Business Development Officer at ACCION OPPORTUNITY FUND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

United States

$90k - $125k

THE ORGANIZATION:  Accion Opportunity Fund is an unparalleled financial support system that provides small business owners with access to capital, networks, and coaching. We work to build inclusive and accessible options for these determined business owners. For over 30 years we have deployed over $1 billion in over 35,000 loans and served 4 million business owners with educational resources. Our client base is nearly 90% from underserved communities.  In addition to providing resources and loans to small businesses, we also conduct original research, advocate for policy changes, and finance community construction projects in low-income neighborhoods through our New Markets Tax Credit program. AOF is on a journey to both scale our impact and become financially sustainable. We’re building a better system for underserved small businesses and a workplace where passionate problem-solvers, data-driven thinkers, and small business champions thrive.  For more information about us, visit https://aofund.org/ [https://aofund.org/] ROLE SUMMARY:  Reporting to Chief Revenue Officer, the Business Development Officer is a high-performing, sales-driven professional responsible for originating small business loans up to $350,000, with a primary focus on building and scaling a vendor-driven equipment financing and leasing channel. This role generates new business through direct prospecting and by developing strategic partnerships with equipment vendors, dealers, manufacturers, and referral sources. The ideal candidate is a proven producer with strong credit acumen and an established ability to create and monetize partner networks. WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS * Opportunity to build and scale a high-impact vendor finance channel * Direct influence on revenue growth and market expansion * Entrepreneurial environment with strong internal support * Ability to leverage and grow an existing network * Competitive base salary + uncapped incentive compensation JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   Loan Origination & Revenue Generation * Source, structure, and close small business loans (up to $350K), with emphasis on equipment financing, leasing transactions, and small business term loans * Develop and execute a disciplined sales plan to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual production targets * Build and manage a qualified pipeline across multiple channels (direct, referral, vendor) * Lead end-to-end deal execution including pre-screening, structuring, pricing, and closing * Maintain strong conversion ratios from application to funding Vendor Channel Development  * Identify, recruit, onboard, and activate vendor partners (equipment dealers, distributors, and manufacturers) * Build a scalable vendor finance channel that generates consistent deal flow * Structure and implement vendor financing programs aligned with partner sales cycles and customer profiles * Serve as the primary point of contact for vendor partners, driving engagement, training, and utilization * Create joint business plans with key partners to increase penetration and volume Relationship & Portfolio Management * Establish trusted advisor relationships with small business clients and vendor partners * Ensure a high level of responsiveness, transparency, and service throughout the customer lifecycle * Monitor partner performance, identify growth opportunities, and address gaps proactively * Support portfolio quality through sound deal structuring and alignment with credit guidelines Credit & Structuring * Conduct initial credit analysis including cash flow, collateral, and risk assessment * Structure transactions within credit policy while balancing risk and growth objectives * Partner closely with underwriting and credit teams to move deals efficiently through approval * Present deals with clear rationale and mitigating factors KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR (KPIs) * Monthly and annual loan origination volume * Number of active vendor partners and production per partner * Pipeline size, velocity, and conversion rates * Revenue generation and yield * Partner and client retention / repeat utilization MUST HAVES:  * 5+ years of experience in small business lending, equipment finance, leasing, or commercial sales * Demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding sales and production goals * Experience developing and managing referral or vendor partner networks * Strong understanding of credit fundamentals and loan structuring * Proven ability to source and close transactions in the $50K–$350K range * Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills * Self-starter with strong pipeline discipline and time management * Background in fast-paced, production-oriented lending environments * Bilingual (English & Spanish) NICE TO HAVES:  * Existing relationships with equipment vendors, brokers, or referral partners * Experience with SBA or other government-backed lending programs * Familiarity with CDFIs or mission-driven financial institutions * Experience structuring equipment leasing or vendor finance programs PERKS AND BENEFITS: Our mission is what motivates us to come to work each day. We know that happy employees are productive employees, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: * Competitive salary commensurate with experience. * An environment that values work-life balance and monthly remote work reimbursements. * 100% company-funded Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability coverage for employees (Based upon your plan selection). 90% company-funded dependent coverage (Based upon your plan selection) as well as Flexible Spending Accounts. * Voluntary benefits with payroll deduction for Supplemental Life & AD&D insurance and legal plans. * Tax deferred & Roth 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match. * Unlimited paid vacation days, 12 paid holidays, 1 floating paid holiday, 10 Sick days, and paid parental leave. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at Accion Opportunity Fund. AOF does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Salary Range*: $90,000-$125,000 This role is eligible for incentive compensation. Total on-target earnings (OTE) are expected to range from $135,000 to $200,000+, based on individual production, funded loan volume, and partner channel development. High performers may exceed target earnings based on results. *Please note that the above salary range is a national range, and compensation is dependent upon the candidate’s experience and skill level.