Executive Director – CLIMB Fund

Climb Fund is a mission-driven, certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to leveling the economic playing field by providing access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses that are excluded from traditional financing. Our goal is to foster inclusive economic development, job creation, and wealth-building opportunities in communities that need them most.

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of Climb Fund and is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, securing its financial sustainability, and overseeing its operations and lending programs. The ED will lead a small, dedicated team and work closely with the Board of Directors to expand access to capital, strengthen community partnerships, and grow the organization’s impact.

As the leader of a small, mission-driven team, the Executive Director must foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability. The Executive Director is expected to lead with integrity, cultivate a positive and collaborative team environment, and support staff in achieving their goals. This includes setting clear expectations, providing guidance and encouragement, and ensuring everyone is accountable in a respectful and constructive way.

This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader who is passionate about economic equity, small business development, and community‑based finance.

• Provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance the mission of expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs.
• Develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan in partnership with the Board.
• Serve as a public ambassador and spokesperson for the CDFI and its mission.

• Lead fundraising and investor relations efforts to secure grants, donations, and capital from public and private sources (foundations, banks, government agencies, CDFI Fund).
• Manage existing funder relationships and pursue new opportunities to grow the organization’s loan fund and capacity.
• Ensure compliance with reporting and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee all aspects of the lending program, including loan origination, underwriting, disbursement, and portfolio management.
• Ensure lending policies and practices are mission‑aligned, responsible, and responsive to community needs.
• Provide or coordinate technical assistance and business support services to borrowers.

• Develop and manage the organizational budget; monitor financial health and sustainability.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting, audit readiness, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee internal operations, including staff management, HR policies, and technology systems.

• Report to and collaborate with the Board of Directors to support effective governance and strategic decision‑making.
• Prepare board meeting materials and keep the board informed of key organizational developments.
• Support board development and recruitment as needed.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, borrowers, financial institutions, and local leaders.
• Represent the organization at events, public meetings, and in the media to elevate its visibility and influence.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Ability to set a clear vision, develop strategy, and inspire alignment across staff, board, and stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen:
  Skilled in nonprofit financial management, budget oversight, and compliance.
• Fundraising & Capital Development:
  Proven success in cultivating funder relationships and securing grants, donations, and capital.
• Community & Relationship Building:
  Strong capacity to develop partnerships and represent the organization with credibility.
• Equity Mindset:
  Commitment to inclusive practices, equitable access to resources, and advancing economic justice.
• Operational Excellence:
  Ability to manage people, processes, and systems in a growing organization.
• Communication & Influence:
  Strong…