Application Writer & Community Engagement Specialist

Cherry Bekaert’s Strategic Financing Services Practice (SFS) is seeking an Associate Application Writer with a background in the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) or similar program area. We offer an opportunity to work with a team of experts with a deep track record in NMTC allocation applications, tax credit placement and deployment, and tax credit compliance and asset management services. The Associate Application Writer will support the process of writing NMTC Allocation Applications for the portfolio of client community development entities (CDEs).

The successful candidate will have expertise in gathering and interpreting complex data, strong attention to detail, commitment to deadlines and a mission to help make a difference in low-income communities.

About SFS: SFS has been involved in the NMTC industry since its inception and to date has secured over $1.7 billion in NMTC funding. SFS is proud to have structured and facilitated NMTC investments that have created 34,000 direct jobs, served over 660,000 low-income individuals through community goods and services, and helped develop over 13.2 million square feet of new and improved commercial and industrial real estate. SFS’s current portfolio consists of investments in areas with poverty rates as high as 66%, median family income as low as 14.24%, and unemployment rates as high as 31.2%.

Responsibilities:

Support NMTC Allocation Application process for CDEs, including:

• Collecting and synthesizing data collected from Clients to draft or update narratives and Exhibits in the application process (resumes and bios, memos and planning documents)

• Conducting market research to identify community needs and trends using 3rd party software and databases

• Maintaining organized databases of research findings, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for team use.

• Collaborating with team and clients to identify and source appropriate NMTC pipeline opportunities to suit unique CDE needs (considering geography, project type, community impacts, etc.)

• Project data compilation, collecting and reviewing source data on a range of project business types and assessing strength in terms of program guidelines and CDE strategies

• Mapping projects to identify locations as an area of severe or deep distress as outlined by the program guidelines, as well as assessing for further identified distress criteria that meets the project type and program restrictions

• Writing compelling project summaries, verifying community outcomes by investigating third party metrics and track record data

• Reviewing other narratives for consistency and overall strategic alignment to maximize scoring and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes

• Synthesizing and incorporating industry terms, trends and data to support business strategies, community outcomes and compelling applications that translate to smooth financial closings

• Other job-related functions as assigned

• Travel: 5-10%

Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate/Posses:

• 3+ years of professional/industry experience in grant writing, community development finance, tax credit finance or CDE/CDFI Lending

• Strong written communication skills

• Knowledge of finance, data and/or reporting, with specific experience with CDFI Fund’s AMIS reporting preferred

• CDFI Fund and Tax Credit Industry knowledge will be helpful

• Passion for community investment and revitalization that will spark transformation, inclusion, and social justice

• Ability to be flexible and work under fixed timeframes to meet deadlines

• Experience in working with borrowers, lenders, investors and stakeholders

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on different phases of projects

• Capable of prioritizing workflow and managing compliance and reporting obligations

• Proficiency in Word and Excel

• BA in English, Journalism, Finance, Planning or related field preferred

What you can expect from us:

• Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect

• The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you

• A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development

• Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing

• Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work

• Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures

Benefits Information:

Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. The salary range for this position is included below. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.

Pay Range:

About Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert, ranked among the largest assurance, tax and advisory firms in the U.S., serves clients across industries in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. For more details, visit https://www.cbh.com/disclosure/ 

Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. https://careers.cbh.com/legal-disclosures/ contains further information regarding the firm's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws. 

This role is expected to accept applications for at least five calendar days and may continue to be posted until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.   

Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States. Cherry Bekaert will not provide work sponsorship for this position. 

Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC are members of Allinial Global, an accountancy and business advisory global association. Visit us at  https://careers.cbh.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

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