Careers at Grow America

LOCATION:

The successful applicants are able to work hybrid (~75% remotely – 25% travel) travel for internal and extremal meetings including New York City. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Oversight and Management of Grow America Lending, and President of Grow America Fund, Inc (SBLC) 

As Managing Director of Grow America Lending (MD), responsible for execution, implementation and delivery of Lending division’s strategic vision for impact lending with excellence and impact. 

Working with Senior Management, participates in the development and communication of strategic initiatives and priorities, and directly oversees and manages the Team’s execution of strategic lending initiatives, and operationalizes those life-of-loan (origination thru payoff) initiatives with integrity, excellence, and programmatic compliance.

• Grow America currently manages a $200+ million loan portfolio of SBA guaranteed and non-guaranteed credit facilities, originated and serviced through its two CDFIs: Grow America Fund (GAF, a licensed Small Business Lending Company authorized to originate SBA guaranteed loans), and Community Impact Loan Fund, a FHLBNY Non-Bank Member.
• The MD is responsible for effective, efficient and impactful management of Lending staff and operations, including (but not limited to):
  • Increase 7a lending, streamlining operations through the planning, budgeting, creation and adaptation of appropriate lending systems, processes and technology(ies),
  • Develop new referral network and intake initiatives, programs and products to complement and expand GAF, Grow America’s SBA 7a SBLC lender,
  • Expand other initiatives include (but not limited to) growing commercial real estate and small business lending to better utilize Grow America Lending’s FHLB membership, continue to develop-deploy-manage Grow America’s clean energy investment and lending solutions to support Grow America’s participation in the Federal EPA’s GGRF Initiatives, and deliver specialized products and programs to support and expand Grow America’s State, local and regional lending & business support partnerships,
  • Identify, access, utilize & expand capital sources that may include debt, equity and grants,
  • Elevate the Grow America Lending brand by providing guidance in technology, and input on marketing, enhancements to Grow America website, and expand Grow America’s CDFI Industry presence & influence,
  • Provide critical input for Grow America’s ongoing Technology upgrade for lending initiatives (identifying, developing, budgeting.
  • Manage and enhance Lending Team human resources and nurture future Grow America leaders.

As President of Grow America Fund (GAF), a mission-based US Small Business Administration (SBA) licensed Small Business Lending Company (SBLC) offering loans to small businesses throughout the country providing access to capital in low income and economically disadvantaged communities, responsibilities include:

• Establishing and implementing programmatic goals, processes and new lending systems/ technologies/referral and intake networks/initiatives for increasing both the 7a and non 7a portfolio,
• Overseeing GAF’s financial and budgeting activities – accountable for goal setting, outcomes, and establishing operational and infrastructure budgets,
• Reports to the GAF’s Board of Directors and responsible for developing and adhering to the Board approved Policies and Procedures and Governance Plan and Capital Plan.
• Responsible for all SBLC regulatory compliance and managing the relationship with the SBLC’s regulator, the Office of Credit and Risk Management of the SBA.
• Responsible for Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) compliance and community accountability including management of CDFI programmatic goals and managing the Board appointed Advisory Group.
• Working with Senior Management to raise lending and regulatory capital in the form of Grants, Project Related Investments, Equity Equivalent Investments and secure borrowed capital (and negotiate credit agreements and participations).
• Decision maker on secondary market 7a loan sales; responsible for match funding fixed rate loans and generating maximum premium on all sales.
• Coordinate with the SBA a biennial Safety and Soundness Exam. Responsible for the official response to the SBA’s Report of Examination.
• Monitor financial and portfolio performance including P&L, cash flow, delinquencies, compliance, and community outcomes.
• Manage financial reporting in cooperation with the organization’s Chief Financial Officer.
• Coordinate with financial auditors to ensure that annual audit is completed in a timely manner.
• Responsible for review and sign off on quarterly and annual financial statements.

 GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

• Bachelors or Masters in finance, management, business administration or a related field,
• 10+ years’ experience in community banking and/or economic development lending,
• 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role in the community development lending industry,
• Superior consensus-building and communications skills,
• Detailed understanding of community development lending products (7a, 504, etc) and related SBA regulations.

This position will report to the Executive Managing Director – Lending.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: HR@growamerica.org.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.  The salary range is $210,000 to $225,000.  Comprehensive total rewards package.  Grow America is an Equal Opportunity employer.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work of the position.  It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

Become part of an exciting and growing national not-for-profit organization focused on providing capital to traditionally underserved communities of color and low income – providing entrepreneurs with access to appropriately priced and structured financing! You can join a small but dedicated team of underwriters learning and implementing the nuances of providing excellent loan capital to this market!

LOCATION:

Hybrid of working in the office (Grow America’s Cleveland or NYC offices) and home office.  Travel regularly for internal and external meetings, up to 25% of the time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The Credit Analyst II (“CA”) role centers on the core responsibilities of underwriting small business and real estate loans. The CA will work under the general supervision of the Grow America’s Small Business Director of Credit, exercising significant latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgement in the performance of his or her responsibilities.
• The person chosen for this position will be expected to perform credit analysis and underwriting functions for qualified applicants’ commercial real estate and small business financing that may include SBA 7a Lending; and
• Under the guidance of the Director of Credit, the person hired will create quality loan reports for review by the Director of Credit while communicating and interacting with Lending Team members and applicants regarding documentation, questions, concerns, and any outstanding issues.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

• Has an interest and familiarity with accounting and/or finance and analytic concepts,
• Possesses strong time management and organizational skills as well as a high level of attention to detail,
• Is a self-motivator who routinely sets and exceeds their own goals. If you’re goal-oriented and self-motivated, you’ll thrive here!
• Has earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, economics or a related field,
• Is effective in written and verbal communication skills,
• Shows the ability to work effectively, and
• Have developed computer literacy in contact management, Microsoft Office Programs and/or database programs. Working knowledge of “Spark” a plus, but not required

This position will report to the Executive Managing Director – Lending.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: HR@growamerica.org

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.  The salary range is $65,000 to $80,000.  Comprehensive benefits package.  Grow America is an Equal Opportunity employer. 

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work of the position.  It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

The Controller’s responsibilities will include working with a team of professionals to ensure quarterly and year end reporting is complete, accurate, and timely. Those responsibilities include preparing and reviewing internal accounting records and schedules, reviewing detailed loan performance schedules, and communicating with external stakeholders.  The Controller will also provide operating support to the financial management team members and updates to the board of directors.  The Controller will report directly to the CFO. 

LOCATION:

The position will be fully remote but with periodic in-person meetings in the New York office and occasional travel to attend meetings in other parts of the country. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and improve the financial reporting process for Grow America (parent organization) and consolidated statements,
  • Including monthly and quarterly period end closings
• Cost allocations to subsidiaries
• Lead the audits for the parent organization and consolidated statements.
• Assist the CFO with monthly budget to actual reporting and presentation to other members of management,
• Review and approve accounting entries to the general ledger to ensure completeness and accuracy of all financial transactions in accordance with GAAP,
• Review detailed audit schedules for general ledger accounts such as accounts receivables, allowance for credit losses, capital/finance leases, deferred revenues, capitalized costs, other receivables, conditional grants, and net assets,
• Research, implement and assist with training other financial management team members on any new accounting standards,
  • Including ability to analyze, and document implementation of new accounting standards,
• Assist with filing the 990’s for the parent and subsidiary organizations,
• Work directly with third party accountants and provide guidance as necessary,
• Mentor and work with existing staff including other product controllers, assistant controllers, accounts payable clerk and revenue analyst,
• Manage the process and issuance of 1099s to applicable recipients,
• Assist in the implementation of NetSuite enhancements including segmentation reporting,
• Ensure financial and regulatory compliance with various municipalities, state and federal agencies, etc.,
• Prepare additional qualitative and quantitative reports as required by external stakeholders or management,
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and cross‐functional partners to create strong processes, tools and systems. 

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES:

Experience and Education

The prospective candidate should have an undergraduate or advanced degree in finance and accounting, with a minimum of 7‐10 years of experience in financial reporting, auditing, and nonprofit accounting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• CPA with prior audit experience, as financial statement preparer or as auditor, required,
• Not-for-profit accounting a plus,
• 990 and Not-for-profit tax experience a plus,
• Experience with NetSuite a plus,
• Advanced knowledge of Excel with experience creating ad‐hoc reports for management,
• A self‐starter with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as with external stakeholders,
• Strong analytical, time management and organizational skills as well as a high level of attention to detail,
• Effective written and verbal communication skills,
• Impeccable personal integrity and ability to maintain confidential financial information,
• Proficient with productivity software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint

This position will report to the Chief Financial Officer.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to: HR@growamerica.org.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. The salary range is $125,000 to $150,000.  Comprehensive benefits package. Grow America is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of the work of the position.  It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

Grow America, formerly NDC, is the oldest national non-profit community and economic development organizationin the United States. NDC was founded in 1969 with a mission of increasing the flow of capital for investment, jobs and community development to underserved urban and rural areas across the country. For additional informationabout us, please visit growamerica.org.

The Field Director Position
Field Director (Directors) deliver Grow America’s core services, including technical advisory services and capacity building, to local governments and non-profit corporations. Grow America Field Directors provide expert technical advisory and development services for commercial and residential development and small business expansion. Grow America’s services and products are used to leverage private investment and make determinations for appropriately sizing public financial incentives in order to attract maximum private investment. 

Grow America seeks to add another full-time Field Director for its eastern United States team. A candidate based in the New York metropolitan area is preferred but not required. The position still will require travel. The person selected for this position will be expected to:

• Design, evaluate and implement economic and housing development programs.
• Evaluate markets and develop customized policy and program solutions.
• Evaluate real estate development proposals.
• Structure incentives and financing packages for real estate and operating businesses.
• Represent Grow America’s programs and services for practical application in client communities. These programs include
  • Grow America Fund – a small business lending company
  • Corporate Equity Fund – a syndicated fund that purchases housing and historic tax credits
  • HEDC New Markets – a community development entity (CDE) that has received several allocations of New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs)
  • Housing and Economic Development Corporation – Grow America’s development affiliate involved withpublic private partnerships for public facility and social infrastructure development.
• Instruct public sector and non-profit staff in economic development and housing development financeincluding
  • Small business credit analysis and financing
  • Commercial/industrial real estate development
  • Affordable and market rate rental and for-sale housing development

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, finance, planning, real estate development or other related fields. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Ten years of increasingly responsible experience with economic development and housing development.
• Highly energetic, creative self-starter capable of managing various assignments for multiple parties.
• An extensive working knowledge with the principles and practices of business credit, real estate credit and affordable housing. Proven experience with underwriting operating businesses, affordablehousing developments, and commercial real estate developments.
• A solid working knowledge of existing economic development resources commonly used as a means ofencouraging private investment. These programs include but are not limited to
  • US. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Community Development BlockGrant (CDBG), Section 108 Loan Guarantee program, and HOME.
  • U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – 7(a) Loan Guarantee and 504 loan programs.
  • Federal Tax Credits including New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and Rehabilitation/Historic Tax Credits (RTC).
  • Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing.
  • Taxable and Tax Exempt Bond Financing.
• Ability to formulate and implement public policy to ensure client compliance with regulations, fiscal and programmatic accountability, and client goals and objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional colleagues, municipalclients, public officials, developers, and representatives from private and public financialorganizations.
• A demonstrated ability to solve problems in a collaborative work environment.
• Entrepreneurial and strategic financial knowledge and understanding, combined with an ability to clearlysummarize and communicate complex financial information. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to careers@growamerica.org. The position is open until filled.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package. Salary range
$120,000 – $150,000. Grow America is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.