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Position Description:

We are currently seeking a Head of Bridge Lending, who will also oversee our client’s Senior Debt Fund, the vehicle through which they operate the bridge lending business.  The Senior Debt Fund is an open-ended fund that seeks to capitalize on U.S. first mortgage bridge and mezzanine loan business opportunities. The Fund invests primarily in loans to owners of multifamily and seniors housing properties, which are underwritten to be repaid with permanent financing from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA/HUD.

This individual will be joining a best-in-class bridge lending platform and will lead the effort to continue to expand and scale its presence and execution in a highly competitive lending landscape.  Their bridge lending platform has been operating since 2004 and has originated over $13 billion of bridge loans. Today, the platform manages a portfolio of 157 bridge loans with an aggregate principal balance more than $4 billion.

In this role, executive leadership experience and strategic thinking will be blended with technical CRE credit and capital market skills to drive the successful performance of the bridge business.    Soft skills will be essential in navigating the diverse expectations of fund investors, bridge loan borrowers, industry leaders, capital markets participants and internal partners.  The Head of Bridge Lending will be managing the portfolio’s debt lifecycle, overseeing the origination and repayment of the individual underlying loans.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide executive leadership to the bridge lending platform and deliver on the fiduciary duty to Fund investors while promoting creativity, productivity, and a model culture
• Oversee the management and valuation of the Senior Debt Fund’s investment portfolio
• Lead all functions relating to bridge lending including screening, underwriting and asset management
• Partner with legal, accounting, and capital markets teams to manage Senior Debt Fund
• Explore, innovate and create new structures to increase marketability of Bridge loan products and support ongoing expansion of the platform
• Develop and deploy effective communication strategies to support branding of the platform, and smooth and robust engagement with internal and external stakeholders
• Develop strategies to drive through the cycle multifamily bridge loan opportunities that meet fund-specific objectives, risk tolerance, and credit standards
• Chair Credit and Investment Committees covering Multifamily and Senior Housing loan approvals
• Coordinate with a team of financial professionals on capital raising activities and investor relations on behalf of the Fund
• Coordinate team of financial professionals to ensure effective portfolio management, including sound credit, risk management, and compliance practices
• Establish and maintain relationships with loan investors, senior lenders, and other financial institutions to access a broader array of investment opportunities and financial instruments, enhancing our portfolio offering
• Monitor the performance and attribution of the portfolio and provide regular updates to stakeholders and executive leadership
• Stay up to date on industry trends, market insights, and macroeconomic factors that may affect the Fund’s investments

Experience, Skills and Abilities Required:

• 20+ years of relevant experience, including 10+ years of executive experience in CRE lending/capital markets
• Expertise in Multifamily and Seniors Housing bridge lending issues and trends
• Strong leadership abilities and experience in managing a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrates exceptional attention to detail and good judgement
• Detail oriented with strong organizational/project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

To learn more about this position, contact: Margie Arcangelo | (239) 362-1335 | margie@crownsearch.com