Site Development Manager

About the role

The Site Development Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of site development and pre-construction activities for new Goddard School locations and relocations. This role oversees the process from site selection through entitlement, permitting, and design coordination, ensuring that site-specific conditions and constraints are addressed before transitioning to the construction phase. The Pre-Construction Project Manager will lead due diligence, regulatory approvals, and design management, including coordination with architectural and engineering teams, to deliver fully approved and ready-to-build projects.

Responsibilities

• Review potential sites for suitability and feasibility
• Manage due diligence activities, including traffic, ALTA Survey, Title Work, environmental, and geotechnical studies
• Analyze site plans to confirm utility connections and services
• Manage and coordinate all entitlement and permitting processes
• Prepare and deliver presentations to state agencies, municipal boards, and other regulatory bodies
• Maintain compliance with zoning regulations and municipal requirements
• Select, assign, and manage architectural and engineering firms
• Review and approve proposals, contracts, and scopes of work for design teams
• Oversee development and review of architectural/civil site plans, building plans, and elevations
• Oversee and approve playground equipment selections
• Review and approve the project site plan, floor plan, state licensing, and building elevations
• Solicit and coordinate proposals for playground equipment and exterior signage
• Maintain files that contain project approved floor plans, site plans, and elevations
• Ensure design aligns with brand standards and operational requirements
• Create and maintain a project development schedule to include all required steps from project inception to ready for construction
• Conduct and participate in project team meetings
• Maintain thorough documentation of all reports, approvals, and communications
• Coordinate handoff to the field Construction Project Manager with complete design and permit packages
• Provide support during early construction phases as needed

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, land planning, or related field preferred; equivalent certifications accepted
• At least 5 years of experience in site development, pre-construction, or related roles
• Ability to read and interpret engineering surveys, plans, and specifications
• Expertise in due diligence, site planning, zoning, permitting, and regulatory approvals
• Experience managing architectural and engineering consultants
• Strong understanding of municipal approval processes, environmental regulations, traffic impact studies, stormwater management, and utility coordination
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills
• Public speaking and presentation experience required
• Overnight travel (0-25%) required

Skills

• Site evaluation and feasibility analysis
• Due diligence management
• Regulatory approval and permitting
• Design and consultant management
• Project coordination and scheduling
• Reading and interpreting engineering surveys, plans, and specifications
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Communication and leadership
• Public speaking and presentation