Chief Lending Officer

Organization and Overview Impact Development Fund (IDF) is a mission-driven, 501(c)(3) Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) working to drive equitable community growth in underserved communities. We provide flexible capital to promote affordable housing, nonprofit community facilities, and energy-efficient commercial real estate. IDF is committed to transforming underserved communities through innovative financing and strong partnerships with public and private stakeholders. IDF also leverages bond financing, capital markets tools, and structured financial products to expand mission-driven lending capacity.  Position Summary The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) is a key member of IDF’s executive leadership team responsible for the strategic direction, management, and performance of all lending activities. The CLO leads the design and execution of lending strategies to support IDF’s mission while ensuring sound credit practices, portfolio performance, and compliance with federal and third-party guidelines. This position directly supervises lending department staff and collaborates cross-functionally with asset management, operations, capital development, and finance teams. This role demands a visionary leader with deep expertise in community development lending, credit analysis, and capital deployment strategies. The CLO will play a critical role in expanding IDF’s impact by overseeing lending operations, guiding underwriting practices, and fostering strong community and partner relationships. The role also requires advanced experience in bond financing and underwriting, including primary and secondary-market bond issuance, and the ability to integrate capital markets strategies into commercial lending activities. The CLO will work closely with the CFO to align lending strategy with organizational liquidity, capital planning, and long-term financing structures.  Key Responsibilities  Executive Leadership & Strategy Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to IDF’s strategic planning, organizational growth, and mission advancement. Set the strategic vision for all lending lines of business, including on- and off-balance sheet lending, affordable housing finance, nonprofit facilities, and green building initiatives. This includes oversight of bond supported loan programs, capital markets-informed lending strategies and complex commercial deal structuring.  Lead the development and implementation of lending policies, risk frameworks, and operational procedures. Develop, monitor, and report on lending metrics, portfolio performance, and pipeline projections to the CEO and Board of Directors. Provide strategic guidance on bond issuance planning, pricing considerations, and secondary market dynamics that influence lending capacity and organizational risk exposure.  Lending Oversight & Portfolio Management Direct all aspects of IDF’s lending operations, including business development, credit analysis, underwriting, loan closing, and portfolio management. Oversee the full loan lifecycle for all commercial lending activities, ensuring consistent adherence to risk guidelines and regulatory compliance Maintain ultimate accountability for credit quality, loan loss mitigation strategies, and lending performance. Support and manage high-value or complex credit transactions and guide the structuring of creative financing solutions. Provide team training and guidance related to bond underwriting fundamentals, capital market concepts and commercial finance innovation.   Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and support the Commercial Lending team, including direct reports and functional supervisors. Promote a collaborative, performance-driven culture with clear goals, coaching, and professional development. Ensure staff are trained and compliant with all internal policies and external regulations related to lending and underwriting. Promote cross-departmental alignment, ensuring lending functions are integrated with capital development, finance, and asset management operations.  Capital Deployment & Innovation Collaborate with the CEO and Capital Development team to align lending products with available and anticipated funding sources. Design and refine financial products and loan structures to better serve IDF’s target markets and mission. Evaluate new business lines and lending initiatives; lead risk assessments and go-to-market strategies for program expansion. Partner closely with the CFO to assess and execute primary or secondary-market bond issuances, evaluate securitization or loan participation opportunities, and develop capital strategies that strengthen IDF’s balance-sheet capacity and liquidity. Lead innovation around the use of bond proceeds, structured debt instruments, and public finance tools to support affordable housing, community facilities, and green development.  Stakeholder & Community Engagement Represent IDF to borrowers, funders, public agencies, and partner organizations, act as the organization’s primary spokesperson on lending matters. Cultivate and maintain relationships with community leaders, financial institutions, government agencies, and developers to grow IDF’s lending pipeline. Support outreach, education, and technical assistance efforts to increase client readiness and expand access to capital for underserved borrowers. Engage with bond underwriters, institutional investors, rating agencies, and financial advisors to support bond financing initiatives and capital-market activities.   Qualifications  Education Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Real Estate, Urban Planning, or a related field required. Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or similar) strongly preferred.  Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in commercial lending, real estate finance, or community development finance. At least 5 years of executive or senior leadership experience in a CDFI, bank, or mission-aligned financial institution. Demonstrated experience managing lending teams and large, diverse loan portfolios. Proven success in affordable housing finance, nonprofit facilities, and energy-efficient or impact-focused real estate projects. Significant experience with bond financing, bond underwriting, or public finance mechanisms, including experience with primary and secondary-market bond issuance and capital-markets execution. High-level experience structuring and negotiating complex commercial transactions, capital stacks, and large-scale financing packages. Technical & Professional Skills: Advanced knowledge of credit analysis, loan structuring, and financial underwriting. Deep understanding of tax credit programs (LIHTC, NMTC), public financing sources, and affordable housing development. Strong financial modeling, portfolio management, and risk assessment skills. Familiarity with regulatory compliance in community development lending. Expertise in bond underwriting, credit enhancement tools, investor requirements, and secondary-market considerations. Understanding of capital markets instruments, liquidity planning, and CFO–CLO partnership in organizational capital strategy. Leadership & Interpersonal Skills: Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable presenting to boards, investors, and community partners. Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and mission-based work. Ability to manage multiple priorities, delegate effectively, and lead through change.