Executive Director

Position Overview

Grow Iowa Foundation seeks a dynamic and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization’s lending and economic development initiatives. This individual will provide strategic leadership, oversee daily operations, manage lending activities, and advance GIF’s mission to promote housing and economic development throughout southwest Iowa.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, Loan Review Committee, community stakeholders, borrowers, and funding partners to ensure strong portfolio performance and organizational growth.

Key Responsibilities

● Market GIF’s business and housing loan funds and respond to borrower and partnerinquiries

● Coordinate activities of the Loan Review Committee and contracted document/closingspecialists

● Maintain accurate and complete loan files and databases

● Monitor and service the loan portfolio, including scheduling site visits and housinginspections

● Prepare reports on borrower inquiries, lending activity, and loan repayment schedules

● Lead capitalization efforts for lending pools, including grant solicitation, compliance, andinvestor relations

● Develop and maintain marketing materials to promote GIF programs and impact

● Represent GIF within the service area and strengthen partnerships with communitiesand stakeholders

● Complete additional assignments as directed by the Board of Directors

Qualifications & Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

● A strong commitment to housing and economic development

● Demonstrated leadership and organizational management skills

● Strong marketing and relationship-building abilities

● Experience working with a diverse range of borrowers and community partners

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● High initiative and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively

● Strong attention to detail

● Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Required:

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel

Preferred:

● Experience in lending, finance, community development, or nonprofit management

Compensation & Benefits

● Salary commensurate with experience

● Two weeks paid vacation

● Paid holidays and sick leave (pro-rata)

About Grow Iowa Foundation

Grow Iowa Foundation, Inc. (GIF) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to strengthening communities across southwest Iowa. GIF provides financing to businesses, cities, counties, and private developers to support business creation and expansion and community improvement projects. Funds are available for housing projects through business funds to private or community contractors.

Headquartered in Lenox, Iowa, GIF manages several business relending and housing development loan funds. GIF is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO).

GIF serves the following 21 counties in southwest Iowa:

Monona, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Harrison, Shelby, Audubon, Guthrie, Pottawattamie, Cass, Adair, Mills, Montgomery, Adams, Union, Clarke, Fremont, Page, Taylor, Ringgold, and Decatur. (Not all programs are eligible in every county.)

This position may be performed remotely; however, the Executive Director must reside within one of the 21 counties served.

Grow Iowa Foundation is committed to strengthening communities across southwest Iowa through responsible lending and strategic investment. We encourage candidates who are passionate about rural economic development and affordable housing to apply.

Application Procedure

Please submit resumes and cover letters detailing relevant skills, experience & compensation history via mail or email to: director@growiowa.org

Grow Iowa Foundation, Inc. is an “Equal Opportunity Employer” and an “Equal Opportunity Provider.”

Pay: From $15,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: Remote