Financial Services

Company: Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation

Location: New York, NY

Posted on: May 8, 2026

UMEZ is an independent not-for-profit corporation and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over $80 million in assets. Since our inception in 1995 the mission of the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ) has been to sustain the economic revitalization of all communities in Upper Manhattan through job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments and small business investments. In pursuit of this mission, UMEZ has facilitated economic development and invested more than $250 million in real estate projects, leveraging over $1.5 billion in private capital, funded over 100 small businesses, supported the arts and culture communities and built the capacity of workforce development organizations in the neighborhoods of Central, East and West Harlem;
Washington Heights; and Inwood.

As we enter our fourth decade, we are expanding our financing to borrowers across New York City while continuing to deliver on our commitment to Upper Manhattan. Over the past several months, we have closed loans in Queens and Brooklyn and are eager to continue this work.

Job Title: Senior Lending Officer

Reports to: Senior Vice President & Chief Lending Officer

UMEZ is implementing a strategic growth plan to expand its lending activities, and we are looking for individuals to join our team and help us realize this growth plan.

The Senior Lending Officer will be involved in all aspects of the lending process and be responsible for building a portfolio of viable and impactful projects. This position requires a commitment to UMEZ’s mission of community development through financial services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
:
Include the following and other duties as may be assigned:

• Manage the initial vetting, due diligence, and underwriting of potential borrowers and lending projects
• Work with borrowers, analyze, and evaluate applications for credit and ascertain all necessary due diligence and documentation
• Perform full credit analysis and projection scenarios for proposed loan fund clients
• Prepare credit memoranda for loan applicants, including financial and narrative analysis, and present written and oral recommendations to the Loan Committee
• Recommend appropriate loan terms by conducting risk assessments to evaluate creditworthiness and identify risk mitigation opportunities
• Evaluate whether there is adequate funding to meet borrower’s needs
• Assist with borrower’s efforts to secure adequate funding; strategize on viable sources and provide referrals
• Collaborate with co-lenders on transactions, as needed
• Attend and represent UMEZ at conferences, events convenings, and meetings to cultivate community partnerships and promote lending activities.
• Together with the lending team and outside counsel, move transactions from underwriting to closing.

• Undergraduate degree required, advanced degree in business, finance, or related field preferred
• 7 plus years in Business lending experience or relatable financial services
• Prior related experience in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
• Ability to work independently with strong experience in lending and underwriting
• Advanced writing and oral presentation skills
• Strong financial and analytical skills in excel, business accounting, interpersonal, and communications skills
• Must be able to engage tactfully with potential borrowers, existing borrowers, and community partners
• Familiarity and experience in NYC community or economic development

Salary Range & Benefits The salary range for this position is $,000.

The benefit package includes medical, dental and vision insurance as well as a 401K plan.

Interested candidates should e-mail or mail a resume and cover letter to: