Sr. Director, Land Acquisition – Right of Way (ROW) Job at Southeast Utilities of Georgia LLC (Denver)

Job Description

The Sr Director, Land Aquisition / Right-of-Way (ROW) - Fiber Optic Networks, is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing ROW appraisal, acquisition, land management, regulatory compliance, survey coordination, permitting, acquisition processes, asset management, GIS, and landowner relations for new and existing fiber optic infrastructure projects in support of fiber construction and maintenance. This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in telecommunications ROW, capable of managing complex negotiations, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and fostering positive community relationships. The leader will provide essential support to project teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective deployment and maintenance of Congruex's fiber projects assets.

Job Responsibility

Develop and implement comprehensive ROW acquisition strategies and intended outcomes for the scope, schedule, budget, and quality tailored for fiber optic network expansion and maintenance.
Serve as the primary lead for acquiring property and rights-of-way, negotiating and securing any state and local licensing, access agreements, easements, permits, and other land-use documents necessary for conduit, and fiber construction and deployment.
Lead negotiations with private landowners, commercial businesses, utilities, municipalities, and federal/state/county agencies for the purchase, lease, or use of property and rights-of-way.
Provide support in the development of the Request for Proposal (RFP)
Review and approve acquisition terms, ensuring alignment with project budgets, schedules, and legal requirements.
Oversee the preparation, execution, and recordation of all necessary legal instruments and ensure timely compensation payments, including collaboration with legal partners.
Interpret and enforce existing ROW agreements, easements, and permits, ensuring company assets are protected, and restrictions are observed by all parties.
Administrate planned and unplanned encroachments on fiber infrastructure, including negotiation of resolutions and enforcement of land use agreements.
Conduct or oversee detailed public and private record searches, title investigations, and inquiries to satisfy title requirements for fiber network projects.
Collaborate closely with legal counsel, engineering, construction, and project management teams on all ROW-related issues and interpretations.
Ensure all ROW activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including tribal land requirements where applicable.
Ensure all licensing and agreement obligations are continually met and maintained and manage any required renewal payments as necessary.
Assess suitable solutions to continually improve acquisition processes and documents through acquisition governance, identifying areas for enhancement and implementing changes as necessary to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
Perform ongoing maintenance of agreements
Lead, mentor, train, and develop a team of ROW Specialists and Land Service Agents, fostering a high-performance culture focused on efficiency and landowner satisfaction.
Assist with the development of departmental standards, goals, and performance metrics.
Allocate and manage team resources effectively to support multiple concurrent fiber construction projects and major acquisition initiatives.
Conduct regular performance reviews and provide continuous feedback and coaching to team members.
Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance Lead and manage all network inventory assets and data quality assurance, both geospatially (GIS system of record) and via document control.
Serve as the principal contact for establishing and maintaining positive relationships with landowners, community leaders, and external stakeholders within project areas.
Proactively work to resolve landowner disputes, damage claims, and access issues amicably, with the objective of protecting company fiber assets and reputation.
Negotiate and authorize damage payments with landowners resulting from construction, maintenance, or fiber-related incidents, including cost estimation and documentation.
Identify, develop, and implement innovative processes and procedures to streamline ROW workflows, reduce cycle times, and increase quality and efficiency.
Develop and implement a tracking mechanism which ensures that the scope, schedule, budget, and quality of all right of way projects
Champion the utilization of emerging technologies, such as GIS, GPS, and ROW management software, to analyze information, manage data, and enhance communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Provide data-driven insights to leadership regarding ROW challenges, progress, and opportunities for optimization.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, law, engineering, or related field is required. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, 10+ years of progressive experience in the Right-of-Way industry may be acceptable.
A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in site acquisition with at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
Direct and extensive experience within the telecommunications (fiber optic network deployment) industry is required.
Proven experience in complex negotiations for easements, licenses, permits, and property acquisitions with diverse stakeholders (private, commercial, municipal, utility, tribal).
Demonstrated expertise in interpreting legal documents, title research, and land agreements.
Strong understanding of project lifecycles, budget management, and operational efficiency within a fast-paced construction environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with GIS/GPS systems and ROW management software.
Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
Travel: Ability to travel 25% to 50% of the time, as business needs dictate, to project sites and stakeholder meetings.
Valid Driver's License is required.

Nice to have

Prior experience with tribal land negotiations and regulations is highly preferred.
A general understanding or background in real estate development and land acquisition with an understanding of local laws, permitting, etc.
Ability to read and interpret land prints and documents that outline the legal boundaries, dimensions, and features of a property

What we offer

Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits
401(k) Program with a Company Match.
Free Wellness Resources & Marketplace Discounts
Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
Paid Basic Life Insurance & Voluntary Options

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Sr. Director, Land Acquisition – Right of Way (ROW)

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