Application Guide
How to Apply for President, ROC USA Capital
at ROC USA
🏢 About ROC USA
ROC USA is a pioneering nonprofit that empowers homeowners in manufactured home communities to buy their parks and govern them as resident-owned cooperatives (ROCs), preserving affordability and preventing displacement. Its CDFI, ROC USA Capital, is the financial engine that makes these acquisitions possible, and the organization operates through a national network of nine independent nonprofit affiliates. Working here means combining mission-driven finance with systemic change for some of the lowest-income homeowners in the U.S.
About This Role
As President of ROC USA Capital, you will lead the CDFI that provides financing for resident-owned community acquisitions, infrastructure improvements, and refinancing. You will be responsible for the financial sustainability and growth of the loan fund, while ensuring that capital flows to ROCs in a way that supports long-term affordability and community control. This is a high-impact leadership role that directly enables homeowners to take ownership of their land and shape their communities.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve meeting with the ROC USA Capital team to review loan pipeline and portfolio performance, speaking with a bank partner about new capital, and joining a call with CTAP leaders to discuss a potential acquisition. You might also work with ROC USA's policy team on advocacy efforts or review financing terms for a community that is ready to purchase its land. The role is remote, so you'll balance video calls, travel to ROC communities or industry events, and deep analytical work on loan structuring.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who ROC USA Is Looking For
- Deep experience in community development finance, CDFI management, or affordable housing lending, with a track record of scaling loan funds and managing risk.
- Demonstrated ability to lead a mission-driven financial institution, including fundraising, investor relations, and compliance with CDFI regulations.
- Strong understanding of cooperative business models, manufactured housing, or resident-owned communities, and a commitment to racial and economic equity.
- Proven success in building partnerships with banks, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations to attract capital and support borrowers.
📝 Tips for Applying to ROC USA
Highlight any experience you have with CDFIs, loan funds, or affordable housing finance—quantify your impact (e.g., loan volume, portfolio performance, capital raised).
Show familiarity with the manufactured housing sector and resident-owned communities; mention specific challenges like park closures, lot rent increases, and displacement.
Emphasize your ability to lead a remote, mission-driven team and collaborate with a national network of independent nonprofits (CTAPs).
Demonstrate your understanding of ROC USA's dual bottom line: financial sustainability and social impact, and how you would balance them.
Connect your personal values to ROC USA's mission—this is a values-driven organization, so authenticity matters.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your specific CDFI leadership experience and how it prepares you to grow ROC USA Capital; (2) your understanding of the manufactured housing market and the unique financing needs of resident-owned cooperatives; (3) your ability to work with a decentralized network of CTAPs and internal teams to source and structure deals; and (4) your commitment to economic justice and community ownership as a tool for systemic change.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study ROC USA's history, mission, and the role of ROC USA Capital in the network—review annual reports, impact stories, and financial statements if available.
- → Understand the manufactured housing landscape: key challenges (park closures, lot rent increases), demographics, and the resident-owned cooperative model.
- → Research the CDFI industry, including funding sources (e.g., CDFI Fund, banks, foundations) and trends in community development finance.
- → Learn about ROC USA's affiliates (CTAPs) and their geographic footprint to understand the operational context and opportunities for growth.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on financial returns without demonstrating a commitment to ROC USA's social mission and the cooperative model.
- Lacking specific examples of CDFI or affordable housing finance experience—generic statements about 'leadership' won't suffice.
- Ignoring the collaborative nature of the role: ROC USA Capital works closely with CTAPs and internal teams, so failing to show teamwork or network management skills is a red flag.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!