Director of ESOP Lending

Climate First Bank

Director of ESOP Lending at Climate First Bank focusing on employee ownership lending and managing ESOP relationships. Overseeing complex transactions and building referral networks.

Posted 7/27/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ESOP lending and employee ownership structures, with a strong ability to build and maintain referral relationships while managing complex transactions and client needs. Committed to high service standards and compliance within the banking industry.

Highest-signal resume keywords

ESOP LendingCommercial Banking ExperienceTransaction ManagementReferral Network DevelopmentClient Relationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Complex Transaction StructuringFinancial AnalysisRisk IdentificationCredit ComplianceOnboarding and Documentation

Soft Skills

Relationship ManagementCommunicationNetworkingProblem-SolvingTeam Collaboration

Industry Keywords

Employee OwnershipESOP AdvisorsValuation FirmsERISA CounselMiddle-Market Lending

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Originate ESOP and employee ownership lending and deposit opportunities, including buyouts, refinancings, recapitalizations, and growth financings
Build referral relationships with ESOP advisors, attorneys, trustees, valuation firms, investment bankers, and other industry partners
Develop a national ESOP pipeline through networking, thought leadership, and industry involvement
Represent the bank at ESOP conferences, events, and educational forums
Be the primary relationship manager for ESOP clients and trusted advisor to owners and employee-owned companies
Lead discussions related to transaction structure, capital needs, timing, and bank requirements
Coordinate onboarding, documentation, and closing with internal partners
Maintain long-term client relationships post close with high service standards
Lead deal structuring with clients, ESOP advisors, and internal credit teams
Act as liaison between clients and underwriting, credit, legal, and loan operations
Maintain accountability for relationship health, satisfaction, and credit compliance
Partner on reviews, amendments, and ongoing monitoring
Identify risks or growth opportunities and escalate as needed
Support development of the bank’s ESOP lending strategy and go-to-market approach
Educate internal teams on ESOP structures, market dynamics, and client needs
Contribute to best practices and scalable growth processes
Embody a commitment to environmental, social, economic, and racial justice
Pursue education related to sustainability practices
Understand and follow Bank policies, procedures, and regulations
Protect the organization and its customers by identifying and escalating suspicious or fraudulent activity

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field
8+ years of commercial banking or corporate finance experience
Experience with ESOPs or complex middle-market lending structures
Proven ability to source, manage, and close complex transactions
Prior ESOP lending or advisory experience (preferred)
Familiarity with ESOP trustees, valuation firms, and ERISA counsel (preferred)
Experience working remotely or in distributed teams (preferred)
Success building national referral networks (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% employer-paid health coverage for employees; employer contribution for dependents
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Free Telemedicine access via Teladoc
401(k) with 6% Employer Match — No Vesting Period
Employee Stock Options
Exclusive Employee Banking Perks
0% Financing for Employee Solar Loans
Employee Only Mortgage Product with exclusive interest rates and terms
0% Financing for Eligible Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Referral Incentives
2–4 Weeks of Vacation based on officer level plus additional tenure-based time
64 Hours of Paid Sick Time for all full-time employees
Company-Paid Life Insurance
Short- & Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Life, Accident & Critical Illness Coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free counseling, legal, and financial services