Application Writer & Community Engagement Specialist

Application Writer & Community Engagement Specialist

Cherry Bekaert’s Strategic Financing Services Practice (SFS) is seeking an Application Writer and Community Engagement Specialist 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 Application Writer will manage the process for writing NMTC Allocation Applications for the portfolio of client community development entities (CDEs) and manage the grant writing and applications process for clients seeking funding from other tax credit and funding programs.

The employee will also work with CDEs on strategic plans, including product offerings, measurement of impacts and other considerations that affect likelihood of success. The successful candidate will have a strategic mindset, strong attention to detail and 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 14,530 direct jobs, served 489,860 clients through nonprofit investments, and helped create over 7.1 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:

• Application and Grant Writing
• Oversee and Manage NMTC Allocation Application process for CDEs, including
• Drafting, reviewing and preparing NMTC Allocation Applications and supporting documents for strategic and technical opportunities
• Writing compelling business strategy, community outcomes and other narratives to maximize scoring and increase likelihood of successful outcomes
• Collaborating with clients to identify and source appropriate NMTC pipeline opportunities to suit unique CDE needs (considering geography, project type, community impacts, etc.)
• Synthesizing and incorporating industry terms, trends and data to support business strategies, community outcomes and compelling applications that translate to smooth financial closings
• Identifying and managing other grant and application writing opportunities to ensure quality and timely submissions as well as strategic alignment
• Collaborating with deal team participants (investors, borrowers, supporters and stakeholders) to secure commitments, evidence of support and/or letters of interest as required for submission of various funding applications and/or financial closings
• Designing and composing project proposals and summaries for investment opportunities in a clear, compelling, and concise manner
• Other job-related functions as assigned
• Travel: 10-15%

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
• 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 We Offer You:

• A well-run firm that offers stability and opportunity to develop as a leader
• Collaborative environment focused on career advancement and professional development
• Supportive partnership group with a “one firm” mentality and a commitment to colleagues’ success
• Big firm resources and bench strength; small firm flexibility and openness to new ideas
• Collaboration across service lines and offices; a firm culture that embraces one another and the community; and an excellent opportunity to help bring along talented staff
• Defined metrics and targets that eliminate ambiguity
• Shared values, including uncompromising integrity, a passion for excellence, and mutual respect

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. “Cherry Bekaert” is the brand name under which Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC, independently owned entities, provide professional services in an alternative practice structure in accordance with applicable professional standards. Cherry Bekaert LLP is a licensed CPA firm that provides attest services, and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities provide business advisory and non-attest services spanning the areas of transaction advisory, risk and accounting advisory, digital solutions, cybersecurity, tax, benefits consulting, and wealth management. For more details, visit cbh.com/disclosure.

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 $86,000 to $179,950. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, 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.

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, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law. 

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 cbh.com/careers and follow us on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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