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Walker & Dunlop

SVP, Head of LIHTC Credit

Walker & Dunlop, Calabasas, California, United States, 91302

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About Walker & Dunlop We are Walker & Dunlop. We are one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, enabling real estate owners and operators to bring their visions of communities — where people live, work, shop, and play — to life. We are committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in our communities.

Department Overview W&D Affordable Equity (formerly Alliant Capital) is a leading tax credit firm focused on tax credit syndication for the development and financing of affordable multifamily rental housing. As a syndicator of Low‑Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), W&D Affordable Equity raises corporate equity and monitors the development, construction, lease‑up, and permanent financing phases of its investments. With a dedicated team of experienced real estate, asset management, legal, and tax professionals, we provide the highest level of fully integrated real‑estate and investment support services.

The Impact You Will Have The SVP, Head of LIHTC Credit, will lead credit policy, governance, and risk oversight for WDAE. Reporting to the EVP, Group Head of WDAE, this senior leader will serve on WDAE’s leadership team and be responsible for ensuring sound transaction structures, disciplined credit standards, and well‑supported credit recommendations across the LIHTC investment portfolio. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in affordable housing and LIHTC credit and finance, proven leadership capabilities, and a balanced approach to credit risk and business growth. This role plays a critical part in advancing WDAE’s mission to expand affordable housing investment while maintaining prudent and sustainable credit practices.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead credit and underwriting strategy for LIHTC and related affordable housing investments, including development and maintenance of firm‑wide credit and underwriting policies that align with AHIC standards and industry best practices.

Ensure consistent underwriting standards across all funds and investment vehicles, including multi‑investor and proprietary platforms.

Oversee the Acquisition, Underwriting, and Construction Management teams in preparing, reviewing, and approving detailed investment memoranda, incorporating comprehensive project- and sponsor‑level risk assessments.

Serve as a voting member of the Investment Committee, leading deliberations and ensuring decisions are well‑documented, analytically sound, and aligned with the firm’s risk appetite.

Provide independent credit judgment on proposed transactions, articulating key risks and appropriate mitigants.

Monitor market, regulatory, and industry developments to ensure WDAE’s credit practices remain current, competitive, and compliant.

Partner with executive leadership to align credit strategy with overall business objectives and evolving market conditions.

Identify, quantify, and mitigate risks across all phases of investment, including construction, lease‑up, operations, and sponsor performance.

Collaborate with Asset Management to monitor post‑closing performance, identify early warning indicators, and recommend corrective actions.

Provide portfolio‑level insights to senior leadership and the Investment Committee regarding risk trends, exposure management, and capital allocation.

Lead credit oversight of the developer portfolio, including sponsor financial reviews, exposure management, and concentration analysis.

Evaluate sponsor strength and project pipelines to assess cross‑collateralized and concentration risk across programs.

Exercise direct credit decision‑making authority on development transactions presented by partners.

Partner with Originations and Asset Management to maintain prudent exposure limits and ongoing portfolio monitoring.

Establish, monitor, and report on exposure metrics across bridge loans, guarantees, indemnities, pre‑development loans, warehouse lines, and equity bridge loans.

Oversee and mentor the acquisition, underwriting, and construction management teams, fostering a culture of accountability, analytical rigor, and continuous improvement.

Streamline credit and underwriting processes by implementing workflow enhancements and technology solutions that drive efficiency and consistency.

Promote cross‑functional collaboration among originations, investor relations, asset management, and finance to balance business growth with disciplined credit oversight.

Contribute to portfolio analytics, capital allocation decisions, and risk reporting in coordination with finance, asset management, and investor relations.

Support recruitment, training, and professional development of credit and underwriting staff to build institutional knowledge and leadership depth.

Represent the credit function externally in meetings with lenders, investors, and industry stakeholders, ensuring WDAE’s credit platform is viewed as best‑in‑class.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Attendance is generally required from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. local time, Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

Education And Experience

Bachelor’s degree in finance, real estate, accounting, or a related field; MBA or CFA preferred.

10+ years of progressively responsible experience in underwriting, credit, or risk management within LIHTC, affordable housing, or tax‑advantaged real estate investment.

Specific experience in Section 42 Low‑Income Housing Tax Credit syndication or affordable multifamily housing strongly preferred.

Experience with affordable housing programs such as LIHTC, HUD, and RAD highly desirable.

Strong understanding of LIHTC program regulations, partnership structures, and project‑level cash flow dynamics.

Prior leadership experience overseeing teams and managing credit approval processes at a syndicator, investor, or affordable housing lender.

Demonstrated success implementing governance frameworks and leading cross‑functional risk management initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Proven ability to make sound, independent credit decisions in a dynamic market environment.

Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills, with experience engaging senior management and external stakeholders.

Ability to initiate and maintain effective, cooperative relationships with team members, management, consultants, lenders, investors, and developers.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to identify, assess, and resolve complex issues.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple priorities independently in a time‑sensitive environment.

Demonstrated leadership that fosters open communication, collaborative problem‑solving, and productive relationships across teams and stakeholders.

Ability to travel and engage directly with internal and external partners to address challenges and seize opportunities.

Commitment to cultivating a high‑performance culture by recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent within the credit function and broader organization.

Deep expertise in affordable housing products, credit structures, and LIHTC financing.

Proficiency with both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan products.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in handling sensitive and non‑routine information.

Effective written and verbal communication skills with colleagues, management, and clients.

Ability to adhere to all organizational regulations, policies, and work procedures.

Strong multitasking capability and ownership mindset, demonstrating initiative and accountability.

Willingness to embrace challenges, learn new processes, and approach growth opportunities with patience and persistence.

Strong learning orientation and commitment to personal and professional development.

Professionalism and respect in all interactions, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

Ability to show ownership of your work, take on challenges and acknowledge growth opportunities, and demonstrate patience when learning new processes.

Courtesy, respect, and thoughtfulness in teaming with colleagues and other stakeholders.

Compensation This position has an estimated base salary of $250,000 - $300,000 plus a discretionary bonus. An employment offer is based on the applicant’s relevant work experience, applicable knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

What We Offer

The opportunity to join one of Fortune Magazine’s Great Places to Work winners from 2015-2023.

Comprehensive benefit options* that have earned Walker & Dunlop the silver level of the 2022 Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation™, including up to 83% subsidized medical payroll deductions, competitive dental and vision benefits, 401(k) + match, pre‑tax transit and commuting benefits, a robust health and wellness program, paid maternity and parental leave, company‑paid life, short and long‑term disability insurance, Health Savings Account and Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending, career development opportunities, empowerment and encouragement to give back – volunteer hours and donation matching.

EEO Statement We are committed to equity in all steps of the recruitment and employment experience. We believe in equal access to opportunities in our workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on any characteristic protected by applicable law, such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, veteran or military status, and genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to be a safe place to ask questions, build professional relationships, and develop careers.

Fair Chance Hiring Background checks, including any questions related to infractions, arrests, or conviction records, will not be conducted until after a conditional offer of employment has been accepted. We will consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of arrest and conviction records, in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

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