The Director of Lending will lead BAV’s lending program, which seeks to provide low-cost loans to farms and food businesses in and near our four-county service area. Since our inception in 2017, BAV has provided $3.6 million in loans to over 50 businesses, enabling equipment purchases, facility improvements, and other investments. The Director of Lending guides prospective borrowers through all phases of BAV’s loan intake and review process; underwrites and structures loans; and serves as a support resource for borrowers after loans close. They set annual program goals and objectives, and work with other program, development, and executive staff to lead the long-term strategy for the program. This is a leading-by-doing and relationship-driven role. The role is ideal for someone with commercial lending experience who is excited to work in a mission-driven environment, and excited to address business- and system-level financing gaps in the food system. The ideal candidate is curious, analytical, self-driven, and passionate about expanding non-extractive financing as a tool for agricultural producers and local economic development.

● 6-10+ years of progressive responsibilities in commercial or institutional lending ● 3+ years of direct portfolio management responsibility for small business loans ● 3-5+ years of accountable leadership experience for a program or business line ● Experience evaluating small business PnL statements and balance sheets and developing basic financial projections under base- and stress-case scenarios ● Demonstrated interest in impact lending, regenerative finance, local agriculture, food systems, and/or economic development ● Adept knowledge of conventional loan products, typical terms, legal documentation ● Willingness to put on boots, literally & figuratively, to help our young organization continue to thrive ● Trust- and community-building mindset ● Experience with Down Home Loan or similar commercial loan management software ● Familiarity with conventional loan security provisions, collateral valuation methodologies, lien searches, and security perfection methodologies ● Proficiency with MS Office & collaborative software tools (Google suite, Asana, Zoom, etc.) ● Experience in non-profit financial management, governance, and/or funding strategies is a plus, but not required ● Existing network connections in the Hudson Valley or Berkshire Taconic region are a plus, but not required