Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• Referral Incentives

Generous Paid Time Off

• 2–4 Weeks of Vacation based on officer level plus additional tenure-based time.
• 64 Hours of Paid Sick Time for all full-time employees.

Protection & Peace of Mind

• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling, legal, and financial services.

Now Hiring: Director of ESOP Lending

The Director of Employee Ownership Finance is a senior commercial banking role responsible for originating and managing ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and employee ownership lending relationships. This role mirrors traditional commercial banking with specialized ESOP expertise. You'll serve as the primary client-facing lead for ESOP borrower

What You'll Contribute as the Director of ESOP Lending

Business Development and Origination

• Originate ESOP and employee ownership lending and deposit opportunities, including buyouts, refinancings, recapitalizations, and growth financings.
• Build referral relationships with ESOP advisors, attorneys, trustees, valuation firms, investment bankers, and other industry partners.
• Develop a national ESOP pipeline through networking, thought leadership, and industry involvement.
• Represent the bank at ESOP conferences, events, and educational forums.

Relationship Management

• Be the primary relationship manager for ESOP clients and trusted advisor to owners and employee-owned companies.
• Lead discussions related to transaction structure, capital needs, timing, and bank requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding, documentation, and closing with internal partners.
• Maintain long-term client relationships post close with high service standards.

Deal Structuring & Credit Coordination

• Lead deal structuring with clients, ESOP advisors, and internal credit teams.
• Act as liaison between clients and underwriting, credit, legal, and loan operations.

Portfolio Oversight

• Maintain accountability for relationship health, satisfaction, and credit compliance.
• Partner on reviews, amendments, and ongoing monitoring.
• Identify risks or growth opportunities and escalate as needed.

Internal Leadership & Program Development

• Support development of the bank's ESOP lending strategy and go-to-market approach.
• Educate internal teams on ESOP structures, market dynamics, and client needs.
• Contribute to best practices and scalable growth processes.

Champion Our Mission, Protect What Matters

• Embody a commitment to environmental, social, economic, and racial justice.
• Pursue education related to sustainability practices.
• Understand and follow Bank policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Protect the organization and its customers by identifying and escalating suspicious or fraudulent activity in collaboration with appropriate teams.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and Bank policies; complete all required compliance and IT training.

What You'll Leverage in this Role:

Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field.
• 8+ years of commercial banking or corporate finance experience.
• Experience with ESOPs or complex middle-market lending structures.
• Proven ability to source, manage, and close complex transactions.

Experience & Education Preference

• Prior ESOP lending or advisory experience.
• Familiarity with ESOP trustees, valuation firms, and ERISA counsel.
• Experience working remotely or in distributed teams.
• Success building national referral networks.

Entrepreneurial Self-Starter Mentality - You take ownership of outcomes, operate with urgency, and thrive in a high-expectation environment. You are a relationship-driven, consultative lender with strong cash flow lending expertise and the ability to manage complex, multi-party transactions.

Master Communicator - You communicate clearly and confidently across all channels, listen actively, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels.

Banking & Fintech Acumen - You possess strong knowledge of financial products, regulations, and business banking, with the ability to analyze financial statements and legal documentation.

Tech-Forward and Analytical Thinking - You learn new tools quickly, are excited by innovation and leverage technology to optimize your work product and streamline your creative process.

Commitment to Being a Team Player - You lift others up, share ideas, and bring positive energy to everything you do. You know what it takes to operate as a part of a larger team and cherish opportunities to contribute to the big picture.

What to expect from your physical environment

• Remote role within the United States; Eastern Standard Hours.
• Occasional U.S. travel for company events or leadership sessions.
• Sustained standing and sitting.
• Frequent communication (speaking and listening) and use of PC, including typing or sustained attention to monitor.
• Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Applicants must be comfortable operating independently in a remote role.

Equal Opportunity Statement:At Climate First Bank we truly believe that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our success. Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs.Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/VeteransE -Verify Statement: This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9