Community Development Banking List
07-19-2010, 03:08 PM
Original message from: bruce@californiafarmlink.org
Position Announcement: Equity Building Programs Manager
California FarmLink seeks an Equity Building Programs Manager to work
full-time at the organization's headquarters in Sebastopol. The primary
function of the Equity Building Programs Manager is to maintain and build
the capacity of the organization's Individual Development Account and Farm
Opportunity Loan Fund programs.
The Equity Building Programs Manager at California FarmLink (FarmLink)
oversees the operation of a growing program that helps beginning and
underserved farmers & ranchers by providing funds to start up or expand
their agricultural operations. The goal of the program is to help
participants increase assets, income, and independence through their
successful ownership of independent farm or ranching operations.
California FarmLink is a non-profit organization working to promote family
farming and preserve farmland by providing a variety of services to farmers
designed to help transition farms from one generation to the next. These
services include facilitating connections between aspiring farmers and
retiring farmers and promoting the use of innovative farm financing
strategies. The majority of the organization's activities are focused on
helping beginning farmers secure land and financing to achieve their goals.
FarmLink has three regional offices and offers services directly through
professional staff and collaborative partnerships with individual
consultants and organizations. Key partnerships include organizations that
serve the agricultural, conservation and micro-enterprise communities.
California FarmLink is funded through a variety of sources including
government contracts, foundation and corporate grants, private donations,
and program revenue.
In 2005, California FarmLink developed the Farm Opportunities Loan Program
in partnership with experienced CDFI?s (Community Development Financial
Institutions). The number of loans and total dollars funded through
FarmLink's Farm Opportunity Loan Program, makes it one of the larger
programs of its kind in the nation serving small farmers. FarmLink is in the
process of building capacity to operate this innovative program
independently and is seeking a program manager to assist in this growth by
bringing underwriting, servicing and other key aspects of the program
?in-house.??Since its inception, FarmLink has loaned over $635,000 (average
loan amount $40,000) to 25 beginning farmers who would otherwise have
difficulty accessing credit.
Responsibilities are specifically defined within, but not limited to, the
following functions.
A. Manage day-to-day operations of the Farm Opportunity Loan Program.
1. In coordination with regional program staff, manage the application
preparation, structuring of loan terms & conditions, and analysis of loan
applications for eligibility, credit worthiness, and repayment ability.
2. Provide ?one-on-one? consultation to prospective borrowers in the areas
of loan acquisition, business plans, and credit.
3. Manage all aspects of loan underwriting, servicing and collections.
4. Assist borrowers in acquiring USDA Farm Service Agency financing as well
as other sources.
5. Monitor all borrowers and provide post loan technical assistance.
6. Work with regional staff to provide annual monitoring of all borrowers
post funding to ensure proper use of loan proceeds and continued viability
of farm/ranch operations.
B. Manage day-to-day operations of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
and refer clients for microloans.
1. In coordination with regional program staff, identify qualified
candidates, manage application preparation, and analysis of applications for
program eligibility for review by Equity Building Programs Manager.
2. Provide ?one-on-one? consultation to IDA participants in the areas of
business planning, finance, and credit through the duration of the IDA
program period.
3. Establish and monitor IDA participant accounts
4. Coordinate deposit of IDA match funds in participant accounts, and
disbursement of IDA funds for approved purchases.
5. Work with regional staff to provide monitoring of IDA participants post
purchase to ensure proper use of IDA program proceeds.
C. Financial Responsibilities - Coordinating with Program Manager,
bookkeeper and accountant to maintain records as defined by generally
accepted accounting practices and work with the Program Manager & Executive
Director to prepare the annual budget.
D. Equity Building Committee ? Prepare materials, organize agendas, prepare
minutes, and facilitate monthly meetings of the Equity Building Committee
(EBC). The EBC serves as FarmLink's ?loan committee? and is responsible for
all lending decisions, including review & approval of loans and IDA
participants.
E. Program Development ? Work with staff and consultants to revise or
develop new program guidelines, policies, and materials as necessary. Assist
with preparation of applications and funding proposals related to the
development and expansion of FarmLink Equity Building Programs. Analyze &
summarize data related to FarmLink clients served, loan & IDA program
demand, regional need, and opportunities for improvement.
F. Compliance Monitoring - Manage regulatory compliance with state and
federal agencies, lenders, and investors related to equity building
programs. Assist Program Manager with preparation of monthly, quarterly,
biannual, and annual equity building program reports, as required by
funders.
G. Build/maintain relationships with other business development agencies and
government entities to enhance existing services, as well as forging new
relationships.
H. Training & Networking ? Assist in ongoing training and technical
assistance for current and past participants.
I. Travel to farm visits, meetings and conferences as necessary to represent
the organization, serve clients, and meet job responsibilities. This may
include travel outside the Sonoma County region requiring approximately
15-20 overnight stays per year.
J. Other duties as assigned.
Qualities of a Strong Candidate:
* Minimum education level - Bachelors Degree (degree in finance, business,
economics is desirable, but not required)
* 3 years of experience in small business financial analysis, or other
qualifications.
* Familiarity with lending practices and protocols
* Experience in agricultural lending is not required, but a definite plus
* Experience in analyzing and underwriting loan requests
* Able to manage loan programs
* Able to consult ?one-on-one? with prospective clients to identify an
appropriate loan program
* Attention to detail
* A solid team attitude, ability to get along with co-workers
* Strong computer skills and aptitude
* Self motivated, problem solver
* Must have own vehicle, valid California Drivers License and proof of
insurance
* Good public speaking ability, Spanish language skills a plus
In addition to the above, experience in the following fields will be
extremely valuable for individuals seeking this position and will be
considered positively in the application process: agriculture,
micro-enterprise, real estate, and programs serving low-income, culturally
diverse, and socially disadvantaged populations.
Terms:
Employees will be eligible to receive 100% health benefits coverage after 6
months. At that time 50% of health benefits for qualified dependents will be
paid by California FarmLink. After one year of employment, FarmLink will
contribute 6% of base-salary into a Simplified Employee Pension Plan on
behalf of the employee. California FarmLink is an equal opportunity
employer. FarmLink offers a casual atmosphere and a quick pace.
Salary/Compensation: The Equity Building Programs Manager shall receive a
salary in the range of $40,000 - $50,000. The position classification will
be ?Exempt.? Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation per year that
begin accruing from date of hire. Employees are paid for the following
official holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans? Day, Thanksgiving (two
days), and two days for personal and/or religious purposes. Employee will
accrue 4 hours of paid personal time (?sick leave?) per month. The Equity
Building Programs Manager will report to the Executive Director.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should mail or e-mail a copy of their resume to the
California FarmLink office at the address below. For questions about the
application process, please e-mail questions to:
Bruce Shimizu
California FarmLink
P.O. Box 2224
Sebastopol, CA 95473
bruce@californiafarmlink.org
Interviews are expected to be scheduled for early August 2010. Applications
received after August 10th will only be considered if no excellent
candidates have been found by that date.
Background on California FarmLink:
Approximately 30% of California Farmers are at least 65 years old. This
percentage has increased steadily for more than a decade. California farmers
65 years old and older outnumber those under the age of 35 by an 8 to 1
ratio. As the saying goes, there are two ways to get into farming, ?marry
in? or ?inherit.? The number of well trained individuals committed to
starting their own small farms is high, but land prices and down payment
requirements are prohibitive. Considering the role of family farms as the
backbone of sustainable rural communities, it is essential that we
facilitate the entry of new, skilled, and committed individuals into
farming. The opportunity to assist California's farmers of tomorrow is far
too important to be left to the random process of marry in or inherit.
California FarmLink was established in 1999 as an independent non-profit
organization. Until that time there had been no simple way for aspiring
farmers to find comprehensive information on strategies to secure land, farm
business plans, government loan programs, or to find sellers willing to
assist a buyer (i.e. installment sales or carrying a second mortgage).
Similarly, farmers of retirement age have not had a single, accessible
source to turn to regarding the interrelationships between conservation
easements, estate planning, annuities, and lease-option transactions.
Knowledge of these techniques can make the difference between a smooth
transition and a crisis leading to a ?fire-sale.?
The primary methods of disseminating information to interested farmers are
through workshop training sessions, and ?one-on-one? technical assistance.
TA sessions are conducted by FarmLink's professional staff and expert
consultants (often at subsidized rates for lower income farmers).
California FarmLink also ?links? beginning farmers to opportunities to
access land including connections to unrelated retiring farmers. This
program works as follows: landowners and aspiring farmers complete a
questionnaire describing their goals, situations and resource needs.
Completed questionnaires are entered into a CRM system (a ?Client Relations
Management? database system) and farmers are matched with potential
lease/purchase prospects. California FarmLink staff then screen for common
goals and interests, as well as geographical considerations. Retiring
farmers/landowners are provided names of a few potential links. FarmLink
then offers to facilitate a face-to-face meeting and helps develop a plan of
action. FarmLink works with people involved in all types of crops and
livestock, and various cultivation and husbandry techniques.
California FarmLink established the nation's first Individual Development
Account (IDA) for agriculture in 2003. The IDA program provides matching
funds which are added to the savings of beginning farmers to help fund land
purchases or other capital expenditures. FarmLink also operates the Farm
Opportunities Loan Program which, since its inception in 2006, has committed
approximately $635,000 in financing to 25 beginning farmers who would
otherwise have difficulty accessing credit. These loans average $40,000 and
are typically equipment or operating loans, but may also be used in
conjunction with other financing for farm purchases.
For more information: www.californiafarmlink.org
Position Announcement: Equity Building Programs Manager
California FarmLink seeks an Equity Building Programs Manager to work
full-time at the organization's headquarters in Sebastopol. The primary
function of the Equity Building Programs Manager is to maintain and build
the capacity of the organization's Individual Development Account and Farm
Opportunity Loan Fund programs.
The Equity Building Programs Manager at California FarmLink (FarmLink)
oversees the operation of a growing program that helps beginning and
underserved farmers & ranchers by providing funds to start up or expand
their agricultural operations. The goal of the program is to help
participants increase assets, income, and independence through their
successful ownership of independent farm or ranching operations.
California FarmLink is a non-profit organization working to promote family
farming and preserve farmland by providing a variety of services to farmers
designed to help transition farms from one generation to the next. These
services include facilitating connections between aspiring farmers and
retiring farmers and promoting the use of innovative farm financing
strategies. The majority of the organization's activities are focused on
helping beginning farmers secure land and financing to achieve their goals.
FarmLink has three regional offices and offers services directly through
professional staff and collaborative partnerships with individual
consultants and organizations. Key partnerships include organizations that
serve the agricultural, conservation and micro-enterprise communities.
California FarmLink is funded through a variety of sources including
government contracts, foundation and corporate grants, private donations,
and program revenue.
In 2005, California FarmLink developed the Farm Opportunities Loan Program
in partnership with experienced CDFI?s (Community Development Financial
Institutions). The number of loans and total dollars funded through
FarmLink's Farm Opportunity Loan Program, makes it one of the larger
programs of its kind in the nation serving small farmers. FarmLink is in the
process of building capacity to operate this innovative program
independently and is seeking a program manager to assist in this growth by
bringing underwriting, servicing and other key aspects of the program
?in-house.??Since its inception, FarmLink has loaned over $635,000 (average
loan amount $40,000) to 25 beginning farmers who would otherwise have
difficulty accessing credit.
Responsibilities are specifically defined within, but not limited to, the
following functions.
A. Manage day-to-day operations of the Farm Opportunity Loan Program.
1. In coordination with regional program staff, manage the application
preparation, structuring of loan terms & conditions, and analysis of loan
applications for eligibility, credit worthiness, and repayment ability.
2. Provide ?one-on-one? consultation to prospective borrowers in the areas
of loan acquisition, business plans, and credit.
3. Manage all aspects of loan underwriting, servicing and collections.
4. Assist borrowers in acquiring USDA Farm Service Agency financing as well
as other sources.
5. Monitor all borrowers and provide post loan technical assistance.
6. Work with regional staff to provide annual monitoring of all borrowers
post funding to ensure proper use of loan proceeds and continued viability
of farm/ranch operations.
B. Manage day-to-day operations of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
and refer clients for microloans.
1. In coordination with regional program staff, identify qualified
candidates, manage application preparation, and analysis of applications for
program eligibility for review by Equity Building Programs Manager.
2. Provide ?one-on-one? consultation to IDA participants in the areas of
business planning, finance, and credit through the duration of the IDA
program period.
3. Establish and monitor IDA participant accounts
4. Coordinate deposit of IDA match funds in participant accounts, and
disbursement of IDA funds for approved purchases.
5. Work with regional staff to provide monitoring of IDA participants post
purchase to ensure proper use of IDA program proceeds.
C. Financial Responsibilities - Coordinating with Program Manager,
bookkeeper and accountant to maintain records as defined by generally
accepted accounting practices and work with the Program Manager & Executive
Director to prepare the annual budget.
D. Equity Building Committee ? Prepare materials, organize agendas, prepare
minutes, and facilitate monthly meetings of the Equity Building Committee
(EBC). The EBC serves as FarmLink's ?loan committee? and is responsible for
all lending decisions, including review & approval of loans and IDA
participants.
E. Program Development ? Work with staff and consultants to revise or
develop new program guidelines, policies, and materials as necessary. Assist
with preparation of applications and funding proposals related to the
development and expansion of FarmLink Equity Building Programs. Analyze &
summarize data related to FarmLink clients served, loan & IDA program
demand, regional need, and opportunities for improvement.
F. Compliance Monitoring - Manage regulatory compliance with state and
federal agencies, lenders, and investors related to equity building
programs. Assist Program Manager with preparation of monthly, quarterly,
biannual, and annual equity building program reports, as required by
funders.
G. Build/maintain relationships with other business development agencies and
government entities to enhance existing services, as well as forging new
relationships.
H. Training & Networking ? Assist in ongoing training and technical
assistance for current and past participants.
I. Travel to farm visits, meetings and conferences as necessary to represent
the organization, serve clients, and meet job responsibilities. This may
include travel outside the Sonoma County region requiring approximately
15-20 overnight stays per year.
J. Other duties as assigned.
Qualities of a Strong Candidate:
* Minimum education level - Bachelors Degree (degree in finance, business,
economics is desirable, but not required)
* 3 years of experience in small business financial analysis, or other
qualifications.
* Familiarity with lending practices and protocols
* Experience in agricultural lending is not required, but a definite plus
* Experience in analyzing and underwriting loan requests
* Able to manage loan programs
* Able to consult ?one-on-one? with prospective clients to identify an
appropriate loan program
* Attention to detail
* A solid team attitude, ability to get along with co-workers
* Strong computer skills and aptitude
* Self motivated, problem solver
* Must have own vehicle, valid California Drivers License and proof of
insurance
* Good public speaking ability, Spanish language skills a plus
In addition to the above, experience in the following fields will be
extremely valuable for individuals seeking this position and will be
considered positively in the application process: agriculture,
micro-enterprise, real estate, and programs serving low-income, culturally
diverse, and socially disadvantaged populations.
Terms:
Employees will be eligible to receive 100% health benefits coverage after 6
months. At that time 50% of health benefits for qualified dependents will be
paid by California FarmLink. After one year of employment, FarmLink will
contribute 6% of base-salary into a Simplified Employee Pension Plan on
behalf of the employee. California FarmLink is an equal opportunity
employer. FarmLink offers a casual atmosphere and a quick pace.
Salary/Compensation: The Equity Building Programs Manager shall receive a
salary in the range of $40,000 - $50,000. The position classification will
be ?Exempt.? Benefits include three weeks of paid vacation per year that
begin accruing from date of hire. Employees are paid for the following
official holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans? Day, Thanksgiving (two
days), and two days for personal and/or religious purposes. Employee will
accrue 4 hours of paid personal time (?sick leave?) per month. The Equity
Building Programs Manager will report to the Executive Director.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should mail or e-mail a copy of their resume to the
California FarmLink office at the address below. For questions about the
application process, please e-mail questions to:
Bruce Shimizu
California FarmLink
P.O. Box 2224
Sebastopol, CA 95473
bruce@californiafarmlink.org
Interviews are expected to be scheduled for early August 2010. Applications
received after August 10th will only be considered if no excellent
candidates have been found by that date.
Background on California FarmLink:
Approximately 30% of California Farmers are at least 65 years old. This
percentage has increased steadily for more than a decade. California farmers
65 years old and older outnumber those under the age of 35 by an 8 to 1
ratio. As the saying goes, there are two ways to get into farming, ?marry
in? or ?inherit.? The number of well trained individuals committed to
starting their own small farms is high, but land prices and down payment
requirements are prohibitive. Considering the role of family farms as the
backbone of sustainable rural communities, it is essential that we
facilitate the entry of new, skilled, and committed individuals into
farming. The opportunity to assist California's farmers of tomorrow is far
too important to be left to the random process of marry in or inherit.
California FarmLink was established in 1999 as an independent non-profit
organization. Until that time there had been no simple way for aspiring
farmers to find comprehensive information on strategies to secure land, farm
business plans, government loan programs, or to find sellers willing to
assist a buyer (i.e. installment sales or carrying a second mortgage).
Similarly, farmers of retirement age have not had a single, accessible
source to turn to regarding the interrelationships between conservation
easements, estate planning, annuities, and lease-option transactions.
Knowledge of these techniques can make the difference between a smooth
transition and a crisis leading to a ?fire-sale.?
The primary methods of disseminating information to interested farmers are
through workshop training sessions, and ?one-on-one? technical assistance.
TA sessions are conducted by FarmLink's professional staff and expert
consultants (often at subsidized rates for lower income farmers).
California FarmLink also ?links? beginning farmers to opportunities to
access land including connections to unrelated retiring farmers. This
program works as follows: landowners and aspiring farmers complete a
questionnaire describing their goals, situations and resource needs.
Completed questionnaires are entered into a CRM system (a ?Client Relations
Management? database system) and farmers are matched with potential
lease/purchase prospects. California FarmLink staff then screen for common
goals and interests, as well as geographical considerations. Retiring
farmers/landowners are provided names of a few potential links. FarmLink
then offers to facilitate a face-to-face meeting and helps develop a plan of
action. FarmLink works with people involved in all types of crops and
livestock, and various cultivation and husbandry techniques.
California FarmLink established the nation's first Individual Development
Account (IDA) for agriculture in 2003. The IDA program provides matching
funds which are added to the savings of beginning farmers to help fund land
purchases or other capital expenditures. FarmLink also operates the Farm
Opportunities Loan Program which, since its inception in 2006, has committed
approximately $635,000 in financing to 25 beginning farmers who would
otherwise have difficulty accessing credit. These loans average $40,000 and
are typically equipment or operating loans, but may also be used in
conjunction with other financing for farm purchases.
For more information: www.californiafarmlink.org