Director of ESOP Lending

Climate First Bank

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Director of Employee Ownership Finance is a senior commercial banking role responsible for originating and managing ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and employee ownership lending relationships. This role mirrors traditional commercial banking with specialized ESOP expertise. You’ll serve as the primary client-facing lead for ESOP borrower.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field.
• 8+ years of commercial banking or corporate finance experience.
• Experience with ESOPs or complex middle-market lending structures.
• Proven ability to source, manage, and close complex transactions.
• Entrepreneurial Self-Starter Mentality - You take ownership of outcomes, operate with urgency, and thrive in a high-expectation environment. You are a relationship-driven, consultative lender with strong cash flow lending expertise and the ability to manage complex, multi-party transactions.
• Master Communicator - You communicate clearly and confidently across all channels, listen actively, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels.
• Banking & Fintech Acumen- You possess strong knowledge of financial products, regulations, and business banking, with the ability to analyze financial statements and legal documentation.
• Tech-Forward and Analytical Thinking - You learn new tools quickly, are excited by innovation and leverage technology to optimize your work product and streamline your creative process.
• Commitment to Being a Team Player - You lift others up, share ideas, and bring positive energy to everything you do. You know what it takes to operate as a part of a larger team and cherish opportunities to contribute to the big picture.

Nice To Haves

• Prior ESOP lending or advisory experience.
• Familiarity with ESOP trustees, valuation firms, and ERISA counsel.
• Experience working remotely or in distributed teams.
• Success building national referral networks.

Responsibilities

• Originate ESOP and employee ownership lending and deposit opportunities, including buyouts, refinancings, recapitalizations, and growth financings.
• Build referral relationships with ESOP advisors, attorneys, trustees, valuation firms, investment bankers, and other industry partners.
• Develop a national ESOP pipeline through networking, thought leadership, and industry involvement.
• Represent the bank at ESOP conferences, events, and educational forums.
• Be the primary relationship manager for ESOP clients and trusted advisor to owners and employee-owned companies.
• Lead discussions related to transaction structure, capital needs, timing, and bank requirements.
• Coordinate onboarding, documentation, and closing with internal partners.
• Maintain long-term client relationships post close with high service standards.
• Lead deal structuring with clients, ESOP advisors, and internal credit teams.
• Act as liaison between clients and underwriting, credit, legal, and loan operations.
• Maintain accountability for relationship health, satisfaction, and credit compliance.
• Partner on reviews, amendments, and ongoing monitoring.
• Identify risks or growth opportunities and escalate as needed.
• Support development of the bank’s ESOP lending strategy and go-to-market approach.
• Educate internal teams on ESOP structures, market dynamics, and client needs.
• Contribute to best practices and scalable growth processes.
• Embody a commitment to environmental, social, economic, and racial justice.
• Pursue education related to sustainability practices.
• Understand and follow Bank policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Protect the organization and its customers by identifying and escalating suspicious or fraudulent activity in collaboration with appropriate teams.
• Maintain working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and Bank policies; complete all required compliance and IT training.

Benefits

• Annual bonus, incentives and equity may be available.
• 100% employer-paid health coverage for employees.
• Employer contribution for dependents.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc
• 401(k) with 6% Employer Match — No Vesting Period.
• Employee Stock Options
• Exclusive Employee Banking Perks
• 0% Financing for Employee Solar Loans
• Employee Only Mortgage Product with exclusive interest rates and terms.
• 0% Financing for Eligible Electric Vehicles (EVs)
• Referral Incentives
• 2–4 Weeks of Vacation based on officer level plus additional tenure-based time.
• 64 Hours of Paid Sick Time for all full-time employees.
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling, legal, and financial services.

What This Job Offers

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