Senior Underwriter

The Senior Underwriter works closely with the Lending, Portfolio Management, and Compliance Teams and is responsible for leading the underwriting and analysis of complex loan transactions and supporting overall portfolio performance.

Lead underwriting process from initial screening through credit approval, working independently while coordinating with Lending, Legal, and Portfolio Management.

· Underwrite financing requests for on- and off-balance sheet transactions, including NMTC allocations and delegated underwriting within NJCC’s credit policy guidelines.

· Prepare and present Credit Approval Memoranda (CAMs) for internal review and approval.

· Analyze financial statements, tax returns, project budgets, development timelines, and borrower/guarantor strength.

· Evaluate construction and development risk including budgets, schedules, contractor capacity, contingency adequacy, and completion risk.

· Analyze and underwrite complex capital stacks including tax credits, public subsidies, grants, and subordinate financing.

· Identify key risks and recommend appropriate mitigants including covenants, reserves, and guarantees.

· Provide thoughtful challenge to deal assumptions and structure, ensuring alignment with NJCC’s risk tolerance and credit standards.

· Manage underwriting timelines to ensure efficient progression of transactions from application to closing.

· Coordinate with Legal, Closing, and Portfolio Management teams to resolve underwriting and documentation issues and support timely closings.

· Work with borrowers through all stages of the financing process.

· Participate in borrower meetings and external discussions, providing underwriting insights and representing NJCC as needed.

· Maintain accurate and timely data within internal systems to support pipeline tracking, reporting, and organizational decision-making.

· Prepare analytic and portfolio reports on an as-needed basis for internal, investor, and program purposes.

· Support Portfolio Management in monitoring loan performance, identifying early warning risks, and assisting with restructurings and workouts.

· Maintain integrity of the pipeline report in the loan servicing system.

· Assist in the management, restructuring, and analysis of existing loans as needed.

· Assist the Lending Team in completing funding applications and investor reporting requirements.

· Provide direct oversight of and manage Lending Fellow.

· Maintain a culture of quality customer service in all interactions with NJCC clients and partners.

· Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience in finance, real estate, accounting, or related field.

· 7–10+ years of experience in community development finance, commercial lending, or structured finance.

· Strong quantitative, financial modeling, and analytical skills.

· Experience underwriting complex transactions including construction and/or structured finance.

· Experience with layered capital stacks (e.g., tax credits, participations) preferred.

· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Working knowledge of underwriting commercial loans, with familiarity with non-profit accounting.

· High proficiency in MS Office Excel, Word, and related products.

· Previous experience with Loans.net! or similar loan servicing software is desired.

· Discretion in handling confidential information is imperative.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Good networking, relationship management, and customer skills.

· Ability to provide independent credit judgment and recommendations on complex transactions with limited oversight.

· Ability to travel throughout the state to meet with borrowers.