Growth Partners Arizona is hiring a Loan Program Manager who will report to the Executive Director. The Loan Program Manager is responsible for building community relationships and sourcing new loans across the state of Arizona to meet established lending goals. Responsibilities include underwriting loans and obtaining credit approvals, assisting with loan documentation and closing, coordinating technical assistance efforts, and conducting ongoing client and portfolio relationship management.
Growth Partners Arizona’s first loans were made in 2014 and focused exclusively on nonprofit organizations in southern Arizona. In March 2020, GPAz launched its small business and Kiva programs, and expanded geographically to the entire state. The loan program provides direct loans up to $200,000 to nonprofits and up to $75,000 to small businesses. The program also includes the Kiva Tucson hub, a platform that assists southern Arizona small businesses and nonprofits with earned income in obtaining online, crowdsourced microloans up to $15,000. Technical assistance for borrowers and non-borrowers is also a part of GPAz’s mission. Currently, the direct loan portfolio is approximately $1 million, nearly 90% of the portfolio is to borrowers in low-moderate income census tracts, and over 80% is to nonprofit organizations.
Organization leadership anticipates significant growth in the reach and impact of the program in the next 5 years. The Loan Program Director will be instrumental to helping design, guide, and oversee program growth.
Position Details
This is a full-time position in Arizona. Compensation is commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package will be provided. Qualified applicants will work remotely.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee lending to GPAz target market of small businesses in economically underserved areas; small businesses that are owned and/or led by women, low-income individuals, and/or people of color; small businesses that serve and/or employ primarily low-income individuals and/or people of color; and nonprofit organizations;
- Provide technical assistance to borrowers and nonborrowers, including coaching through the loan process, establishing development plans for building financial resiliency and sustainability, and referring to other partner technical assistance providers;
- Develop and maintain robust referral networks, and lead sales and marketing efforts to further awareness and advancement of the loan program;
- Respond to inquiries, underwrite applications for credit approval, and assist with documentation and closing;
- Consistently monitor the loan portfolio and maintain meaningful relationships with borrowers;
- Identify loan delinquencies, work with clients to get loans back on track, and assist with collection efforts;
- Report on program activities, performance, and trends to leadership, board members, and funders;
- Travel throughout the state of Arizona to meet with staff, clients, and partners on a regular basis;
- Partner with the Executive Director to develop program strategy, including loan and technical assistance programs, ensure strategy implementation, and assist with program fundraising;
- Partner with the Executive Director to manage program budgeting, loan fund capital management, loan underwriting, and adherence with policy and CDFI Fund requirements; and
- Any other job responsibilities assigned by the Executive Director.
Minimum Qualifications
- 3-5 years previous experience in originating and underwriting alternative loans;
- Proven mathematical skills with the ability to perform financial analysis;
- A desire and proven track record to stimulate and drive new closed loan volume;
- Strong marketing and relationship building skills;
- Deep knowledge of and established relationships with loan referral sources and other technical assistance providers, including other lenders and economic and community development professionals;
- Technology lover with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and an interest in and ability to learn other technology platforms, including a CDFI-specific CRM; and
- Willingness to travel to across the state of Arizona when necessary.
Skills
- High level of attention to detail;
- Clear writing and excellent interpersonal communication skills; ability to collaborate and communicate with internal and external stakeholders;
- Ability to organize and handle multiple priorities simultaneously;
- Ability and enthusiasm to work effectively in a team;
- Ability and desire to work remotely; and
- Creativity and strong problem resolution abilities.
Personal Characteristics
- Passion for GPAz’s mission and a strong commitment to GPAz’s values of respect, innovation, partnership, experience, trust, and relationships;
- Reliability and trustworthiness; ability to demonstrate a high degree of discretion and confidentiality;
- Ability and enthusiasm to work successfully with a diverse range of community-based groups;
- Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work autonomously and with limited supervision;
- Integrity and value transparency;
- Empathetic, industrious, and diligent;
- Entrepreneurial; and
- Comfortable with decision-making.
Preferred Qualifications
In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration;
- Experience working with a CDFI;
- Fluency in Spanish, both verbal and written; and
- Online networking experience on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Application Instructions
Apply by emailing a resume, cover letter, and up to three professional references. Apply by February 26, 2021 for full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.
It is GPAz’s policy not to discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Tucson, Arizona. GPAz provides accessible, fair, and responsible loans and support to Arizona nonprofits and economically underserved small businesses. GPAz’s goal is to help borrowers become financially resilient and sustainable so they can move up the capital access ladder and become bankable within 3-5 years. Find additional information about GPAz, a supporting organization of the Business Development Finance Corporation (BDFC), at www.growthpartnersaz.org.
