Director of Entitlements - Data Centers

Provident • Dallas, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a high-performing Entitlements Manager who will be responsible for driving the full entitlement and pre-construction phases of process for all data center development projects. You will play a crucial role in securing all the necessary governmental approvals, permits, and rights to develop new projects. Success in this role requires a steady leadership presence, exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to navigate complex political and regulatory environments with confidence. The ideal candidate will bring a proven record of entitling large‑scale data center, commercial, industrial, or mission critical projects and excel in fast‑moving, entrepreneurial environments.

This in-office role will report to the Managing Partner. This position will require travel to project sites, industry conferences, jurisdictional meetings, and project hearings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Urban Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience managing all phases of entitlement processing including Zoning Codes, Comprehensive Plans and other applicable municipal codes impacting the development of land for large-scale, high-profile mission critical, utility, telecom, industrial, life sciences, and/or data center projects.
• Governmental approval experience; a mix of public agency and private sector experience preferred.
• High level of proficiency in reading and interpreting local land use regulations, engineering and architectural drawings.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to have experienced discussions with public agencies and consultants.
• Highly organized; able to manage multiple complex projects, budgets, and schedules while meeting deadlines.
• Experience negotiating agreements, managing stakeholder relationships, and implementing portfolio strategies.
• Hands-on mindset with ability to operate both strategically and tactically.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Adaptability—adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands, and is able to deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events.
• Self-starter; thrives in dynamic and entrepreneurial environments.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and creative problem-solving skills, with a results-driven approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present effectively to owners, equity partners, government officials, community residents, and local organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Lifelong learner who applies expertise with confidence and defends analysis clearly and persuasively to investment committees.

Responsibilities

• Perform due diligence for prospective land acquisitions and data center developments.
• Assess and manage front‑end development risks across environmental conditions, geotechnical factors, utilities, off‑site and traffic improvements, right‑of‑way needs, natural and cultural resources, and jurisdictional fees.
• Prepare feasibility analyses and conceptual CAD layouts to evaluate yield, circulation, grading, and stormwater compliance; ensure all layouts align with zoning, design standards, and site constraints.
• Provide early planning insights that inform land strategy and capital allocation decisions.
• Lead entitlement efforts to secure zoning, land use approvals, site plans, engineering reviews, and all required permits for data center campus developments.
• Manage entitlement schedules, jurisdictional applications, and regulatory processes to align with project timelines.
• Negotiate and finalize development‑related documents, including development agreements, proffers, and annexation agreements.
• Coordinate and manage multidisciplinary consultant teams, including civil engineers, legal counsel, environmental specialists, architects, title agents, and geotechnical professionals.
• Direct consultants in preparing, submitting, and managing land use and entitlement applications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with municipal officials and regulatory staff; secure approvals from city councils, planning commissions, and other governing bodies.
• Represent Provident at public hearings, agency meetings, and community outreach events; lead communications with neighbors, local organizations, and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, and status reports.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure a smooth transition from entitlement to execution.
• Attend select industry conferences and events to maintain relationships and stay current on emerging trends in entitlement and development policy.

Benefits

• Competitive base + bonus, and the unique ability to invest in the Provident Employee Fund
• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Company-Provided Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k with Company Match
• 529 College Savings Plan
• 3 Weeks PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Maternity/Paternity Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees