Director – Land Acquisition & Entitlement

About The Company

Built on a foundation of integrity, respect, and commitment, JPI stands out as one of the most active real estate developers and builders in the nation.  For more than 35 years, JPI has designed and developed communities with best-in-class homes and amenities. JPI is committed to data-driven management and continuous improvement. Its team of experts utilizes data – including unparalleled market research, proven business processes, and proprietary models – to ensure that every decision is strategic, focused, and produces exceptional multifamily communities with the best risk-adjusted returns. More than just great communities, JPI is focused on leaving a lasting impact on the communities where we build and is continually committed to “Building What Matters.”  JPI operates as a subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry, which is recognized as one of the largest home builders in the United States.

About this Job

The Director, Land Acquisition & Entitlement is expected to engage in any or all of a broad range of responsibilities across the real estate development and construction project lifecycle, particularly focused on land sourcing, entitlements, and development planning. The position demands significant technical input and decision-making in relation to JPI projects, as well as the leadership and management of 3rd parties and the JPI brand during entitlements. The Director, Development will typically be responsible for one or more of the following development disciplines:

· Development Planning
· Land Acquisition and Entitlement

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

​Land Acquisition

• Source land opportunities and track systematically.

• Build and maintain broker relations.

• Conduct site searches and review land deals for initial feasibility.

• Screen land at a macro level, including sub-market analysis and ranking.

• Perform zoning and code analysis to assess regulatory fit.

• Screen land at a micro level, focusing on site-specific factors.

• Ensure business plan alignment with acquisition targets.

• Conduct entitlement feasibility analysis.

• Apply rule-of-thumb analysis for quick viability checks.

• Negotiate land purchases, including LOI preparation and contract finalization.

• Coordinate proposals for internal committee reviews.

• Kick off the concept design process for potential projects.

• Administer hard cost questionnaires for cost estimation.

• Oversee due diligence, including budget validation and third-party reports.

• Lead the investment committee review for approval of land acquisitions.

Entitlement

• Secure zoning and entitlement approvals.

• Define the entitlement process and political landscape.

• Develop entitlement strategies and schedules.

• Provide entitlement consultation to teams and partners.

• Negotiate and execute partnership MOUs.

• Submit applications for bonds and tax credits.

• Establish community programming to support entitlements.

• Manage entitlement projects, including mapping, hearings, and CEQA compliance as required.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Work Experience, & Physical Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Urban Planning, Accounting, Real Estate, Engineering, Math or related field required. Graduate degree and/or relevant professional certifications encouraged.

• Demonstrated experience in entitlements, executing development opportunities, working with capital partners, market analytics, asset management, property operations, and strong negotiation skills.

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in Real Estate development, including significant multifamily development experience.

Why work for us?
 

We have a 35-year track record of developing multifamily communities with responsibility, accountability, and integrity.  Our stated purpose is to:

• Transform Building

• Enhance Communities

• Improve Lives

JPI has an ambitious and exciting vision for how we will achieve this, which makes for a positive and dynamic work environment, with many opportunities for personal development and growth.  As well as our highly competitive offering of compensation and benefits, we are committed to:

• Transformative careers in a transformative company

• Comprehensive training and development

• Promotion from within at all levels of the organization

• Borderless Careers, based on performance, potential, and personal ambition

Industry Recognition

• NMHC - #1 Fastest Growing Developer; #2 Fastest Growing Building; #8 Largest National Developer; # 11 Largest National Builder

• Real Page – Most active multifamily developer in DFW for the past 8 years

• Dallas Business Journal Best Places to Work – 2023

• Dallas Business Journal – Largest DFW Real Estate Developers - #11

JPI offers associates a comprehensive benefits package with competitive salaries and more, including:

• Competitive Bonus Program

• 4 Weeks PTO for All New Associates (Pro-Rated by Hire Date)

• 11 Holidays and 8 Early Release Days

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

• 401(k) with Company Match (Up to 5% Match)

• Health Savings Account

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent & Medical Reimbursement)

• Paid Parental Leave

• Paid Volunteer Time

• Tuition Assistance

• Phone Reimbursement

• Associate Referral Bonuses