Loan Officer / Relationship Manager

Strategic HR Client • Cincinnati, OH

2d • $85,000 - $105,000

About The Position

Are you a creative and civically engaged community development finance professional with experience originating, underwriting, and structuring financial products? Are you looking for a meaningful opportunity to work collaboratively with partners to structure and deploy capital that strengthens neighborhoods and improves lives? If so, Cincinnati Development Fund has an exciting opportunity for you. As the Loan Officer / Relationship Manager you will lead the commercial real estate lending process by originating, evaluating, and structuring loans. You will act as the main point of contact for borrowers, guiding projects from initial lead generation through closing. Other responsibilities include: Originate mission‑aligned loans by managing an existing customer base and developing new relationships through active business development and participation in industry and community events. Serve as a trusted resource to borrowers by maintaining strong knowledge of loan products and programs and providing guidance throughout the lending process. Collect, analyze, underwrite, and structure loan requests in alignment with CDF’s risk profile and Loan Committee and Board expectations. Partner with Credit staff to prepare and present loan packages to the Loan Committee and Board, and clearly communicate loan decisions to borrowers. Prepare preliminary and final commitment letters that accurately reflect approved terms and conditions. Support loan closings in accordance with CDF’s lending policies, including coordination with legal counsel and participating banks, as applicable. Collaborate with the Construction Manager and Portfolio Manager to support construction loan disbursements, monitoring, and conversion to permanent financing. Assist with ongoing portfolio monitoring and resolution of troubled loans, as needed. Build and maintain strong relationships with borrowers, internal teams, and public, private, and community partners. Stay current on real estate development lending practices through ongoing professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, real estate, or a related field, with at least 3 years of experience in community development, commercial real estate finance, banking, or a similar field (6+ years for Senior LO/RM).
• Experience in real estate lending, preferably within the community development or CDFI space.
• Knowledge of community development financing tools and resources (NMTC, LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits, and other local, state, and federal programs).
• Ability to analyze financial statements and apply established underwriting criteria and risk profiles.
• Strong sales, customer service, and relationship‑building skills.
• Highly organized with strong time‑management skills and attention to detail.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Passion for community and economic development, including affordable housing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with affordable housing programs and developing partnerships to support affordable housing lending, preferred.
• Nonprofit or mission‑driven lending experience, preferred.
• Professional certification in community or economic development finance (Grow America, Novogradac, IEDC, NeighborWorks, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Originate mission‑aligned loans by managing an existing customer base and developing new relationships through active business development and participation in industry and community events.
• Serve as a trusted resource to borrowers by maintaining strong knowledge of loan products and programs and providing guidance throughout the lending process.
• Collect, analyze, underwrite, and structure loan requests in alignment with CDF’s risk profile and Loan Committee and Board expectations.
• Partner with Credit staff to prepare and present loan packages to the Loan Committee and Board, and clearly communicate loan decisions to borrowers.
• Prepare preliminary and final commitment letters that accurately reflect approved terms and conditions.
• Support loan closings in accordance with CDF’s lending policies, including coordination with legal counsel and participating banks, as applicable.
• Collaborate with the Construction Manager and Portfolio Manager to support construction loan disbursements, monitoring, and conversion to permanent financing.
• Assist with ongoing portfolio monitoring and resolution of troubled loans, as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with borrowers, internal teams, and public, private, and community partners.
• Stay current on real estate development lending practices through ongoing professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive pay: $85,000-$105,000 base salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Generous paid time off
• Comprehensive benefits options including medical, dental and vision insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan (with company contribution)
• Company-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Technology stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level