What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Real Estate Lending position at Sahara Investment Group?
About Sahara Investment Group
Sahara Investment Group (“SIG”) is an alternative investment manager and private Multi-Family Office with proprietary real estate debt and equity strategies. SIG’s flagship debt platform leverages deep local market expertise and institutional discipline to offer flexible, responsive, and creative financing solutions. SIG is currently lending out of its second real estate credit fund, is in the process of raising its third real estate credit fund, and is currently raising its first real estate equity fund targeting a focused strategy where its experience and operating insight can create an edge.
SIG’s investment management business operates as part of an integrated platform with its private Multi-Family Office that offers bespoke, institutional quality solutions to HNW and UHNW families and individuals to grow and preserve wealth. SIG’s shared capabilities allow them to serve its clients more effectively and create differentiated investment products.
Position Overview
As a Vice President, you will play a critical role in sourcing, underwriting, closing, and managing commercial real estate loans and related investments. This role requires a highly motivated, entrepreneurial individual who can take ownership across all aspects of the investment process and lead a team to drive positive outcomes.
The ideal candidate has strong finance and real estate expertise, is comfortable with responsibility, and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
Underwriting, Diligence & Closing
- Lead underwriting and execution of first lien mortgages, mezzanine loans, and related CRE investments.
- Support origination and deal structuring conversations.
- Manage deal flow, diligence, third-party vendors, and documentation through closing.
- Analyze market data, asset performance, borrower profile, and exit strategies.
- Participate in site visits and assess macro/micro market dynamics.
- Review and help negotiate key contracts and closing documents.
Asset Management
- Monitor portfolio performance and proactively assess risk factors.
- Coordinate construction draw processes and budget reviews with third parties.
- Assist with loan modifications and restructures, from business terms through documentation.
Team Leadership & Process Management
- Oversee internal and external team workflows across sourcing, underwriting, and asset management.
- Improve and enforce process discipline for all investment activities.
- Provide coaching and mentorship to junior team members.
- Conduct regular performance feedback and uphold team accountability.
Strategic Initiatives
- Support the firm’s strategic growth efforts and fund management initiatives.
- Monitor market trends and competitive dynamics to inform investment strategy.
- Promote the firm's values, culture, and reputation in the market.
Reporting & Communication
- Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to portfolio strategy.
- Assist with investor reporting and firm-wide performance tracking.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, real estate, or related field.
- 5 years of commercial real estate experience, preferably in debt or equity investing.
- Strong credit and structuring skills with direct experience underwriting CRE assets.
- Demonstrated ability to manage loan closings and asset performance.
- Experience in target markets (NV, UT, ID, AZ, TX, NM) preferred.
- Strong Excel and PowerPoint proficiency.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience leading teams or managing junior staff is a plus.
Why Join Sahara Investment Group?
- Be a key member of a high-impact, entrepreneurial team.
- Competitive compensation and performance-based upside.
- Culture of ownership, transparency, and innovation.
- Opportunity to shape a growing investment platform and its future.
- Benefit from shared resources and deal flow across business lines.