Director, Land Use Entitlements

The Role 

The Director, Land Use Entitlements for our Retail Store Development leads the team that develops Green Thumbs' footprint.  This role will manage the permitting processes for new store openings and various retail development projects across the company, while working on multiple projects simultaneously and partnering with various stakeholders to support opening new RISE dispensaries and other associated projects. The Director, Land Use Entitlements is responsible for coordinating multiple permitting efforts within various jurisdictions while navigating complex details of the permitting process. 

Responsibilities 

• Build and support infrastructure by creating and managing systems and processes that support the company’s operations.
• Partner with outside counsel and our real estate team to obtain all necessary special and conditional use permits for new sites. 
• Actively participate in the resolution of authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) inquiries or issues.
• Build and leverage and broad understanding of Real Estate and Construction responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain good rapport with internal business contacts, peers, inspectors, state police and regulatory agencies.
• Evaluate and improve the efficiency of current team structures and processes as well as implementing new systems and processes as necessary.
  Maintain expertise in state regulatory compliance issues pertaining to the physical development of new stores. 
• Oversee municipal and regulatory code research as needed for cross-functional teams  
• Create municipal presentations and zoning exhibits as needed to support submissions 
• Maintain meetings with local jurisdictional entities as required; attend Pre-Application Conferences and Hearings on behalf of GTI, to present project and request approval 
• Prepare and submit applications to various agencies having jurisdiction over required permits and/or approvals 
• Provide the real estate team with zoning site verification to confirm desired property is zoned appropriately and meets all local and state requirements for cannabis siting  
• Work with architects and engineers to facilitate the permit application process 
• Work closely with the municipalities on the status of permits and ensure they are processed in a timely manner 
• Produce and maintain schedules for all projects and coordinate with municipalities from approval to final stages of permitting process 
• Accurately project dates and notify the construction team of likely permit issue dates, target construction mobilization 
• Manage and develop tracking and documentation/reporting of permitting status for our new store openings, remodels, conversions. 
• Maintain and keep up to date all internal files relating to site plan applications, approvals, licenses and permits 
• Directly supervise the Land Use Entitlements team

Qualifications  

• 5+ years’ experience in an entitlements role for a highly regulated industry, preferably the cannabis industry.
• Previous management experience a plus.
• Juris Doctorate is preferred, but business or commensurate experience in Land Use Entitlements will be considered
• Ability to read and understand construction documents 
• Highly motivated, self-directed, innovative and able to work independently or among teams with keen judgment, common sense, and resourcefulness.
• Exceptional Communicator and relationship builder.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity.
• Adapts and thrives in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Operates with high professionalism and integrity, including dealing with confidential information.
• Solid understanding of the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the cannabis industry and passion to further your understanding and knowledge of the industry and the laws.
• Must understand and comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of Green Thumb 

Additional Requirements 

• Must pass any and all required background checks  
• Must be and remain compliant with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry  
• Must possess valid driver’s license 
• Must be a minimum of 21 years of age 
• Must be approved by state badging agency to work in cannabis industry 
• Ability to travel 25% of the time