Right of Way Program Manager - Tennessee

O.R. Colan Associates, LLC; Tennessee; Remote; USD 134,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off, sick time, and holidays

Tuition reimbursement and professional

ClassPass and Breethe memberships

Recognition programs

Job summary

O.R. Colan Associates, LLC, is seeking a Right of Way Program Manager in Tennessee to lead a strategic program for a public sector client. The role involves developing program strategy, staffing, budgets, and acting as the primary client contact to ensure successful delivery.

The position requires 8+ years in right of way with leadership across multiple projects, and experience with DOT clients. Travel is local and statewide, with diverse stakeholder coordination and growth opportunities within

Qualifications

• 8+ years of right of way experience with leadership across multiple projects.
• 3+ years working with or within a Department of Transportation.
• 3+ years managing complex transportation infrastructure programs or projects.
• 3+ years leading Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficient with MS Office — Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license.
• iOS or Android smartphone to access ORC’s systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead a transportation Right of Way program for a strategic Tennessee client.
• Develop and execute the program strategy, work plans, staffing, schedules, and budgets.
• Serve as primary client contact and build trusted partnerships with client and stakeholders.
• Provide leadership for acquisition, relocation, title, appraisal coordination, and project management services.
• Monitor program performance via budgets, forecasts, staffing, invoicing, and KPIs.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team and support onboarding.
• Champion QA, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support business growth opportunities and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Presentation skills

Team development

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Right of Way Program Manager - Tennessee

Department: Management

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Remote - TN

Reporting To: Cherie Pierce

Compensation: $133,565 - $145,512 / year

Description

Location: Tennessee (Candidate will have the flexibility to work from their home office but must reside in Tennessee)

Schedule: Full-time, Exempt

Travel: Candidate can expect to travel locally and throughout Tennessee about 25% of the time

Why Join ORC?

The Right Work. The Right People. The Right Culture.

Right of Way is where infrastructure meets innovation—shaping roads, utilities, and communities for the future. At ORC, we offer more than a job—we offer purpose, stability, and growth. You’ll join a team that values collaboration, workplace flexibility, and long-term opportunity.

What You’ll Do

• Lead a dedicated transportation Right of Way program supporting one of ORC's most strategic public sector clients in Tennessee.
• Develop and execute the overall program strategy, including work plans, staffing, schedules, financial forecasts, and operational priorities.
• Serve as ORC's primary point of contact, building trusted partnerships with our client, local agencies, engineering partners, and other transportation stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and oversight for acquisition, relocation, title, appraisal coordination, property management, utility coordination, and project management services across the program.
• Monitor program performance by reviewing budgets, forecasts, staffing plans, invoicing, profitability, and key performance indicators to ensure successful project delivery.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team while supporting onboarding, succession planning, and long-term staff growth.
• Champion quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure consistent program execution.
• Partner with Executive Leadership to identify business growth opportunities, support proposals and client presentations, and expand ORC's presence throughout Tennessee.
• Represent ORC during client meetings, public meetings, industry conferences, and executive-level presentations.

We’re Looking for Someone Who

• Excels at building long-term client relationships and serving as a trusted advisor.
• Has the ability to lead and develop high-performing teams while fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Thinks strategically and can balance long-term program goals with day-to-day operational needs.
• Is comfortable making informed business decisions using financial and operational data.
• Demonstrates exceptional organization and planning skills while managing multiple priorities.
• Has excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Is committed to delivering exceptional customer service and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of right of way experience, including leadership across multiple projects
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with or within a Department of Transportation
• Minimum of three (3) years managing complex transportation infrastructure programs or projects.
• Minimum of three (3) years leading Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Prior experience directing project managers or large delivery teams
• Proficient with MS Office Suite — specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook
• An iOS or Android smartphone to access ORC’s systems
• Valid driver’s license

Bonus Points if You Have

• Bachelor's degree.
• Previous experience serving as a Program Manager or Project Manager on TDOT consultant contracts.
• Established relationships with TDOT leadership and transportation stakeholders.
• Experience supporting Design-Build or alternative delivery transportation programs.
• Experience implementing quality assurance programs, succession planning initiatives, and business development strategies.

Where You Fit

This posting covers a single level. The pay range is $133,565 – $145,512. Every candidate is assessed and evaluated during the hiring process to determine their level based on factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands. Your offer will reflect the level that best matches your experience.

Relocation and per diem are not provided.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match, plus disability coverage
• Paid time off, sick time, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and paid professional development
• ClassPass and Breethe memberships
• Recognition programs and real room to grow

That’s the quick version — learn more about benefits at ORC.

Employees must avoid any relationship or activity that might impair, or even appear to impair, their ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing their jobs. To avoid conflicts of interest, employees are prohibited from performing any services for clients or perceived clients during nonworking time that are normally performed by ORC, including the sale of real estate.

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, it requires a combination of office-based and field work. Employees will spend prolonged periods sitting and performing computer-based tasks, including typing, data entry, and virtual communication, while also regularly traveling to landowner properties, project sites, and government facilities, some of which may be in rural or remote locations with limited accessibility. Driving is an essential function of the role and may involve extended periods and long-distance travel. Fieldwork may require walking over uneven terrain, standing, or navigating outdoor environments, with routine exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and snow. The role also involves frequent interaction with a diverse range of individuals, including landowners, government officials, and members of the public, requiring the ability to communicate effectively and maintain professionalism across differing personalities and potentially challenging situations. Flexibility in scheduling is necessary to accommodate travel, site access, and stakeholder availability, along with adherence to safety protocols in both office and field settings.