Impact Investment Associate

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Black Farmer Fund (BFF) was created by Black farmers who were frustrated with the limited financing options available to them, hoping to create a funding vehicle that would challenge the racial injustices and wealth inequalities faced by Black food actors. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and an emerging community investment fund that invests patient (flexible repayment terms), and integrated capital (mix of low-interest loans and grants) in Black food businesses in the Northeast.

BFF is by us, for us, with a community of Black farmers and food systems entrepreneurs from across the region leading the fund’s governance and decision-making around which applicants receive funding. Our process is consensus-seeking and guided by our values of economic justice, community wealth building, and managing environmental/ecological impact. We are currently in the process of making direct investments in Black food actors while emphasizing financial education, investment literacy, and active community involvement in creating these financing options.

You can find more information on Black Farmer Fund here.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Black Farmer Fund seeks a full-time Impact Investment Associate to support the development of our integrated capital strategy. A qualified candidate will be expected to vet prospective investments, support applicants throughout the financial due diligence process, and provide on-going technical/administrative support to existing portfolio businesses.

JOB DETAILS

• $65,000 - $75,000 depending on experience;
• Reports directly to the Investment Director;
• Remote, full-time position (must reside in Northeast) with 5%-10% travel for in-person events and workshops;
• Benefits include 4 weeks PTO; generous paid holidays; self-care stipend; work from home stipend; professional development stipend; IRA employer match; medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Investment Support and Development - 80%

• Maintain a thorough understanding of Black Farmer Fund’s investment thesis and mission
• Pipeline Development & Screening: Research, identify and evaluate new investment opportunities and their fit in the portfolio, in collaboration with the Investment Team
• Application Intake: Evaluate and recommend approval of loan applications, explain technical jargon, respond to questions, assist applicants with reporting requirements
• Investment Committee Pitch: Attend and participate in Investment Committee meetings as needed, presenting information where applicable
• Integrate qualitative feedback from the Investment Committee in coordination with the investment guidelines to assess candidate’s alignment with Black Farmer Fund’s mission
• Pre-Technical Assistance Assignment: Identify specific need for targeted assistance, assigning internal or external resources, and tracking progress
• Loan Underwriting: Conduct due diligence for prospective investment opportunities, including leading quantitative analysis, drafting investment memos and performing financial modeling
• Loan Packaging: Structure packages of loans, grants, and technical assistance
• Workout Processing: Support restructuring steps for borrowers facing financial difficulty or default risk. Support the drafting of impact data analyses, the annual impact report, and the ongoing management of our impact management of portfolio

Office and Project Management - 10%

• Loan Closing: Collect legal documents from portfolio businesses and liaise with fund attorneys to draft transaction documents
• Maintain portfolio tracking reports and written documentation on investment decisions

Communications - 10%

• Prepare and present analyses of the total portfolio performance and risk profile
• Coordinate with Senior Communications Manager to produce digital materials on investment activities for social media

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related areas
• Two to four years of relevant work experience in Direct Lending, Private Debt, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Corporate Finance, Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), or Business Control
• Excellent fundamental analysis skills and proficiency with financial modeling
• Knowledge of investment assets (e.g. loans, stocks, bonds, real estate, commodities)

and markets.

• Knowledge of analytical methods for determining fair value and an investment’s merits and implementation methods

SKILLS

BFF seeks candidates that exhibit both mission alignment and professional competency in the following areas:

• Demonstrated interest in solidarity economy values (e.g. racial, economic, climate justice, cooperative ownership, systems change, etc.)
• Demonstrated understanding of integrated capital models, non-extractive capital, sustainability, financial markets and/or related topics
• Excellent quantitative analysis skills, problem solving and general critical thinking
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently
• Resourceful, proactive, able to prioritize and navigate responsibilities and deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Understanding of the historical context of racial injustice in the US, particularly in the agricultural landscape
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
• Unquestioned ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner
• Proficiency with MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

VACCINATION POLICY

This position is contingent upon your demonstration of proof of vaccination against Covid-19. If you require an exemption from this mandatory vaccination requirement due to the need for a reasonable accommodation because of a medical condition, sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance, or other reason protected by law, please let us know.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Black Farmer Fund values inclusion in our workplace and community. People of color, women, people with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, gender-nonconforming and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Folks from communities listed are encouraged to apply or to reach out for more information. Black Farmer Fund knows these groups are subjected to systemic oppression– including people of color, women, people from working class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ – are less likely to apply unless and until they meet every requirement for a job. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other communities who are marginalized.

BFF also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and corresponding state or local law. IF you believe you need an accommodation in order to participate in the application process, please contact careers@blackfarmerfund.com.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, advancement, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.