Loan Officer / Relationship Manager

Strategic HR Client • Cincinnati, OH

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF) is hiring a Loan Officer / Relationship Manager to lead its commercial real estate lending process by originating, evaluating, and structuring loans. The role serves as the main point of contact for borrowers and guides projects from initial lead generation through closing. It involves managing existing customer relationships, developing new business, underwriting and structuring loan requests, coordinating loan approvals and closings, and supporting portfolio and construction loan activities. The position works with borrowers, internal teams, legal counsel, participating banks, and public, private, and community partners to advance mission-aligned development projects in Greater Cincinnati.

CDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit lending institution that provides real estate development financing in underserved markets in the Greater Cincinnati area, as well as facilities and equipment funding for regional nonprofit organizations. Its mission is to provide innovative real estate financing for projects that strengthen low-income neighborhoods and improve lives. CDF is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Development Entity (CDE).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, real estate, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in community development, commercial real estate finance, banking, or a similar field.
• Ability to analyze financial statements and apply established underwriting criteria and risk profiles.
• Strong sales, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to build relationships and develop business opportunities through networking, community engagement, and partnerships with borrowers, developers, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organization, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Collaborative approach, positive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Passion for community and economic development, including affordable housing.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with affordable housing, tax credit transactions, CDFIs, or mission-driven lending.
• Knowledge of community development financing tools and resources, including NMTC, LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits, and other local, state, and federal programs.
• Experience with affordable housing programs and developing partnerships to support affordable housing lending.
• Nonprofit or mission-driven lending experience.
• Professional certification in community or economic development finance, such as Grow America, Novogradac, IEDC, NeighborWorks, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Originate mission-aligned loans by managing an existing customer base and developing new relationships through business development and participation in industry and community events.
• Maintain knowledge of loan products and programs and guide borrowers through the lending process.
• Collect, analyze, underwrite, and structure loan requests in accordance with CDF’s risk profile and Loan Committee and Board expectations.
• Partner with Credit staff to prepare and present loan packages to the Loan Committee and Board, and communicate loan decisions to borrowers.
• Prepare preliminary and final commitment letters that accurately reflect approved terms and conditions.
• Support loan closings under CDF’s lending policies, coordinating with legal counsel and participating banks as applicable.
• Collaborate with the Construction Manager and Portfolio Manager on construction loan disbursements, monitoring, and conversion to permanent financing.
• Assist with ongoing portfolio monitoring and resolution of troubled loans as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with borrowers, internal teams, and public, private, and community partners.
• Stay current on real estate development lending practices through ongoing professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive pay of $85,000–$105,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Hybrid schedule with three days in office and two days remote.
• Generous paid time off.
• Comprehensive benefits options, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company contribution.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Technology stipend.

What This Job Offers

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