Director of Land Entitlements

Director of Land Entitlements Job Opening in Raleigh, NC

Residential Construction / Home Builder Career Opportunity

We are seeking a Director of Land Entitlements to join one of Raleigh’s fastest-growing homebuilders. The primary responsibility will be to support the Regional President and Director of Land Acquisition in the entitlement and due diligence process for developing master-planned communities.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing entitlements and due diligence for land development projects, assessing the feasibility of acquisitions, and securing zoning and governmental approvals.

Our client is experiencing rapid growth and seeks a professional who is ready to meet increasing market demands. You’ll be part of a company with premier land positions in Raleigh, offering a competitive salary and performance-based incentives. We value enthusiastic attitudes and team players to join this dynamic organization.

Director of Land Entitlements Responsibilities

Land Feasibility and Due Diligence

• Assess proposed development sites for feasibility, considering site constraints, local zoning, and subdivision requirements.
• Collaborate with engineering consultants to create preliminary sketch plans following development codes and ordinances.
• Conduct thorough due diligence and site feasibility analyses for new land acquisition and development projects, ensuring regulatory compliance and cost-effective design.
• Develop approval schedules and preliminary site development budget estimates.
• Coordinate with regional management and design consultants to review project technical aspects and value engineer design elements to maximize cost efficiency and market value.
• Compile final Due Diligence reports and executive summaries, providing recommendations on land deal feasibility.
• Assist the Director of Land Development in preparing preliminary and bank land development budgets as required.

Land Approvals

• Manage the approval process for real estate development projects, from site identification to final approvals and permits.
• Coordinate with regional management, adjacent property owners, HOAs, and jurisdictional authorities to gain project support.
• Maintain approval tracking logs and resolve critical issues during all entitlement phases to keep projects on schedule.
• Collaborate with consultants to create rezoning exhibits and preliminary and final plats.
• Track project expenses and milestone deliveries throughout the entitlement progression.
• Coordinate the preparation of site design criteria and manage third-party Consulting Engineers for site improvement plans.
• Coordinate with the Director of Land Development to reduce excess development costs through value engineering and compliance with design standards.
• Review and value engineer-proposed design elements with the construction team and design consultants to minimize costs and maximize project value.
• Develop and review contract documents with design professionals and other vendors/consultants.
• Conduct regular meetings with project teams, consultants, and municipalities throughout the entitlement process.
• Facilitate projects through the entitlements process, including concept sketch plan, preliminary plat, final plat, etc.
• Manage rezoning requests, zoning variances, notable exceptions, master planning, landscape planning, and concept plans.
• Proactively engage municipalities to amend ordinances for age-restricted communities.
• Attend and present at city/town meetings to facilitate approvals of rezoning, plats, and engineered plans.
• Build rapport with governmental staff to minimize comments on rezonings, plats, and engineering plans.
• Anticipate challenges for each project and recommend strategies to overcome potential objections throughout the entitlement process.
• Review and offer feedback on the Preliminary LD Budget, Bank LD Budget, and Final LD Budget prepared by the Director of Land Development. This process serves as a check to ensure all costs are accounted for and to prevent future variances.

Director of Land Entitlements Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 7-10 years of experience in land acquisition and approvals in the residential homebuilding industry.
• Established relationships with local municipalities’ Planning Board, Council, and governmental staff, with a track record of securing required approvals.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to use your vehicle for travel between communities.
• Experience in site engineering, approvals, and development.
• Demonstrated ability to read engineering plans.
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and builder software.

Premier Homebuilding Benefits

• Attractive Compensation Package: Benefit from a robust salary structure complemented by a lucrative company bonus opportunity.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Avail top-tier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for peace of mind.
• Retirement Security: Contribute to a 401(k) plan and watch your savings grow for a secure future.
• Protection Against Uncertainties: Robust disability programs in place, ensuring your well-being during unexpected challenges.
• Life Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for employees and their dependents, ensuring financial security for your loved ones.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy ample vacation time and observe company holidays to rejuvenate and spend quality time with loved ones.