Learn more at https://www.mbac.biz/executive-director-search/ Position Overview Montana Business Assistance Connection (MBAC), the Helena Area Economic Development Authority serving four central Montana counties, is seeking an entrepreneurial, communityminded Executive Director to lead the organization through a significant new chapter. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced economic-development, lending, nonprofit or public-sector leader to help redefine MBAC's future. The successful candidate will provide strategic vision, establish operational discipline, strengthen partnerships and position the organization as a trusted regional resource for entrepreneurs, existing businesses, communities, and financial partners. MBAC enters this next phase with an important foundation: a strong, established loan portfolio. Rather than building a lending program from the ground up, the Executive Director will have the opportunity to steward existing assets, improve portfolio performance, expand access to capital, and use lending as a platform for broader business creation, retention, and regional economic growth. The position combines executive leadership, lending oversight, relationship development, program management, financial stewardship, public advocacy, and community engagement. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, borrowers, banking partners, investors, government agencies, elected officials, and regional economicdevelopment organizations. Key Responsibilities Lead Mission Fulfillment and Strategic Direction Partner with the Board to establish and execute strategic priorities, annual goals, and measurable outcomes. Oversee Operations and Team Oversee MBAC's day-to-day operations, staff, systems, workflows, and policies by building clear expectations and accountability in a collaborative, responsive, and service-oriented environement. Ensure Financial Stability Provide executive oversight of MBAC's financial health, including budgeting, cash flow, reserves, internal controls, forecasting, and long-term resource planning. Provide Executive Oversight of Lending and Loan Portfolio Steward MBAC's lending programs, loan portfolio management, and foster responsible portfolio growth. Advance Business and Regional Economic Development Lead initiatives supporting business creation, retention, expansion, succession, and access to capital while responding to the distinct opportunities and needs of communities throughout MBAC's service area. Build Public-Private Partnerships and Represent MBAC Strengthen relationships across business, government, financial, funding, and community partners to expand opportunity and advance MBAC's regional economic impact. Support and Advise the Board Serve as the primary executive liaison to the Board, providing timely information, strategic insight, and recommendations to support effective governance and informed decision-making.

Primary Roles and Responsiblities:

Executive Leadership, Governance & Organizational Management Serve as MBAC's executive director and principal organizational representative. Partner with the Board to establish strategic priorities, annual goals, policies, and performance measures. Implement Board-approved initiatives and provide timely reporting on organizational performance. Prepare clear Board reports, recommendations, financial information, and portfolio updates. Advise the Board regarding organizational risks, opportunities, funding trends, legislation, and community needs. Establish clear staff responsibilities, performance expectations, workflows, and operating procedures. Supervise, support, and evaluate employees and promote ongoing professional development. Recruit and retain qualified staff and manage contractors, consultants, and professional service providers. Maintain appropriate organizational records, policies, compliance documentation, and internal controls. Foster an accountable, collaborative, service-oriented organizational culture. Lending, Portfolio & Financial Management Provide executive oversight of MBAC's lending programs, loan portfolio, and available lending capital. Maintain prudent lending, underwriting, documentation, servicing, collection, and reporting practices. Monitor portfolio quality, delinquencies, reserves, liquidity, write-offs, risk exposure, and capital deployment. Ensure lending activities comply with applicable federal, state, funder, and programspecific requirements. Coordinate with lending staff, loan committees, legal counsel, accounting professionals, funders, and external lenders. Maintain effective portfolio and performance reporting for management and Board oversight. Evaluate opportunities to responsibly deploy capital and secure additional lending resources. Collaborate with accounting personnel and the Board in developing and managing annual budgets. Monitor organizational revenue, expenses, cash flow, reserves, financial controls, and forecasts. Support accurate financial reporting, audits, grant compliance, and contractual requirements. Pursue sustainable operating and program funding through grants, contracts, partnerships, contributions, and earned revenue. Economic Development, Partnerships & Community Engagement Lead initiatives supporting business creation, retention, expansion, succession, and access to capital. Support entrepreneurs and businesses seeking financing, technical assistance, or growth resources. Develop productive relationships with financial institutions, government agencies, economic development partners, foundations, investors, and community organizations. Strengthen MBAC's role within the regional economic development and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Identify business and community needs and connect stakeholders with appropriate public, private, and nonprofit resources. Coordinate grants, contracts, incentives, partnerships, and special projects supporting MBAC's mission. Maintain awareness of regional economic conditions, workforce needs, industry trends, and emerging opportunities. Serve as MBAC's lead spokesperson and public ambassador. Represent MBAC at community meetings, professional associations, civic events, and economic development forums. Communicate MBAC's services, lending resources, priorities, and economic impact to borrowers, partners, funders, public officials, and communities. Advocate appropriately for programs, policies, partnerships, and resources that strengthen businesses and communities throughout the service area. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, public administration, community development, regional planning, or a related field preferred. Progressively responsible leadership experience in economic development, commercial or community lending, business finance, nonprofit management, banking, or a related field. Demonstrated experience with organizational leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and Board or governing-body relationships. Working knowledge of commercial lending, underwriting, loan servicing, portfolio management, and business finance strongly preferred. Ability to interpret financial statements, budgets, portfolio information, and organizational performance data. Experience developing public-private partnerships, managing grants or contracts, and working with government or community stakeholders preferred. Advanced education, economic development credentials, lending certifications, or other relevant professional certifications are desirable. Equivalent combinations of education, professional experience, and demonstrated accomplishments may be considered. This is a rare opportunity to build what comes next. We enter this next chapter with a meaningful regional mission, an established lending portfolio, and an ability to strengthen its role as a catalyst for business and economic development across central Montana. A chapter of strategic renewal built upon valuable lending assets, longstanding public and private partnerships, and a clear public purpose.

Pay:

$95,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Relocation assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Experience:

Econ Dev /

Loan Portfolio Mgmt :

3 years (Required)

Location:

Helena, MT 59601 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Helena, MT 59601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person