Climate Finance Manager, Clean Communities Investment Accelerator

The Justice Climate Fund (JCF) is a purpose-built nonprofit designed to provide the capital and technical knowledge necessary for community lenders to successfully finance clean energy projects in low-income and disadvantaged communities across the country. JCF will capitalize its coalition members, including Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) banks, loan funds, and housing developers, to create a clean and just energy transition for their communities.

JCF is supported by an existing ecosystem of partners, including the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders, National Bankers Community Alliance, Partners for the Common Good, and Oweesta Corporation, along with technical assistance partners that will help community lenders deploy clean energy projects. With its $940 million award from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, JCF will stand up a Community-Based Green Lender Certification Program that utilizes several application waves and capital reservations to ensure that community lenders receive funding only once they have been appropriately assessed, trained, and certified.

About the Position

To move JCF to its next level of success, JCF seeks a Climate Finance Manager to support and accelerate project deployment. This individual will engage with JCF’s lender network to grow a pipeline of Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA) eligible projects, helping match lenders with opportunities for climate financing. They will also play a key role in reviewing and assessing projects for eligibility requirements and programmatic alignment. In addition, the Climate Finance Manager will support lenders in navigating potential barriers to successful deployment.

This role requires a dynamic individual with a strategic mindset, excellent leadership skills, and a proven track record in originating and underwriting energy and climate related projects.

Job Responsibilities

Pipeline Generation Support

• Engage with project developers, municipalities, and other community-based organizations to solicit qualified projects (distributed generation, net-zero buildings, net-zero transportation)
• Match-make between project developers and lenders in JCF’s lender network, helping to identify eligible and financeable qualified projects
• Support lenders to ensure projects in their pipeline meet EPA eligibility criteria

Due Diligence

• Conduct initial review and screen of projects to ensure they meet all the CCIA program requirements
• Assess the underwriting policies and procedures of community development banks and loan funds as it relates to CCIA eligible project categories
• Review and assess investment memos and other related materials
• Conduct project level due diligence for distributed generation, net-zero buildings and net-zero transportation transactions

Lender Engagement

• Track progress of lenders in achieving their CCIA related climate finance goals
• Engage with lenders to field questions regarding CCIA project eligibility
• Support lenders to identify and access additional sources of capital including but not limited to grants, rebates, incentives, debt and equity
• Understand barriers to project implementation and work with lenders and technical service providers to overcome these challenges
• Stay current on industry trends, opportunities and barriers

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance or other relevant field; Advanced degree preferred
• 5 years of experience in a climate finance related role 5 years of experience conducting project level due diligence and underwriting
• 5 years of experience originating projects
• Must be deeply aligned with JCF’s mission, demonstrating a genuine passion for and experience in environmental justice and community lending
• Demonstrated experience solving complex technical, managerial, or operational problems
• Experience working with CDFI banks, CDFI loan funds, MDI’s, and/or nonprofit community lenders preferred
• Familiarity with Davis-Bacon and Related Acts and Build America, Buy America provisions preferred
• Experience working in or with low-income and disadvantaged communities
• Experience in braiding multiple sources of funding to finance clean energy projects
• Ability to deliver measurable outcomes through creativity and data-driven decision-making
• Must thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, as the organization is a new startup that is continuously evolving
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for building and growing businesses
• A collaborative, flexible leader who projects maturity, confidence, and credibility to external stakeholders, investors, and partners and brings exceptional skills as an active listener, community convener, consensus builder, and advisor

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive health benefits package
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development funds and opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive organizational culture

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

The Justice Climate Fund (JCF) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As an organization committed to diversity, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, race, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, or national origin on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.