JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

The Senior Entitlement Manager is a leadership role responsible for directly managing, executing, and navigating the full entitlement process for multiple, complex land development projects — often in challenging jurisdictions. This position demands deep technical expertise, strong political and stakeholder acumen, and the ability to move large-scale master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, and environmentally constrained properties through approval efficiently and strategically.

The Senior Entitlement Manager will lead internal and external teams, build trusted relationships with local agencies and stakeholders, and ensure projects are aligned with company objectives, budgets, and timelines while supporting and driving toward the long-term development goals for Romano Capital.

Key Responsibilities:

Land Use Planning and Project Management

• Lead entitlement strategy and execution for large-scale and high-value projects, including master-planned communities, mixed-use developments, and environmentally sensitive or politically complex sites.
• Evaluate site feasibility and entitlement pathways for potential acquisitions, assessing compatibility with zoning codes, growth management policies, and comprehensive plans.
• Oversee and interpret advanced site plans, subdivision layouts, infrastructure plans, and engineering documents.
• Develop entitlement schedules, milestone deliverables, and approval strategies tailored to jurisdictional requirements and political dynamics.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws including SEPA/NEPA, wetland, habitat, and critical area regulations.
• Negotiate and manage development agreements, conditions of approval, and impact mitigation measures.

Consultant & Team Leadership

• Direct multidisciplinary consultant teams (planning, engineering, environmental, traffic, legal, design, etc.) through the entitlement lifecycle.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to junior entitlement staff.
• Coordinate internal development, acquisition, and finance teams to align entitlement outcomes with overall business strategy.
• Ensure deliverables are accurate, timely, and strategically positioned for success in each jurisdiction.

Project Oversight & Delivery

• Manage entitlement budgets, forecasts, and schedules for multiple active projects simultaneously.
• Identify and mitigate entitlement risks early in the process.
• Track and report on all major project milestones and approvals.
• Serve as a key strategic advisor to executive leadership regarding entitlement feasibility and risk.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or related discipline (Master's preferred).
• 7–10+ years of experience in land development, entitlements, or urban planning, with direct experience managing complex projects through approval.
• Proven success navigating multi-jurisdictional entitlement processes involving master plans, PUDs, annexations, and special district coordination.
• Expertise in environmental permitting, mitigation negotiation, and interagency coordination.
• Deep understanding of regional planning laws, zoning codes, and political processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to deliver persuasive presentations to both public and private audiences.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; capable of leading multiple active projects concurrently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GIS tools, and planning software (e.g., AutoCAD, Bluebeam, SketchUp, or similar).
• Ability to travel for meetings, hearings, and site work as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to drive a vehicle, possess a current and valid driver's license, proof of insurance and a clean driving record.
• Must have the ability to speak, hear, and see to observe and detect emergency situations.
• Must be able to walk properties under consideration, construction or as finished projects unassisted.

Compensation Range:

• $125,000 - $150,000+, commiserate with experience and project complexity.

BENEFITS

• 401k company match plan
• Health benefits package (including voluntary vision & dental) 
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Professional development and continuing education support

BENEFITS

• 401k company match plan
• Health benefits package (including voluntary vision & dental) 
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Professional development and continuing education support