Chief Executive Officer - Nonprofit Loan Fund

JOB DESCRIPTION:  CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - NONPROFIT LOAN FUND

 The Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County (HTF) is looking for an experienced housing professional to lead and manage our organization. The HTF is a small nonprofit 501(c)(3) loan fund and certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) whose mission is to expand affordable and workforce housing opportunities in Santa Barbara County, California. We raise capital, design innovative housing solutions, provide low-cost loans affordable housing production loans, offer first-time homebuyer down payment assistance, and promote innovations in affordable housing construction and use of sustainable building materials. Learn more about HTF and our programs at: www.sbhousingtrust.org

 Position Summary: The CEO is responsible for all aspects of HTF operations, management and success. The new CEO will guide the agency during the next phase of its maturation and develop workable strategies to raise capital to grow the fund, increase the volume of lending activities and optimize the agency’s response to the opportunities and challenges it faces. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and supervises the work of a small two-person staff and contractors.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resumé and completed HTF employment application to: Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County at: [email protected].  The HTF employment application and a description of the full range of work duties is posted on the HTF website at: https://www.sbhousingtrust.org/careers.

Duties and Responsibilities: The position has multiple functions and responsibilities, as summarized below. While candidates may not have experience in all areas, there will be the opportunity to learn through cross-training. Strong candidates should have experience in capital development and lending.

Nonprofit Agency Management:

• Manage agency operations and systems, update corporate plans and policies and ensure compliance with non-profit charitable corporate reporting requirements and applicable employment regulations.
• Supervise staff and oversee relationships with contract service providers.
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop the agency’s capacity to achieve its mission and key goals. Advise the Board on market conditions or other circumstances that affect agency programs.

 Financial Management:

• Prepare the annual budget, project and monitor revenue and expenses, approve expenditures under the Board-adopted budget, adjust operations as needed to ensure a balanced budget.
• Work with the bookkeeper to ensure timely completion of accurate monthly financial statements, and with the auditors to complete the agency’s annual audit and tax returns.

 Fundraising for Capital and Operations:

• Identify funding opportunities and solicit donations from private, nonprofit and public funders.
• Lead in the preparation of grant and loan applications to obtain capital and operational funds for the agency’s loan programs and operations.
• Meet all performance, compliance and reporting requirements of various funders.

 Real Estate Lending, Program Development and Management:

• Identify funding opportunities, process, underwrite and finance affordable housing projects that align with the agency’s mission and are fiscally prudent.
• Oversee the agency’s Revolving Loan Fund, Workforce Homebuyer Program and Housing Innovations Program. Maintain lending policies and update program guidelines.
• Develop new loan products and recommend changes to existing loan products, in response to changes in the housing market, housing needs and opportunities.
• Oversee the corporation’s loan portfolio to ensure performance requirements and adequate earned income to maintain the corporation’s operations.

 Technical Assistance and Advocacy:

• Provide education, information and technical assistance concerning affordable housing development, financing, policies and strategies to affordable housing developers, community groups, local governments, and the public.
• Represent the agency at the local, state and national level. Maintain good relationships with elected officials and staff, developers, financial institutions, community groups and others.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• College or Graduate degree in community development, real estate, finance, urban planning, economics, public administration or a related field or equivalent work experience.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in real estate finance, affordable housing development, foundation capital development, or related field. 10 years preferred.
• Five to ten years of experience in a relevant leadership/management role in a nonprofit, private or government agency. Management experience with a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and/or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit housing development corporation preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with the housing project development and approval process, affordable housing finance programs, and California housing laws.
• Five or more years of experience in financial management successfully developing, executing, and reporting operating budgets in an organization with multiple funding sources.
• Competency in strategic planning, financial analysis, and negotiation.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors to actualize an agency’s goals and programs.
• Strong computer proficiency specifically within Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook.
• Ability to drive to and for work, a valid Driver’s license and current automobile insurance preferred.

 Compensation, Benefits and Location: The salary range is $120,000 to $140,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Benefits include health benefits, paid vacation and sick days leave, 401(k) deferred compensation with employer match, and parking benefit. 

Location: Downtown in the City of Santa Barbara, CA in an office setting.  This is not a remote location work position. Interested applicants from outside of the Central Coast region should be aware of local housing costs.  Please see the report at the following link: 2024 Rental Housing Survey Report.  There are no relocation funds available. 

Application Process: Please submit a cover letter, resumé and completed HTF employment application to: Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County at: [email protected].  

The HTF is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). All candidates for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and/or local laws.