Director, Originations

Who You’ll Work With:

Alliance Bernstein’s US Commercial Real Estate Debt Team (“AB CRED” or “Platform”) is seeking an experienced originations professional with 10+ years of relevant experience in the sourcing, evaluation and execution of real estate credit investments. The individual will undertake a senior role in deploying capital on behalf of the Platform’s various investment strategies and clients, which include discretionary funds as well as separately managed insurance accounts. This position offers a unique opportunity to assume a leadership role in the management and mentorship of investment teams as part of a leading private debt platform that fosters a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture and values analytical rigor, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. 

Since its inception in 2013, AB CRED has successfully raised approximately $11 billion of capital via open and closed-ended investment vehicles and separately managed accounts and anticipates AUM to increase by an additional $14Bn by the end of 2026. The Platform invests in CRE secured debt across the risk spectrum, covering all major property types in key markets throughout the United States. AB CRED has recently launched multiple new investment initiatives to further expand the investment capabilities of the Platform, including mortgage loans, mezzanine loans, distressed debt, construction loans, loan acquisitions, loan participations and CMBS securities. AB CRED’s capital base has a collective appetite for both fixed and floating rate loans with both short and long duration and secured by assets ranging from fully stabilized to transitional. Established processes and systems are in place to reinforce the discipline required to excel across all facets of the broadened investment mandate, including experienced deal sourcing, meticulous underwriting, comprehensive investor reporting, and proven asset management. 

What You’ll Do:

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and mentor a team of VPs, associates and analysts, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence

• Develop and implement strategies for sourcing and structuring CRE debt investments that align with the Platform’s investment objectives, including the specific needs of insurance company general accounts 

Investment Sourcing & Oversight

• Source and originate CRE debt investment opportunities, including first mortgages, mezzanine loans, and preferred equity positions

• Structure complex loan agreements and negotiate key terms to optimize investment outcomes

Deal Execution & Oversight

• Oversee the closing process by coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate execution of transactions

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight throughout the investment lifecycle, from initial sourcing to closing

Portfolio Management

• Ongoing responsibility to monitor market conditions and trends in the commercial real estate industry to inform proactive portfolio management decisions

• Identify and address potential risks or opportunities within the portfolio

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with borrowers, brokers, and industry professionals to support deal sourcing and market intelligence

• Represent AB CRED in industry forums and client meetings, enhancing the Platform’s reputation and market presence

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, real estate, economics, or a related field

• 10+ years of experience in CRE debt origination and specific experience in debt origination on behalf of insurance companies

• Proven track record of sourcing and structuring complex CRE debt transactions

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop junior team members

• Deep understanding of commercial real estate fundamentals, debt structures, and market dynamics

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear recommendations

• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and strong ability to manage / oversee multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• A self-starter with a collaborative mindset and a curiosity about commercial real estate