Posted: August 17, 2010

About Seedco Financial:
Seedco Financial is a national, nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) with approximately $200 million in assets under management. Working with local partners, Seedco Financial provides affordable financing and business assistance to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and anchor commercial projects in low-income and economically distressed communities. Its financing programs are designed to fill critical capital and capacity gaps within local markets. Seedco Financial is a subsidiary of Structured Employment Economic Development Corporation (Seedco), a national community development intermediary that creates opportunities for low wage workers and their families in economically distressed areas.

Position Overview:
Seedco Financial Services-Louisiana seeks a results-oriented, effective communicator with excellent leadership and management skills to oversee local site offices and staff in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas. The successful candidate must have extensive knowledge of local community economic development and small business lending, and have an ability to effectively manage and cultivate diverse client relationships. In addition, the candidate must be a creative problem-solver and possess the know-how to build and manage teams, delegate authority, and develop and implement a successful local strategy that is aligned with organizational objectives and mission. Strong budgeting, fundraising, grant writing, policy, marketing, strategic and analytical skills are essential. The successful candidate will be expected to achieve ambitious performance goals and tangible accomplishments, and promote awareness of Seedco Financial Services’ mission, programs, products and services.
Under the management direction of the President, the Managing Director/VP will direct and manage staff, set and achieve performance goals, and monitor the financial performance of all offices within the designated region. The Managing Director/VP will partner with Seedco Financial’s senior management team to define strategic direction and business unit specific objectives. Ensure that all program activities operate consistently and ethically within the mission and values of SFS. The Managing Director/VP will report to President/CEO of Seedco Financial.

Responsibilities:
Job responsibilities include the following and other duties that may be assigned:
• Develop and communicate vision and expectation levels to local stakeholders, staff and central office that are aligned to corporate vision and strategic direction.
• Manage the successful integration of multi-disciplined team functions including loan origination, underwriting, loss prevention, compliance and audit, customer service and administration.
• Partner with the President/CEO, CFO and Resource Development Officer to ensure proper support for site fundraising efforts.
• Provide tools needed for the office to accomplish stated objectives.
• Consistently provide feedback and communication to stakeholders and staff on corporate and local performance.
• Assess individual business and technical performance using results-based measures. Coordinate best practices compliance activities with the national office.
• Ensure operational compliance with best practices and quality assurance standards. Participate in corporate strategic planning.
• Develop and execute business plan to retain and grow the loan portfolio to achieve profit and loss financial results.
• Partner with other Managing Directors to address outstanding issues and achieve overall organizational business goals and objectives. Develop and execute strategies to integrate policy and claim objectives.
• Measure overall results against defined success measurements. Apply policies, practices and procedures. Make operating decisions needed to achieve business results.
• Place and retain business. Present business results and initiatives to key stakeholders, the President and Board of Directors.
• Develop and manage the budget process for the Louisiana office.
• Define and develop staff member roles, responsibilities and accountabilities.
• Select, coach, and retain qualified staff. Provide training and development opportunities where needed.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of 8-10 years of management/leadership experience with a focus on managing a multifunctional office with staff in multiple locations.
• Proven track record in community economic development lending, economics, management, business or finance. Formally credit trained with direct supervisory experience is highly desirable.
• Proficient knowledge of CDFIs, government and non-profit operations.
• Strong working knowledge of underwriting, compliance and audit, loss prevention, customer service and policy administration functions of a lending operation.
• Solid knowledge of local, regional and federal regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Skilled in securing government and non-government funding and fee-for-service contracts.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in both informal settings and formal presentations. Ability to understand and analyze various financial models.
• Proven ability to lead and manage in a matrix structure.
• Coach and guide staff toward improved performance. Encourage decision making at the lowest competent level.
• Inspire innovation and continuous quality improvement.
• Serve as a positive role model to staff members.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Masters preferred.

Compensation:
Salary is commensurate with experience. Full benefits package offered.
Seedco Financial is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

How to Apply:
Forward resume and cover letter with salary history in MS Word format to: SFSjobopenings@seedco.org. You must put “Managing Director/VP, SFS Louisiana (Req#10-39)” in the subject line of the e-mail in order for it to be processed. E-mailing your resume is preferable to fax.