Capital Faciliator (Job #355) ($83,745 - $92,408)

Remote - Anywhere in the U.S.

General Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, Rooted Equity Fund, this role develops a borrower base and maintains relationships with borrowers over the life of their loan. The REF was created to work alongside, and in collaboration with RCAC's Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Loan Fund department, to provide financial and technical support for projects that fall outside of traditional policies and parameters. The role helps qualified applicants acquire affordable loans in a timely and culturally appropriate manner. The role collects and evaluates underwriting information, including financial statements, tax returns, bank records, non-traditional credit factors (including reciprocal investment) and other relevant documentation to assess creditworthiness and risk. The role structures and negotiates loan terms, completes credit memos, and presents proposals to the Rooted Equity Fund Assistant Director. The role collaborates with community-based non-profits, local units of government, Tribes, RCAC Building Rural Economies (BRE), RCAC CDFI Loan Fund, RCAC Rooted Relative Fund, and other RCAC staff to facilitate timely and compliant loan closings, increasing access to capital in underserved markets in a flexible, culturally appropriate, and prudent manner.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build deep, trusting relationships with local organizations positioned to help deliver new, creative, and innovative RCAC lending programs.
• Assist prospective borrowers and partner organizations aimed at providing complete, eligible, loan applications.
• Coordinate with RCAC's BRE team to provide underwriting support and technical assistance to potential REF/RRF borrowers for RRF or RCAC CDFI Loan Fund loans, as appropriate. This may include utilizing Tribal SSBCI programs in conjunction with RCAC/REF programs.
• Collaborate and coordinate with Community Lending Catalyst cohort discussions to share experiences and provide continuity and consistency across the REF lending portfolio.
• RCAC is a licensed lender in California. The Capital Facilitator will need to abide by California licensing law, where necessary.
• Collaborate, coordinate and design atypical lending products for REF in conjunction with partner organizations and local government entities to meet the needs of underserved Indigenous, farmworker and other communities and individuals.
• Build confidence with applicants and organizations that may distrust debt due to past barriers and predatory practices. Once a trusted relationship has been built, collect and evaluate underwriting information, including connection to, and investment in, the community, financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and other relevant documentation to assess creditworthiness and risk.
• Oversee lending guidelines for all REF programs to ensure the guidelines continue to meet the purpose of REF lending, suggesting edits, enhancements and alternative language and/or tools, as appropriate.
• Connect potential borrowers to appropriate borrower supports as needed during initial conversations, underwriting, etc.
• Structure and negotiate loan terms, complete credit memos, and present proposals to the Rooted Equity Fund Assistant Director.
• Collaborate with Loan Administration and Closing Coordinators to facilitate timely and compliant loan closings, increasing access to capital in underserved markets in a flexible, culturally appropriate, and prudent manner.
• Build relationships with prospective borrowers, analyze business needs, and recommend appropriate loan products. Provide excellent service to maintain clear communication and manage expectations.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, financial institutions, and referral partners to promote loan programs and identify new opportunities.
• Work with RCAC staff to schedule and support site visits that enhance borrower readiness and sustainability.
• Attend pertinent conferences and meetings, present relevant updates, and represent RCAC and the Rooted Equity Fund at community events and volunteer initiatives.
• Complete quarterly program reports and other required documentation to track outcomes and ensure compliance with funding and organizational goals for RCAC Board of Directors and REF Advisory Committee.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of RCAC, Rooted Equity Fund, Loan Fund and other RCAC policies to ensure all activities align with program values, processes, and organizational standards.
• Support cross-functional initiatives and contribute to team success through additional responsibilities as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

• No supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EQUIVALENT: Combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.
• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.
  
• EXPERIENCE: Administration and implementation of flexible lending programs focused on community and borrower impact first, or reciprocal relationship-based lending, or increasing access to credit (or new programs) in Indigenous, farmworker, or underserved communities. At least five years of experience in commercial or small business lending. A strong background of underwriting and understanding of financial analysis, cash flow analysis, and collateral evaluation. Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office programs.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working to increase access to capital in diverse Indigenous, farmworker, and other underserved communities.
• Experience working with or for Community Development Financial Institutions, Native Community Development Financial Institutions, or loan funds focused on building trust and providing credit in creative ways - centered on borrower impact and success.
• Strong cross culture competencies to help grow and deepen trust, sustain and build relationships, and increase access to programs.
• Strong communication and interpersonal and collaboration skills rooted in trust, transparency and care.
• Demonstrate a resourceful, resilient, and flexible attitude in implementing and improving new programs, initiatives, and projects.
• Thorough knowledge of underwriting commercial or small business loans.
• Strong analytical, time management and organizational skills as well as a high level of attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to be persuasive one-on-one as well as in a group setting.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of applicants and partners including Tribes, community-based organizations, banks, CPAs, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and public sector administrators.
• Impeccable personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of borrower data.
• Knowledge of government, philanthropic and non-profit programs and associated regulations, processes and rules.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and presentation software (such as PowerPoint).
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Ability to prepare and present loan documentation.
• Ability to learn lending processes.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Previous experience working with CDFIs, other types of loan funds, farmworkers, nonprofits, local, and Tribal governments.
• Commitment to rural and Indigenous communities and disadvantaged groups.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. The primary office for RCAC is located in West Sacramento, however remote locations within New Mexico, Arizona and/or California is preferred, but not required.