Managing Director, Credit & Underwriting

CREA LLC is a full-service low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) syndicator forming long-term relationships with investors and developers that cultivate success and improve lives. With 25 years in affordable housing CREA has raised $13.5 billion resulting in the formation of over 97500 homes within 1059 communities across the country. Thanks to the contributions of over 135 employees CREA continues to seek talented passionate individuals who are excited about opportunities to grow with us.

Physical Presence: In-Office Tue Thu Flexible Mon & Fri

Reports to: President & COO

Open to: Indianapolis IN (preferred)

Position Summary:

The Managing Director Credit & Underwriting (the Managing Director) leads CREAs Credit & Underwriting function and develops their staff to achieve both personal and corporate success. This role is responsible for ensuring that each investment complies with program requirements real estate fundamentals and industry best practices while providing strategic leadership across underwriting investment risk evaluation committee participation process improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

The successful candidate will identify and mitigate investment risks serve as a technical resource in investment review processes help guide corporate Investment Guidelines and departmental Policies and Procedures and collaborate with senior leaders and stakeholders to support disciplined growth and efficient execution.

Primary Responsibilities:

Underwriting Principles

• Lead the Credit & Underwriting department managing workflow resources and staff development to meet company production goals.
• Utilize LIHTC and real estate expertise to identify significant risks to proposed investments and develop strategies to mitigate development team investment structure market operational tax compliance and construction risks.
• Review investment proposal submissions provide technical guidance to committees and staff and communicate underwriting findings and conclusions to leadership and appropriate stakeholders throughout the investment process.
• Develop and lead strategic departmental initiatives that support corporate needs improve efficiency and align with industry best practices.
• Regularly review and recommend updates to Investment Guidelines legal and documentation requirements and departmental Policies and Procedures based on market observations and industry feedback.
• Collaborate with key members of the organization to provide seamless service to CREA stakeholders and help resolve conflicts arising from risk mitigation structuring or execution issues.
• Monitor portfolio partner and vendor performance to proactively identify concerns support decision-making and manage expected outcomes deliverables and costs.

Team Management

• Manage and enhance the Credit & Underwriting team through leadership hiring career development training and day-to-day guidance.
• Delegate workload risk exposure and partner relationships across the team in alignment with experience capacity and business priorities.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to maintain job descriptions assigned responsibilities career paths and anticipated departmental staffing needs.

This role offers the opportunity to lead a high-performing underwriting function strengthen team capabilities and help shape CREAs approach to disciplined growth & investment within the LIHTC industry.

• A masters degree in real estate finance accounting or a related discipline is required.
• A minimum of ten years of hands-on LIHTC credit / risk experience and strong knowledge of real estate investment principles & financial analysis are required.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to mentor inspire and develop a growing team is essential.
• The ideal candidate is highly motivated self-directed organized and comfortable taking on new responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel Word PowerPoint Outlook and Co-Pilot is required.
• Travel including occasional overnight stays may be required.

Core Competencies:

• Strong initiative and the ability to work with minimal guidance and supervision.
• Proven leadership skills including the ability to motivate teams delegate effectively and drive strategic goals.
• Ability to identify analyze and resolve complex issues through critical and creative thinking.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with sound judgment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across a dynamic organization.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment through respect empathy and opportunity.

Our Values:

• We work as a family investing in each other worthy causes and the communities we serve.
• We have integrity in all that we do; we embrace differences and treat others with kindness and respect.
• We believe that with teamwork we can accomplish anything and pursue inventive solutions for our clients.