Title:  Vice President of Originations

Employee Status:  Full Time, Exempt 

Salary:  Grade 10

Starting range of $175,000 – $227,000 | Chicago | Detroit | Milwaukee

Starting range of $160,000 – $210,000 | Indiana | Grand Rapids | Ohio | Missouri

Reports to:  Chief Business Officer

Department:   Capital Solutions

Location: Any IFF Office 

Hybrid:   In office: T/W | WFH: M/Th/F

Department Function:

Capital is a critical resource that’s often beyond the reach of nonprofits serving communities with limited resources. IFF works hard to change that. For more than 30 years, IFF has specialized in flexible lending products that help nonprofits achieve their growth goals and best serve their communities. IFF’s clients include human services agencies, supportive housing providers, schools, health clinics, arts organizations, community centers and a full spectrum of other nonprofit organizations. Racial inequality in property values still exists today. IFF takes a different approach to underwriting that isn’t limited by appraisals, but instead is informed by a deep understanding of nonprofit operations and the importance of nonprofit facilities to communities. IFF provides lending to our clients uniquely designed to serve nonprofits with no appraisals on commercial projects, as low as five percent up front, and long-term loans with no prepayment penalties. Loans can be used for acquisition, facility improvement, equipment and vehicles, and affordable housing. Capital Solutions is part of IFF’s Core Business Solutions which is a cross-cutting team that sits at the nexus of nonprofits, communities, and IFF technical knowledge. The group provides thought leadership and expertise to drive corporate strategy across markets. The primary business units in Core Business Solutions are Capital Solutions, Real Estate Solutions, Community Development Solutions, Home First, and Legal.

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

IFF is seeking a Vice President of Originations to lead and develop a high-performing lending team across multiple markets, with responsibility for overall loan origination and closing performance.

This role is designed for a senior leader who brings both strong technical lending expertise and a passion for people leadership - someone who has been a successful originator and is now motivated to build, coach, and elevate others. The VP of Originations will focus on driving team accountability, strengthening deal quality, and ensuring consistency and a high level of client-satisfaction across both originations and closing functions.

The role has a heavy internal focus, with responsibility for team performance and execution, while maintaining a thoughtful external presence to support market credibility and leadership.

IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice. 

Core Responsibilities: 

Team Leadership & Performance Management – Lead, develop, and hold accountable regional and sector teams across all IFF markets.

1. Provide high-touch leadership, coaching, and performance management to senior team members.

2. Drive accountability for team-wide origination and closing goals, rather than individual production.

3. Support team leads in strengthening pipeline quality, deal execution, and overall performance.

4. Create clarity around expectations, priorities, and performance standards. 

5. Foster a collaborative, low-ego, and solutions-oriented team culture.

Deal Strategy & Execution Oversight – Provide guidance and oversight across the deal lifecycle, including both originations and closings.

1. Coach team members on deal structuring, positioning, and execution.

2. Apply deep technical knowledge to support complex or non-standard transactions.

3. Ensure strong coordination between originations and closing functions.

4. Balance focus between new deal generation and successful execution of transactions.

5. Support problem-solving to move deals forward, with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Organizational Leadership & Team Design – Ensure seamless coordination across the full lending and relationship lifecycle. 

1. Partner closely with-

• VP of Client Management (construction loan administration and portfolio management)
• VP of Credit (credit, risk, and policy)
• VP of Operations (process improvement and compliance)

2. Create clarity around roles, responsibilities, and handoffs between teams.

3. Ensure alignment between deal intent at origination and execution post-closing. 

4. Support organizational visibility into market conditions, portfolio performance and key risks.

5. Contribute to broader strategy by identifying trends, challenges, and opportunities within the portfolio.

Leadership & Cultural Expectations

1. Maintain approachable, steady, and relationship-oriented leadership style

2. Operate with low ego and a strong sense of ownership

3. Bring structure and clarity without rigidity

4. Lead with patience and sound judgment, particularly in complex or nuanced situations

5. Act as a connector across teams, fostering alignment and collaboration

6. Navigate ambiguity and system building in real time

7. Contribute as a positive cultural influence for IFF 

8. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

Note: No job description can be entirely comprehensive, and the jobholder will be expected to carry out such other duties as may be required from time to time and are broadly consistent with the job description and status of the position within the organization. 

Performance Measures: 

1. Direct reports perform at a high-level and feel supported, challenged, and developed.

2. Team consistently meets or exceeds origination and closing targets with high levels of satisfaction.

3. Deals are well structured, coordinated, and executed effectively.

4. The team operates with strong accountability, collaboration, and ownership.

5. Organizational silos are reduced, with increased cross-functional alignment.

6. Timely, accurate and comprehensive analyses and reporting.

7. Cultivate a culture of openness in information sharing.  Encourage open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge. 

8. Model personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.

9. Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

10. Value and support differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment.  Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

11. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.

Position Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in business, accounting or finance. Advanced degree preferred or equivalent experience in a similar position.

Previous Experience: 

• Significant experience (10+ years) in lending, banking, or structured finance, with a strong technical foundation
• Proven track record of business development and loan origination
• Strong people management and coaching capabilities (approximately 70% leadership / 30% technical orientation)
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading high performing teams
• Deep understanding of deal structuring and the full transaction lifecycle
• Ability to command credibility and respect from senior-level team members
• Solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on resolving challenges, not just identifying them
• Strong communication skills and an approachable, low-ego leadership style
• Comfort working in complex, ambiguous, and evolving environments
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with detailed execution

Additional Requirements: Regular travel throughout the Midwest region; occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work. 

Standard Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution

Life Insurance

Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays 

Employee Development Benefits:

Professional development stipend

Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

Wellness programs

Employee assistance

Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

· relocation package

· 100% remote 

· provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. 

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.  

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.