Walker & Dunlop · 4 days ago
SVP, Head of LIHTC Credit
Calabasas, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$250K/yr - $300K/yr
10+ years expWalker & Dunlop is one of the largest providers of capital to the commercial real estate industry, committed to creating meaningful social, environmental, and economic change in communities. The SVP, Head of LIHTC Credit, will lead credit policy and risk oversight for the LIHTC investment portfolio, ensuring sound transaction structures and disciplined credit standards while advancing affordable housing investment.
Commercial Real EstateConsultingFinanceFinancial ServicesReal Estate Investment
Responsibilities
Lead credit and underwriting strategy for LIHTC and related affordable housing investments, including development and maintenance of firmwide 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, predevelopment 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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in finance, real estate, accounting, or a related field
10+ years of progressively responsible experience in underwriting, credit, or risk management within LIHTC, affordable housing, or tax-advantaged real estate investment
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
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
Preferred
MBA or CFA preferred
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
Benefits
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 – earn cash rewards and gain access to resources that promote health, engagement, and balance
Paid maternity and parental leave, as well as other family paid leave programs
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
Company
Walker & Dunlop
Walker & Dunlop is a commercial real estate finance and advisory firm that creates strong capital markets and investment sales capabilities.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$2.23BKey Investors
Fannie MaeTYKO CapitalHudson Bay Capital Management
2025-09-24Post Ipo Debt· $156.62M
2025-06-30Post Ipo Debt· $170M
2025-03-04Post Ipo Debt· $400M
Leadership Team
Willy Walker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Howard Smith
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and Board Member
Recent News
2026-01-13
Morningstar.com
2026-01-13
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase