[Hiring] Chief Credit Officer @Acumen

Role Description

The Chief Credit Officer (CCO) is a pivotal executive leader who safeguards Craft3’s financial strength while helping the organization deliver on its mission. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Leadership Committee, the CCO sets clear standards for credit risk management so Craft3 can grow responsibly and extend opportunity to more people and communities.

This role is less about maintaining a credit function and more about shaping it. Craft3 has multiple lending products and a meaningful portfolio across small business, consumer, and climate lending, and the CCO will help evolve credit philosophy, portfolio construction, and how risk is managed across the organization in partnership with a new CEO and leadership team.

Qualifications

• Senior credit and portfolio risk leadership with a strong foundation in commercial underwriting and credit policy governance.
• Sound judgment with nontraditional borrowers – able to balance discipline and creativity to responsibly expand access to capital.
• Special assets/workouts experience and an “early warning” mindset, bringing calm, practical decision-making in complex situations.
• A collaborative integrator who strengthens partnerships across Lending, Operations, and Risk, helping teams get to “yes” when possible, and to “no” with clarity and respect.
• Mission-first credit lens that protects Craft3 and its borrowers, distinguishing appropriate “stretch lending” from unsound risk.
• Change leadership: strengthens decision rights, reporting, and credit infrastructure without over-bureaucratizing.
• Warm, high-EQ people leader who builds trust, develops talent, and communicates effectively with executives and the Board.

Requirements

• Ensure overall portfolio health by balancing prudent risk management, guarantor compliance, and mission-driven lending objectives.
• Establish and maintain loan policies, underwriting standards, procedures, and internal controls that safeguard asset quality and support strategic growth.
• Oversee portfolio monitoring, including concentrations, loan size, reserves, risk exposure, and performance trends.
• Direct the loan review function; evaluate findings and implement system-wide improvements.
• Ensure borrower covenant compliance, financial reporting standards, and ongoing commercial loan monitoring.
• Lead management of special assets, workouts, and problem credits to protect organizational interests; may serve as loan officer in select cases.
• Oversee loan approvals, modifications, waivers, and term changes within delegated authority.
• Contribute to the design and launch of new loan products and programs aligned with mission and risk tolerance.
• Oversee governance of the Allowance for Credit Losses (CECL), ensuring sound methodology, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Partner with Lending Services on servicing systems, documentation, collateral management, and vendor oversight.

Benefits

• Compensation: $220K-$250K with full benefits, 403b match, and tuition support.
• This role is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive tied to organizational and individual goals, including financial stewardship and community impact outcomes.

Company Description

Craft3 is a mission-driven Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that invests in people, businesses, and communities to build a more equitable and resilient economy. Through responsible lending, innovative financial products, and deep partnerships, Craft3 expands access to capital for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and communities often overlooked by traditional finance across small business, consumer, and climate lending.

Craft3 is a remote-first organization with beautiful offices in Portland, Seattle, and Astoria. Candidates may work from locations anywhere in the states of Oregon or Washington, with an expectation of travel being 5%.