VP, Commercial Solar Projects Underwriting - Remote​/reside in MS, TN, AR, LA, or AL

The VP, Commercial Solar Projects Underwriting role at HOPE involves leading the underwriting of commercial solar project loans, focusing on risk management and credit analysis. The position is remote but requires residency in MS, TN, AR, LA, or AL. Responsibilities include managing the underwriting team, developing policies, and collaborating with various teams to support solar projects and build customer relationships, particularly for under-resourced businesses.
Position: VP, Commercial Solar Projects Underwriting - Remote (must reside in MS, TN, AR, LA, or AL)
Title: VP, Commercial Solar Projects Underwriting
Department: Commercial Lending - Credit Department
Reports To: SVP, Commercial Lending
Supervises: N/A
Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Location: Remote in MS, AR, TN, AL, & LA

About HOPE:

Recognized as one of the most successful Black and Women owned credit unions in the nation, HOPE continues to deepen its impact by expanding access to financial services and engaging in advocacy to mitigate the extent to which factors such as race, gender, birthplace and wealth limit one's ability to prosper. Over the last 30 years, HOPE's work has benefitted millions of people in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee and influenced billions of dollars in investment.

This work has supported small business owners struggling to gain access to capital, families seeking to own homes and individuals looking for a better way to manage their hard-earned money with a financial institution they can trust. Learn more ecu.org.
The Opportunity:

The Vice President of Commercial Solar Underwriting will lead and oversee the underwriting of commercial solar project loans, ensuring the safety, soundness, and risk management of HOPE's solar portfolio. This role includes conducting comprehensive credit and financial analyses for commercial solar transactions, collaborating with members of HOPE's Commercial Lending and Community and Economic Development (CED) teams to build customer relationships, evaluate projects and move creditworthy transactions to close.

The VP will manage the underwriting team, oversee portfolio reviews, and present credit memoranda for HOPE's Executive Leadership Team. This position will be focused on identifying and mitigating risks, and, in collaboration with HOPE's Fiscal and Investor Relations teams, contribute to project compliance and performance reports to be included in HOPE's reporting to the Environmental Protection Agency. The VP may assist Servicing, Portfolio Management and other areas of the Commercial Lending team as needed.
Primary and Essential Functions:
• Lead HOPE's commercial solar lending for multifamily and community Solar for All projects, including financing for small- and medium-sized solar businesses in Arkansas and Mississippi.
• Lead and mentor the commercial solar underwriting team in evaluating and approving commercial solar project loan applications.
• Develop underwriting approaches and policies for commercial solar loan products that meet HOPE's market needs, risk appetite, and profit goals.
• Align HOPE's underwriting approaches with Solar for All, as well as other Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (NCIF and CCIA) awardee standards.
• Manage pipeline of borrowers for commercial solar projects (primarily solar developers and multifamily building owners that will be the primary Solar for All borrowers).
• Build flexible, equity-driven approaches that drive projects to under-resourced solar installation businesses beginning in Arkansas and Mississippi.
• Maintain strong sales and service culture to build long-term relationships with commercial borrowers.
• Collaborate with market leaders to develop risk mitigation strategies for new loan requests.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and internal policies.
• Present comprehensive credit memoranda and recommendations to HOPE's Executive Leadership Team.
• Prepare regular portfolio compliance and performance reports for the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Greenhouse Gas Reduction.
• Stay informed about solar industry trends, NCUA regulations, and credit culture developments.
• Perform general administrative duties, including attending meetings and producing reports.
• Lead and participate in special projects as requested or assigned.Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Accounting.
• 7 or more years of experience in commercial credit analysis and underwriting.
• 3 or more years of experience underwriting solar and/or renewable energies transactions (ideally community- or utility-scale solar).
• 3 or more years management experience.
• Demonstrated strength in credit analysis, financial analysis, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Able to travel up to 25% for onsite, project sites, meetings, conferences, and other work-related activities.Preferred Qualifications:
• Prefer experience with Moody's KMV Financial Analyst or Baker Hill / Next Gen.Regulatory Compliance Requirements:
• Must comply with provisions of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).
• Must comply with the National Credit Union Administration's rules and regulations.
• Must comply with all provisions of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation

B).
• Must comply with all provisions of the Fair Credit Practice Rule.
• Must comply with all provisions of the Flood Disaster Protection Act.
• Must comply with all provisions of the National Flood Insurance Act.
• Must comply with all provisions of the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z).Competencies/Skills:
• Strong computer skills, especially with financial spreadsheets and word processing; prefer experience…