Credit Manager

Blue Forest•Sacramento, CA

26d•$92,000 - $110,000•Remote

About The Position

Blue Forest is a conservation finance non-profit founded in 2015 that is focused on advancing ecosystem restoration through scientific research, financial innovation, and collaborative partnerships. Since 2018, Blue Forest has managed investor capital through its flagship financial product, the Forest Resilience Bond (FRB), which deploys private capital to finance forest restoration projects to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. More recently, Blue Forest has also established Blue Forest Asset Management (BFAM), an investment management platform connecting investors to compelling, mission-aligned opportunities in a broader set of asset classes beyond FRB projects, such as private equity and private credit investments. Blue Forest is made up of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, foresters, finance professionals, and communications professionals committed to the mission: “To accelerate ecological restoration through conservation finance, enabling climate resilience for ecosystems and communities.” Employees at Blue Forest are: Committed to Continuous Learning Driven by Collaboration Thoughtful Innovators for Impact Grounded in Science Passionate about Restoring Earth’s Ecosystems Position Summary The Credit Manager is a key member of Blue Forest’s Finance team, responsible for underwriting conservation finance transactions, managing and monitoring debt investments, and supporting portfolio operations. This role requires a blend of lending expertise, analytical acumen, and cross-functional collaboration to support Blue Forest’s mission-driven investments, including Forest Resilience Bonds (FRBs) and other innovative conservation finance mechanisms. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in private lending, investment management, and transaction execution, with a passion for environmental impact and sustainability. They will work closely with borrowers, legal counsel, investors, and internal Blue Forest teams to structure and execute finance transactions, ensure sound portfolio management, and develop conservation investment strategies.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in finance, private lending, investment management, structured finance, impact investing, or conservation finance, including some or all of the following:
Experience performing private credit analysis, preferably on nonprofit, government, or other social sector borrowers
Strong background in financial modeling
Prior experience negotiating loan agreements and conducting financial due diligence
Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with borrowers, portfolio management teams, investors, legal counsel, and cross-functional internal collaborators
Excellent presentation, negotiation, and written and verbal communication skills
Detail-oriented and analytical strength, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Strategic thinking with a results-driven mindset and a passion for climate resilience and sustainability

Nice To Haves

Preference for candidates familiar with portfolio management and risk management principles, and with facility/fund governance

Responsibilities

Lead the underwriting of conservation finance loans (such as Forest Resilience Bonds, or FRBs)
Build collaborative relationships with and conduct diligence on borrowers
Conduct credit and financial statement analysis as inputs to the investment process
Coordinate with Blue Forest Project Development team to set, manage, and execute against transaction timelines
Build and maintain Excel models and analytical tools
Coordinate with Portfolio Managers to incorporate transaction information into fund models, plans, and analysis
Support the design, development, and closing of conservation finance funds, investment vehicles, and strategies
Evaluate conservation finance opportunities through desktop research, internal and external networking, and stakeholder engagement
Contribute to business development and partnership efforts with Project Development team, Director of Conservation Finance, and other senior leaders
Manage conservation finance investments
Monitor loan-level financial performance and compliance; maintain financial models
Oversee flow of funds and information between Blue Forest and counterparties, including loan principal and interest payments; interface with Accounting team as needed
Maintain key counterparty relationships
Participate in ongoing dialogue with Blue Forest Project Development team and other stakeholders regarding investment strategy, risks, and future opportunities
Help manage conservation finance portfolios and facilities
Monitor portfolio-level financial performance, facility deployment, and adherence to governance processes; maintain financial models
Coordinate risk management procedures and management of problem loans
Support investor reporting
Continuously improve and progressively assume ownership of Blue Forest finance practices, processes, systems, and documentation
Support Blue Forest Communications, Fundraising, and other teams in developing written content about conservation finance
Contribute to ad hoc and structured internal trainings on financial topics

Benefits

100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage; subsidized coverage for dependents
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with a 5% employer match
4 weeks paid vacation and 17 paid holidays; paid sick time and volunteer time
3 months of paid family leave
Employer-paid life and long-term disability insurance
Access to Dependent Care FSA and Health FSA
Public Lands Exploration stipend (reimbursements for visits to National Forests, county parks, etc.)
Monthly Home Office stipend or co-working space provided
Dependent care costs are subsidized for business travel
Additional stipends for health & wellness, home internet, and cell service
Financial support for professional development