Vice President of Client Management

IFF (CDFI)•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is intentionally structured to bring discipline, continuity, and relationship depth to loan clients. The VP will operate as both an internal strategist and relationship leader, balancing internal process rigor with external partnership management, and bringing structure while remaining flexible to borrower needs. The role requires both operational excellence and strong interpersonal judgment. IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in business, accounting or finance.
Significant experience (10+ years) in lending, portfolio management, asset management, or lending operations.
Strong understanding of the full lending lifecycle, particularly post-closing execution and portfolio oversight.
Demonstrated success leading and managing high performing teams.
Experience managing borrower or partner relationships over time.
Demonstrated ability to build or improve operational processes and systems.
Strong problem-solving skills with a solutions-oriented mindset.
Ability to identify and manage risk proactively while maintaining relationships.
Clear communication skills and strong organizational judgment.
Comfort working in evolving, ambiguous environments.
Ability to balance detail-oriented execution with broader strategic awareness.
Regular travel throughout the Midwest region; occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work.

Nice To Haves

Advance degree preferred or equivalent experience in a similar position.

Responsibilities

Design and manage processes for deal handoff from originations to portfolio management, seamless coordination between closing and construction loan administration, ongoing portfolio monitoring and reporting, and thoughtful and responsible management of client relationships under stress and/or experiencing repayment challenges.
Ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency with long-term client interface.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase client satisfaction, build trust, and reduce risk.
Establish clear ownership and accountability across post-origination activities.
Serve as senior leader for borrower relationships post-closing.
Ensure consistent, proactive communication and engagement with partners.
Monitor portfolio performance, with ongoing identification of opportunities and risks.
Support borrowers through opportunities and challenges with a solutions-oriented, relationship-driven approach.
Reinforce long-term partnerships aligned with IFF’s mission and investment strategy.
Partner closely with VP of Originations (pipeline, structuring, approving and closing), VP of Credit (credit, risk and policy), and VP of Operations (process improvement and compliance).
Create clarity around roles, responsibilities, and handoffs between teams.
Ensure alignment between deal intent at origination and execution post-closing.
Support organizational visibility into portfolio performance and key risks.
Contribute to broader strategy by identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities within the portfolio.
Maintain approachable, steady, and relationship-oriented leadership style.
Operate with low ego and a strong sense of ownership.
Bring structure and clarity without rigidity.
Lead with patience and sound judgement, particularly in complex or sensitive situations.
Act as a connector across teams, fostering alignment and collaboration.
Navigate ambiguity and system building in real time.
Contribute as a positive cultural influence and “cultural seed” for IFF.
Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.