Project Director - Entitlements

LJA; Tennessee; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Options

Generous Time Off

Comprehensive Benefits

Family Support

Education Support

Referral Bonuses

Community Impact

Professional Development

Career Growth

Fun Culture

Job summary

A land development firm based in Tennessee is seeking a Project Director to lead the entitlement process for land development projects. In this role, you will cultivate client relationships and oversee strategic planning and project coordination. You must have over 20 years of experience in land development entitlement within the Middle Tennessee market, and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. The position includes flexible work options, generous time off, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in land development entitlement and engineering.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead land development due diligence and entitlement activities.
• Meet with local agencies during entitlement stages.
• Review preliminary engineering deliverables during the project phases.

Skills

Communication skills

Client relationship management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in civil engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer in Tennessee

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a Project Director at LJA Land Development, you will be responsible for leading the entitlement process for land development projects, serving as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the Middle Tennessee region. This client‑facing role is responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while guiding projects through strategic planning, entitlement approvals, and overall development coordination. Key priorities include driving strategic initiatives, ensuring high‑quality deliverables, and proactively resolving challenges to keep projects on schedule and aligned with client goals.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE

• Lead land development due diligence and entitlement activities for large master planned communities. Strategize, problem‑solve, and serve as a trusted advisor to the client.
• Meeting with cities, counties and local agencies during the entitlement stage of a project.
• Review of preliminary engineering deliverables including cost estimates during the entitlements and due diligence phase of a project.
• Build relationships and grow business in the single‑family land development business.
• Lead business development activities by marketing to existing clients as well as identifying, and marketing to new clients.
• Participate in quarterly Operations Meetings with Business Sector Leaders, the President, and the Business Solutions team.
• Actively participate in professional associations and civic organizations within the community

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Registration (or ability to obtain) as a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Tennessee.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 20+ years’ experience in land development entitlement and engineering in the Middle Tennessee market.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both oral and written skill.
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

• Flexible Work Options: Schedules to help you balance life and work.
• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company‑sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.