Description du poste
Since 2017, BAV has provided $3.6 million in low-cost loans to over 50 farms and food businesses in our four-county service area. This role is responsible for guiding prospective borrowers through BAV’s loan intake 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. The role would be tailored to a Program Manager or Director level depending on experience. The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, self-driven, and excited about expanding non-extractive financing as a tool for agricultural producers and local economic development. We are interested to hear from folks with food system experience who want to expand their program leadership into impact finance and place-based investing, and/or folks with commercial lending experience who want to apply their financial skills to address business- and system-level financing gaps in the food system. A professional development plan would be tailored to help you succeed in this role, including mentoring opportunities, on-the-job experience, online, and/or classroom courses. Lead Lending Program (85-100%) 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 apply for a loan, perform due diligence, analyze business and credit risks, recommend loan structure, and prepare loan proposal memorandum for committee review. For approved loans, assemble loan documentation, oversee closing/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 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 (up to 15%) For someone with prior organizational leadership experience, this role could be part of the executive leadership team that leads overall direction 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 over the next 3-5 years. 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. You bring some or many of these qualifications: Demonstrated interest in impact lending, regenerative finance, local agriculture, food systems, and/or economic development Trust- and community-building mindset 2-5+ years of leadership experience for a program or business line 2-10+ years of progressive responsibilities in commercial or institutional lending Exposure to financial accounting or experience evaluating small business PnL statements and balance sheets and developing basic financial projections Awareness of conventional loan products, typical terms, legal documentation Willingness to put on boots, literally & figuratively, to help our organization continue to thrive 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