Development Finance Analyst

The Development Finance Analyst plays a key role in advancing the Port Authority's mission to stimulate investment, create jobs, and strengthen communities across Cuyahoga County. This position supports the full lifecycle of development finance transactions, helping to bring transformational projects to life in partnership with public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders.

The Port Authority's Development Finance Program provides innovative, low-cost financing tools that fill gaps in traditional funding sources and make high-impact projects possible. These tools include bond financing, capital lease structures, and other creative mechanisms that support projects such as:

Construction or renovation of nonprofit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and cultural institutions
Economic development initiatives that attract or retain jobs, including manufacturing and commercial expansions
Community revitalization projects that strengthen neighborhoods and leverage private investment
Infrastructure and real estate developments that position Cuyahoga County for long-term growth
Since 1993, the Port has participated in over 200 projects, issuing over $6 billion of bonds.

The ideal candidate will combine financial acumen, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail with a passion for economic development and community impact.

This position reports directly to the Vice President of Development Finance.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities

Transaction Execution & Closing Support

Coordinate closing logistics including signature collection, document circulation, and fulfillment of closing conditions
Track critical deal milestones and deadlines, proactively flagging potential delays or issues
Support legal and financial review processes, coordinating with outside counsel, underwriters, bond counsel, trustees, and other advisors
Assist in structuring and closing development finance transactions in compliance with Port Authority standards
Disbursement & Portfolio Management

Review and process disbursement requests, ensuring compliance with funding terms and fiscal policies
Track project payments through completion and maintain accurate disbursement records
Monitor compliance with funding terms, fiscal policies, and disbursement procedures
Deal Team Collaboration & Reporting

Participate in deal team calls and meetings, tracking action items and key decisions
Provide regular progress updates to Vice President and other team members
Assist with project analysis for eligibility, community benefit, and financial soundness
Board & Meeting Preparation

Assist in preparing board materials, presentation decks, and supporting documentation
Compile and organize materials for investment decisions and approval processes
Coordinate meeting logistics and ensure timely distribution of materials
Partnership & Pipeline Coordination

Serve as a point of contact for external partners regarding deal flow and financing opportunities
Manage intake and tracking of incoming pipeline projects
Coordinate with financial advisors, underwriters, bond counsel, trustees, regulators, and applicants
Respond to external inquiries regarding Port financing programs and opportunities
Compliance & Documentation Management

Respond to compliance-related requests and support adherence to regulatory requirements
Manage document flow and filing systems for active deals and portfolio investments
Review and interpret policies, regulations, and guidelines to provide technical assistance to partners and staff
Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in accordance with internal policies

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or related field
2-4 years of experience in financial services, development finance, economic development, or related field
Exceptional organizational skills with proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Power Point
Understanding of financing structures and closing processes preferred
Experience in public sector or economic development finance a plus
Genuine interest in development finance and community impact

Preferred Skills and Attributes

The Port is seeking an individual whose approach aligns with the culture and expectations of the organization. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment that blends the best of the private and public sectors and will demonstrate a strong sense of teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism.

Preferred attributes include:

Ability to work independently with limited supervision while remaining an engaged and reliable team member and collaborating where needed
Process-oriented mindset with ability to create and maintain efficient workflows
Strong communication skills-both written and verbal-and the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences
High degree of adaptability and comfort navigating shifting priorities in a small, dynamic organization
Proactive problem-solver who anticipates needs and removes obstacles
Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and integrity as a public official
Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information
The Port Authority encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Why Join Us

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, with an expected salary range of $60,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. We value work-life balance and foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that emphasizes professional growth and community impact.

Our office is located in downtown Cleveland's historic Warehouse District, in a renovated warehouse near the East Bank of the Flats. Employees enjoy free parking and convenient access to public transit.

All employees are subject to a comprehensive background check prior to hire.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to info@portofcleveland.com.

Application deadline: February 23rd, 2026.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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