SVP, Head of Real Estate Specialty Finance (note-on-note)

Customers Bank•New York, NY

23h

About The Position

Customers Bank (“Bank”) has an immediate opening for a Senior Vice President, Head of Real Estate Specialty Finance (note-on-note). The Head of Real Estate (Finance) at Note-on-Note Group is responsible for leading the financial strategy, capital structuring, and investment performance of the firm’s specialty real estate portfolio. This role oversees underwriting, acquisitions, asset financing, and portfolio optimization, ensuring alignment with the company’s investment objectives and risk parameters. The position combines strategic leadership with direct financial oversight, including deal structuring, lender and investor relations, cash flow management, and execution of financing solutions across diverse real estate assets. The Head of Real Estate (Finance) works closely with commercial real estate, asset management, and executive leadership to drive value creation, maximize returns, and support scalable growth. Key responsibilities include developing and executing capital markets strategies, managing debt and equity sourcing, overseeing financial modeling and due diligence, and ensuring disciplined investment decision-making. The role also plays a critical part in market analysis, identifying opportunities, and navigating complex transactions to enhance portfolio performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Real Estate, Economics, or related field; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
10–15+ years of progressive experience in real estate finance, structured credit, private lending, or investment management, with a focus on complex or specialty finance transactions.
Deep expertise in structuring and executing real estate debt investments, including senior loans, mezzanine financing, preferred equity, and note acquisitions.
Proven track record of originating and closing high-value, complex transactions across multiple asset classes.
Strong capital markets experience, including relationships with banks, private credit funds, institutional investors, and alternative lenders.
Advanced financial modeling, underwriting, and valuation skills, with the ability to assess risk and return across varied deal structures.
Experience managing portfolios through full lifecycle, including origination, asset management, and workouts or restructurings.
Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to build, mentor, and scale high-performing teams.
Strong negotiation and communication skills, with experience leading investor discussions, term sheet negotiations, and deal execution.
Deep understanding of real estate markets, credit cycles, and macroeconomic drivers (interest rates, liquidity conditions, etc.).
High level of commercial judgment, strategic thinking, and decision-making under uncertainty.
Familiarity with legal documentation related to real estate finance transactions (loan agreements, intercreditor agreements, etc.).
Ability to operate in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a hands-on leadership approach.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship, now or in the future, to be considered.

Nice To Haves

MBA or Master’s degree in Finance, Real Estate, or Business Administration (strongly preferred).
Advanced coursework or concentration in real estate finance, capital markets, or structured finance is highly desirable.
Professional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst), or CPA (Certified Public Accountant) are advantageous.
Continuing education in real estate investment, credit markets, or financial modeling is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the firm’s real estate specialty finance platform, including strategy, execution, and portfolio performance across structured credit, bridge lending, and opportunistic investments.
Originate, evaluate, and structure complex real estate credit transactions, including senior/mezzanine debt, preferred equity, and note acquisitions.
Oversee underwriting, financial modeling, and due diligence processes to ensure disciplined risk-adjusted returns.
Develop and manage capital markets relationships, including banks, private lenders, institutional investors, and debt funds, to source and structure financing solutions.
Direct debt and equity capital raising efforts, including investor presentations, term sheet negotiations, and closing execution.
Manage portfolio performance, including cash flow monitoring, covenant compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
Partner with asset management and commercial real estate teams to optimize investment outcomes and execute business plans.
Establish pricing, credit policies, and investment guidelines aligned with firm-wide objectives.
Lead restructuring, workouts, and special situations for underperforming or distressed assets.
Monitor market trends, interest rate environments, and competitive dynamics to inform investment strategy.
Build and mentor a high-performing team across underwriting, capital markets, and portfolio management.
Report to executive leadership on portfolio performance, pipeline activity, and strategic initiatives.