Development Finance Analyst

Summary

The Development Finance Analyst plays a key role in advancing the Port Authority's mission to stimulate investment, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Cuyahoga County. This position supports the full lifecycle of development finance transactions, helping to bring transformational projects to life in partnership with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders.

The Port Authority's Development Finance Program provides innovative, low-cost financing tools that fill gaps in traditional funding sources and make high-impact projects possible. These tools include bond financing, capital lease structures, and other creative mechanisms that support projects such as:

• Construction or renovation of nonprofit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions
• Economic development initiatives that attract or retain jobs, including manufacturing and commercial expansions
• Community revitalization projects that strengthen neighborhoods and leverage private investment
• Infrastructure and real estate developments that position Cuyahoga County for long-term growth

Since 1993, the Port has participated in over 200 projects, issuing over $6 billion of bonds.

The ideal candidate will combine financial acumen, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail with a passion for economic development and community impact.

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Development Finance.

The Port of Cleveland is a key economic driver for Northeast Ohio, generating over $7 billion in annual economic activity and supporting more than 23,000 jobs. As a leading hub for international and Great Lakes shipping, the Port handles roughly 12 million tons of cargo each year. Established in 1968, the Port also advances regional growth through infrastructure improvements, shoreline resiliency projects, and development financing that supports both public and private investments.

Guided by a nine-member board, the Port's mission is to foster job creation, economic vitality, and global competitiveness for the Greater Cleveland region.

For more information on the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, visit

• Coordinate closing logistics including signature collection, document circulation, and fulfillment of closing conditions
• Track critical deal milestones and deadlines, proactively flagging potential delays or issues
• Support legal and financial review processes, coordinating with outside counsel, underwriters, bond counsel, trustees, and other advisors
• Assist in structuring and closing development finance transactions in compliance with Port Authority standards

• Review and process disbursement requests, ensuring compliance with funding terms and fiscal policies
• Track project payments through completion and maintain accurate disbursement records
• Monitor compliance with funding terms, fiscal policies, and disbursement procedures

• Participate in deal team calls and meetings, tracking action items and key decisions
• Provide regular progress updates to Vice President and other team members
• Assist with project analysis for eligibility, community benefit, and financial soundness

• Assist in preparing board materials, presentation decks, and supporting documentation
• Compile and organize materials for investment decisions and approval processes
• Coordinate meeting logistics and ensure timely distribution of materials

• Serve as a point of contact for external partners regarding deal flow and financing opportunities
• Manage intake and tracking of incoming pipeline projects
• Coordinate with financial advisors, underwriters, bond counsel, trustees, regulators, and applicants
• Respond to external inquiries regarding Port financing programs and opportunities

• Respond to compliance-related requests and support adherence to regulatory requirements
• Manage document flow and filing systems for active deals and portfolio investments
• Review and interpret policies, regulations, and guidelines to provide technical assistance to partners and staff
• Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with internal policies

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or related field
• 2-4 years of experience in financial services, development finance, economic development, or related field
• Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Power Point
• Understanding of financing structures and closing processes preferred
• Experience in public sector or economic development finance a plus
• Genuine interest in…