Director of Community Lending & Capital Access

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation Inc•Boston, MA

45d•$150,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Community Lending & Capital Access to lead and strengthen our Lending and Capital Access platform. This enterprise-level role ensures that DBEDC’s lending programs are integrated, financially sound, and equity-centered, expanding access to capital for small businesses and microenterprises while advancing economic mobility in underinvested communities. This is a lending-forward leadership role for a seasoned professional with deep experience in credit, underwriting, compliance, and portfolio management. The Director translates DBEDC’s mission into an executable lending strategy, builds strong operational systems, stewards capital responsibly, and represents DBEDC within the broader CDFI and impact lending ecosystem. Success in this role is measured by portfolio health, borrower outcomes, operational discipline, and scalable impact.

Requirements

Deep commitment to DBEDC’s mission and an understanding of racial equity in community development.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership and deliver high-quality results while recognizing the impact of actions on team and organizational outcomes.
Strong desire to learn and grow by exploring new approaches, asking questions, and applying lessons from past experiences to drive improvements.
Comfort with change, and ability to challenge conventional thinking and propose creative solutions.
Minimum 8 years of management experience leading teams to measurable outcomes in lending, finance, or mission-driven economic development.
Minimum 5 years of direct experience delivering and stewarding capital, including underwriting, credit analysis, loan structuring, and/or portfolio management, preferably within a CDFI or regulated lending environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of credit policy, risk management, and compliance requirements (e.g., CDFI Fund, SBA, and funder reporting).
Strong understanding of impact capital ecosystems, credit enhancement tools, and mission-based financing resources.
Proven experience owning portfolio performance, including monitoring risk, addressing delinquency, and strengthening borrower outcomes.
Demonstrated success in program design, scaling, and systems improvement within a lending or capital deployment context.
Budget development, grant writing, and capital-related reporting experience.
Strong data analysis skills; proficiency with CRM and loan management systems (Salesforce preferred).
Ability to clearly communicate complex financial and lending concepts to borrowers, partners, and non-financial stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional work involving lending, compliance, finance, and operations with clarity and accountability.
Strong judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in balancing mission, risk, and financial sustainability.
Proven experience partnering with Finance on portfolio reporting, audits, and funder requirements while maintaining ownership of lending strategy and outcomes.
Ability to identify risks, gaps, and operational breakdowns, escalate issues appropriately, and drive resolution through clear follow-through.
Track record of improving systems, workflows, and documentation to strengthen internal controls, transparency, and scalability.
Ability to communicate expectations clearly, align stakeholders, and hold teams accountable for results.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex lending, credit, and risk concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Ability to educate borrowers, partners, and internal stakeholders about access to capital, underwriting decisions, and portfolio performance with clarity and transparency.
Strong documentation and writing habits that support compliance, audit readiness, and institutional memory.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and high-stakes conversations while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and sound judgment.
Demonstrated capacity to build trust, set boundaries, and navigate difficult conversations in mission-driven environments.
Ability to pass a background check.
Availability for occasional evenings/weekends.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Cape Verdean Kriolu, Haitian Creole, Spanish, or Vietnamese is a plus

Responsibilities

Lead Lending & Capital Access Strategy, Programs & Innovation
Drive Lending Operations & Portfolio Stewardship
Lead, Coach & Build Team Capacity
Oversee Financial & Operational Management
Build Community Partnerships & Serve as a Public Leader
Oversee Grants, Capital Resources & Organizational Leadership

Benefits

Choose from several generous medical insurance packages with no waiting period.
Employer-paid dental and vision coverage to keep you smiling.
Access to Flexible Spending Accounts and the Dependent Care Assistance Program for added flexibility.
Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Accidental Death coverage for peace of mind.
On-demand Employee Wellbeing Services to help you thrive.
Access exclusive discounts through our Perks at Work Program.
Enjoy a flexible hybrid work environment that balances work and life with ease.
Generous amount of vacation time to recharge and relax.
Seventeen paid holidays, including your birthday, because you deserve to celebrate.
Fifteen sick days for when you need to rest and recover.
Three personal days for life’s unexpected moments.
Five volunteer days to give back.
Save for your future with our 403(b)-retirement plan, featuring a generous employer contribution.
Grow your career with access to professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and training programs.
Collaborate and learn in a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and skill- building.