Business Development Officer – Farm & Food Lending

The Sustainable Food Systems Program is looking for a Business Development Officer (BDO) who will be responsible for implementing the program’s mission to support regenerative agricultural supply chains throughout New England. The BDO is responsible for building relationships within the regional agriculture community, including with other lenders and agriculture support organizations, to inform how the Community Loan Fund can effectively finance and foster regenerative agricultural businesses. The BDO will also identify prospective borrowers — such as producers, processors, and retailers — and work closely with the Community Loan Fund’s business lending team to shepherd prospective borrowers through the loan application process, analyze and present loan proposals for organizational approval, and manage borrower relationships. The ideal candidate will have existing relationships within the agriculture sector in New England, an understanding of the systems context in which it operates, and strong interpersonal and communications skills to help shape regional lending. While prior lending experience is preferred, it is not required; however, the candidate will be expected to develop proficiency in underwriting and credit analysis in this role.

Reports to: Director of Sustainable Food Systems Program

FLSA status: Exempt

Major responsibilities/accountabilities

Cultivate relationships with producers, business owners, and others to develop lending opportunities to farm and food businesses in New Hampshire and New England.
In coordination with the business lending team, respond to loan inquiries, identify eligible applicants, and work with prospective borrowers to collect the necessary Information to evaluate an applicant’s capacity to repay debt to grow or stabilize operations.
Help determine which loan prospects should advance to full underwriting and structure loan terms and conditions that meet the applicant’s needs and further the mission of the Community Loan Fund.
Assist in preparing written credit memos that clearly articulate the strengths and risks of loan applications.
Actively manage borrower relationships through regular communication. Support non-performing loans with a relationship-based approach.
Develop working partnerships with other New England agriculture and food system organizations, including lenders, business advisors, and agricultural support services, in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Track opportunities for leveraging capital flows into the region to support farm and food businesses, such as grant funding and infrastructure or real estate investments.
Participate in New Hampshire and New England strategic initiatives to guide the long-term development of the region’s food system.
Attend regional and national conferences and events to promote the work of the Community Loan Fund to food systems audiences.
Assist in developing grant proposals to support expanded program operations and loan capitalization.

Education and experience

At least five years of relevant professional experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Relevant experience may include farm or food system advisory services, lending, or business ownership or management. We encourage alternative relevant professional backgrounds to apply.
Professional experience and/or coursework demonstrating an understanding of the agriculture and food sectors, especially in New England, and the systems in which they operate. Relevant experience may include work with cooperative extension, university programs, small business development centers, and nonprofit organizations.
Professional experience or coursework demonstrating proficiency with standard terms, tools, and methodologies for evaluating credit risk is preferred.
Professional experience or course work in commercial financial analysis demonstrating proficiency in reading and analyzing financial statements is preferred.
Experience managing a goal-oriented group process, such as organizing presentations or stakeholder events is preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and OneNote.

Qualifications and characteristics

Commitment to the mission and values of the Community Loan Fund and its efforts to support regenerative agriculture and food systems.
Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in writing.
Organized and responsive with strong follow-through, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
High degree of self-motivation, independence, and self-direction, and adept at working collaboratively across teams.
Have a growth mindset and be open to coaching feedback.
Familiarity with standard business lending processes and procedures.
Must maintain high ethics and professionalism with respect to partners, borrowers, colleagues, and the public at large when representing the Community Loan Fund.
Absolute commitment to protecting confidentiality.
Availability to work and travel for occasional evening and weekend meetings.
This position requires extensive travel throughout New England. Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license.

Physical demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hand to finger, handle, and reach with hands and arms above shoulder height, stoop, kneel, and crouch. Specific vision abilities required in this job include the ability to adjust focus between near and far.

Ability to answer telephones and use standard office equipment (copier, fax, etc.).
Ability to read, write, and understand and speak English clearly.
Ability to use a computer for Community Loan Fund business.
Ability to drive for extended periods, both day and night.
Ability to walk for extended periods on various terrains.
Ability to lift at least five pounds.

Work environment

We are a team of creative thinkers and problem solvers. We love creating new opportunities and solutions for our neighbors to succeed. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be in an environment with a noise level that is usually moderate.

Employment Details

Location: Concord, NH and hybrid (in office Tuesday and Wednesday; training will be in person)
Salary range: $85,000 - $100,000

About New Hampshire Community Loan Fund

We believe in a Neighbors-Investing-in-Neighbors philosophy. Since 1983, we have provided systematically excluded people and communities with loans, coaching, and guidance that enables them to become economically secure.

From helping people purchase manufactured homes, to strengthening small businesses and nonprofits, and supporting entire towns as they work to secure financing, our services support the security and growth of people and communities. We focus on four areas of community development finance:

Affordable Homeownership
Small Businesses & Nonprofits
Energy Efficiency Solutions

To Apply

If the description above is a good fit for your skills, abilities, and interests, we would love to hear from you! Please email us a resume with a cover letter to careers@communityloanfund.org with subject line of “Business Development Officer – Farm & Food Lending".

New Hampshire Community Loan Fund adheres to policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines, including fair lending and ethical behavior. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.