Analyst, Capital Innovation Lab

Washington, DC
Posted on  

Job Description

What We Do

With residents and partners, LISC forges resilient and inclusive communities of opportunity across America – great places to live, work, visit, do business and raise families.

Strategies We Pursue

  • Equip talent in underinvested communities with the skills and credentials to compete successfully for quality income and wealth opportunities.
  • Invest in businesses, housing and other community infrastructure to catalyze economic, health, safety and educational mobility for individuals and communities.
  • Strengthen existing alliances while building new collaborations to increase our impact on the progress of people and places.
  • Develop leadership and the capacity of partners to advance our work together.
  • Drive local, regional, and national policy and system changes that foster broadly shared prosperity and well-being.

Since 1979, LISC and its affiliates have invested approximately $29.7 billion in businesses, affordable housing, health, educational mobility, community and recreational facilities, public safety, employment, and other projects that help to revitalize and stabilize underinvested communities. Headquartered in New York City, LISC’s reach spans the country from East coast to West coast in 38 markets with offices extending from Buffalo to San Francisco and in 2,400 rural counties across 49 states and Puerto Rico. Visit us at www.lisc.org

ABOUT STRATEGIC INVESTMENT AND CAPITAL INNOVATION LAB

The LISC Strategic Investments team leads the design, development, and deployment of impact investment funds in LISC’s local markets nationwide. Strategic Investments employs an “impact first” investment methodology that optimizes the impact on the communities we care about while achieving sustainable risk-adjusted returns for investors.

The unique power of LISCs local office presence combined with the strength of our national investment expertise is a powerful combination for creating real impact in the communities we serve. This network requires careful coordination between Strategic Investments, the LISC Local Offices, and other stakeholders within LISC. While many groups within the LISC organization support fund management activities, the Strategic Investments team is ultimately responsible for ensuring a successful track record for LISC’s off balance sheet fund investments. Visit us at www.liscstrategicinvestments.org

The Capital Innovation Lab at LISC is dedicated to creating and developing innovative finance models that better serve underestimated communities by providing unique capital support. The team focuses on implementing capital programs with flexible, patient funding options, enabling more individuals to access the resources they need to succeed in their businesses and communities. To date, the Capital Innovation Lab has invested almost $13 million in over 60 businesses across 16 states.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

In this role, you'll split your time equally between underwriting new small business deals and managing our existing portfolio of growth capital investments. You'll work closely with business owners, conducting thorough financial analyses and crafting deals that balance risk and community impact. Post-closing, you'll own key client relationships, monitoring portfolio performance and stepping in to restructure investments when needed.

You'll thrive here if you're:

  • Passionate about community development and financial inclusion
  • A problem-solver who enjoys untangling complex financial situations
  • Comfortable managing fewer, high-touch deals with meticulous attention to detail
  • Eager to contribute ideas and collaborate on improving our processes
  • Adaptable and ready to grow in a fast-paced, innovative environment

At CIL, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on communities while advancing your career in mission-driven finance. If you're ready to apply your financial expertise to create positive change, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

The following are an indication of the position’s core responsibilities; these are intended to illustrate the scope of responsibilities and are not exclusive of other duties that may be required.

Underwriting and Financial Analysis (45%)

  • Conduct thorough financial analysis on pre-vetted deals
  • Work with business owners to collect and verify necessary information
  • Evaluate and assess growth capital applications against investment policy and risk guidelines
  • Prepare comprehensive investment memos and recommendations
  • Conduct meetings with business owners to refine and structure deals
  • Perform industry and market research to support underwriting decisions

Asset Management and Portfolio Oversight (45%)

  • Manage post-closing relationships with businesses
  • Oversee portfolio-level management and closely monitor watchlist deals
  • Conduct regular portfolio reviews and risk assessments
  • Implement and maintain effective monitoring systems for financial covenants and reporting requirements
  • Identify potential issues early and develop proactive mitigation strategies
  • Handle modifications, amendments, and workouts for troubled assets
  • Negotiate and renegotiate terms for underperforming investments
  • Collaborate with legal team on complex amendments and workout situations
  • Develop and implement investment modification strategies to minimize risk and maximize recovery

Team Collaboration and Process Improvement (5%)

  • Participate in team meetings and strategy sessions
  • Contribute ideas for improving underwriting and asset management processes
  • Assist in developing and refining credit policies
  • Support fundraising efforts with portfolio insights and success stories
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and industry education
  • Share knowledge and best practices with team members

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university OR relevant related work experience
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in community development financial institutions (CDFIs), small business lending, or related banking/finance roles.
  • Demonstrated experience in both underwriting/financial analysis and asset management of small business loans and recoverable grants, including portfolio monitoring and loan workouts.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling, with experience in loan management systems and CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Smartsheet).
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to make sound decisions in complex financial situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Proven relationship management skills, with experience in client-facing roles and the ability to work effectively with small business owners.
  • Self-starter mentality with strong time management skills; able to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
  • Understanding of community development principles, the role of CDFIs, and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
  • Adaptable and flexible, comfortable with changing priorities and capable of managing multiple responsibilities across underwriting, asset management, and team collaboration.

COMPENSATION:

LISC offers a competitive salary of $65,300 - $102,000 commensurate with experience and excellent benefits. This position is expected to travel less than once per month, up to 15% annually.

  • Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education, work location and other qualifications.

LISC is an equal opportunity employer. LISC does not discriminate in employment on account of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military status or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

LISC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND JUSTICE