Business Development Officer

LiftFund • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Business Development Officer (BDO) plays a crucial role in advancing LiftFund’s mission by facilitating access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses. This position drives economic development and financial inclusion by originating loans, cultivating community partnerships, and providing client support throughout the lending process. Depending on experience and demonstrated performance, the role may be classified as: Business Development Officer (BDO): Primarily responsible for generating loan production. Focuses on outreach, pipeline development, and guiding clients through the lending process under general supervision. This is a foundational role that emphasizes growth in loan origination skills and market engagement. Senior Business Development Officer (Senior BDO): In addition to generating loans, the Senior BDO takes an active role in educating entrepreneurs and small business owners. This includes leading financial readiness workshops, providing in-depth technical assistance, and serving as a subject matter resource for clients and partners. Vice President, Business Development Officer (VP, BDO): A senior-level lender responsible for managing complex transactions and driving high-volume loan production. This role also includes mentoring and supporting the development of junior BDOs, contributing to strategic initiatives, and serving as a key leader in market development and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Three (3) years of experience in small business lending, banking, credit analysis, or economic development.
• Familiarity with SBA 7(a), 504, and other government-guaranteed lending programs highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding lending/sales goals.
• Strong financial and credit analysis skills; able to assess risk and structure deals.
• Excellent communication, relationship management, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders, including underserved entrepreneurs.
• Knowledge of financial literacy principles and lending compliance.
• Familiarity with business planning and cash flow projections.
• Collaborative team player with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience working with nonprofit or mission-driven lenders a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities; self-motivated and goal-driven.
• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with SBA 7(a), 504, and other government-guaranteed lending programs
• Experience working with nonprofit or mission-driven lenders
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish

Responsibilities

• Generate small business loan production to meet assigned goals.
• Proactively build and maintain a pipeline of qualified applicants through community outreach and strategic marketing.
• Develop and manage a network of referral sources including banks, CDFIs, chambers of commerce, and economic development entities.
• Deliver high-touch client support throughout the lending cycle: inquiry, application, underwriting, closing, and servicing.
• Conduct in-depth borrower assessments including site visits, collateral evaluation, financial analysis, and credit readiness.
• Provide individualized and group educational sessions on LiftFund products and small business finance.
• Analyze business financials, market trends, and borrower capacity to make sound lending recommendations.
• Present loan proposals to credit committees in alignment with LiftFund’s credit policy and impact goals.
• Manage an active loan portfolio by maintaining client engagement and monitoring for early risk indicators.
• Partner with collections and servicing teams to resolve delinquent loans and support loss mitigation efforts.
• Ensure all client and loan records are accurately documented in LiftFund’s CRM and loan servicing systems.
• Participate in loan closings and assist clients with document collection and pre-closing requirements.
• Represent LiftFund at community forums, events, and partner engagements to enhance visibility and credibility.
• Design and implement process improvements for loan pipeline management and operational efficiency.
• Identify new lending opportunities through data analysis, market research, and community feedback.
• Support efforts to raise funds and build partnerships to further LiftFund’s mission and reach.

What This Job Offers

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