Director, Commercial Real Estate Finance

As the leading advocate for the real estate finance industry, MBA is committed to providing our members with unmatched value and unparalleled benefits. In doing so, we recognize that our most valuable resource is our employees. MBA prides itself on sourcing top talent from all fields and is committed to investing in a culture where communication is essential, diverse voices are encouraged, and embrace inclusion for all.

• Competitive salary and benefit packages including Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Hybrid work schedule that supports work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities

If you are looking for a career-defining opportunity, share similar values, and are ready to make a difference in the real estate finance industry, look no further. Apply today!

Summary

The Director of Commercial Real Estate Finance (CREF) serves as the staff lead for portions of MBA's member engagement and industry initiatives, with a particular focus on life insurance companies and the private credit finance markets. The position is responsible for managing selected MBA councils and committees, strategic industry engagement events, policy development and advocacy, member communications, and collaborative efforts that advance MBA's mission and enhance member value.

The Director works closely with leaders and staff at MBA member firms, collaborates across MBA departments, and serves as an industry lead on a variety of activities and issues. The role requires strong familiarity with commercial real estate finance, understanding of life company investment activity and private credit markets, and the ability to translate member perspectives into meaningful engagement opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead MBA's engagement with selected member segments, with a particular focus on life insurance companies and private credit finance firms.
• Manage multiple CREF member councils, working with member leaders to drive participation, content, and governance.
• Oversee related strategic industry engagement activities and other in-person and virtual programs that promote discussion and industry collaboration.
• Under the direction of the Vice President of CREF Engagement, identify key business and market topics and issues, engage members, and design and implement initiatives that enhance member experience, value, and retention.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of CREF Policy to identify key policy issues, educate the membership, and develop and advocate for MBA policy positions.
• Establish, maintain, and strengthen relationships with senior executives, portfolio managers, and industry professionals across MBA member firms.

Program and Meeting Leadership

• Lead the planning and facilitation of selected CREF councils, committees, strategic industry engagement events, and other in-person or virtual meetings, ensuring efficient execution, meaningful content, and high member satisfaction.
• Serve as staff lead for assigned CREF groups by engaging with senior leaders and other staff at member firms, developing agendas, identifying speakers, preparing materials, and managing meeting logistics and follow-up.
• Coordinate across internal MBA departments, including Meetings, Marketing, Communications, Research, and Education, to support seamless program execution and alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication and documentation for all CREF-related activities.
• Contribute to content development for MBA's signature events, including the CREF Convention & Expo and the CRE Servicing Solutions Conference, in partnership with the CREF and Meetings teams.
• Support other CREF events and member touchpoints that strengthen industry dialogue and promote MBA membership.

Industry Knowledge, Policy, and Leadership

• Maintain broad knowledge of the commercial real estate finance markets, including debt and equity capital flows, investment activity, and evolving market trends.
• Serve as a lead MBA resource on issues related to life insurance company investments, private credit, and other commercial real estate capital sources.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of CREF Policy, Council members and others to identify key policy issues, educate the membership, and develop and advocate for MBA policy positions.
• Represent MBA and the CREF team at conferences, member meetings, and external programs to strengthen engagement and elevate visibility.

Membership Support and Coordination

• Partner with MBA's Membership team to support renewal and retention among key CREF member companies and to identify potential new members.
• Develop recommendations for enhancing outreach, engagement, and programming.
• Collaborate across departments, including Research, Marketing, Meetings, Communications, and Education, to ensure member insights are reflected throughout MBA's work.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial real estate finance, with a strong understanding of lending, investment, and capital markets.
• Knowledge of life insurance company investment strategies and private credit finance strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex programs, meetings, and relationship-driven initiatives.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and presentation skills, with demonstrated ability to produce high-quality deliverables.
• Demonstrated expertise in member, client, or stakeholder engagement within the commercial real estate finance industry.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships across all organizational levels, from senior executives to emerging professionals.
• Collaborative and strategic thinker with the ability to work effectively across teams and stakeholder groups.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in commercial real estate finance, member relations, or related leadership roles.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certification preferred.
• Approximately 30 percent travel required to attend and support meetings, programs, and industry events nationwide.
• Position is based in Washington, D.C., with hybrid in-office expectations.

The current recruitment range for this role is $125,000 - $132,000.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability.

MBA is an E-Verify employer. Please note that MBA will not sponsor employment.