The Structured Finance Division of The Bernstein Companies (TBC) focuses on investing in community and economic development projects. We originate and manage investments that are profit-seeking but also predominately impact-motivated.

The Impact Officer will help TBC and its mission-driven partners further their mission of investing in diverse communities nationwide. We are seeking candidates with a passion for community development/investing and a strong desire to help shape the way our impact is achieved. The Impact Officer will become a vital part of our efforts to obtain new investment authority. They will be a key contributor to the preparation of investment materials and funding applications as well as have input on our business strategies and investment selection criteria. The Impact Officer will also manage the impact reporting for our portfolio of community investments. They are expected to maintain and improve robust systems for gathering, measuring, and evaluating our impact data.

TBC’s impact-motivated investments are primarily made under Federal and State New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) programs. Previous experience with NMTCs or other tax credits is a plus, but not necessary for consideration, although the Impact Officer is expected to become highly proficient in understanding these programs over time. The key characteristics we are looking for in an Impact Officer are strong writing and communication skills, a self-driven desire to learn and succeed, and a passion for impact-driven investment.

The Impact Officer role also comes with opportunities for growth and advancement. Our Structured Finance Division is a small but experienced team with a portfolio of nearly $500 million of active investments. There are myriad roles available for motivated team members to add to their portfolio. Our expectation is the Officer will initially support and eventually take on additional responsibilities in asset management, investor relations, transactions, and originations.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Assist in the preparation and review of applications for investment authority under NMTC and other impact-based programs. Application preparation will include gathering quantitative impact data, demographic research, drafting and reviewing funding applications and extensive collaboration amongst the team and external partners.
• Analyze prospective investment opportunities for community impact/benefit, project feasibility and risk assessment. Prepare investment proposals and community benefits agreements and assist with investment due diligence when appropriate.
• Maintain and improve the impact reporting database for active investments. Periodically evaluate and update categories and metrics utilized (e.g. jobs created, wages & benefits, demographics of patients/students served, etc.). Communicate annually with investees to collect impact data and prepare impact reports for investors and regulators.
• Assist in the preparations of materials and presentation of potential investments to Advisory Boards and Investment Committees to ensure that all transactions receive the required approvals prior to funding.

Additional Responsibilities May Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Asset Management: build productive relationships with existing investees to support asset management work (e.g. periodic reporting, workouts, divestitures) when called upon
• Investor Relations: assist in preparation, delivery and communication of impact and financial benchmark reporting
• Transactions: support transaction due diligence and assist in underwriting, participate in closing calls, help monitor closing checklists and ensure proposed transactions align with impact goals.
• Originations: provide technical assistance and feasibility assessments to potential investees in support of TBC’s transaction origination objectives. Conduct impact analysis to provide input and make recommendations on prospective investments.
• Perform other tasks as reasonably requested by Senior staff

Required Experience and Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office – Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Exemplary reading, writing and communication skills
• Comfortable working with numbers/data
• Highly organized, focused, and attentive to detail
• Able to effectively prioritize, multi-task and work independently
• Desire for personal growth
• Interest in and commitment to impact-driven investment

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree with coursework in business or economics
• 3-5 years of work experience, preferably with experience in non-profit lending or development, community development, business, real estate, or policy
• Highly qualified candidates will have:

• Experience writing grant or funding applications;
• Experience preparing credit memos / investment proposals for real estate or business transactions; and/or
• Experience working with New Markets Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits or other tax credit programs.

Compensation & Benefits: TBC offers full-time, exempt employees a comprehensive package of benefits that includes health, dental and vision plans, life insurance, 401(k), paid time off and holidays.

Location: Flexible. Our team is based in Washington D.C. and is currently in the office Monday -Thursday and remote on Fridays. This position can be structured as partially to fully remote. Relocation bonus may be available for out-of-town candidates willing to relocate.

The Bernstein Companies is an equal opportunity employer.

Education

• Bachelors or better in Accounting or related field

Behaviors

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help