Hot Jobs
From data center development and technical construction to municipal economic development, this week's opportunities span six states and remote work. Five of the six positions top out at $195,000 or more.
$182,914–$241,446 | Planning & Economic Development Director — Thornton, Colorado
The City of Thornton is recruiting a department leader to oversee planning, development review and economic development. The job ties long-range planning to business attraction and community growth in one of Colorado's Front Range communities.
Applications close Nov. 5.
$220,000–$240,000 + Bonus | Director, Development & Construction — Irving, Texas
Recruiter Storm4 is seeking an executive to oversee hyperscale data center developments across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. The hybrid position covers project delivery, entitlements, utility coordination and construction oversight. Compensation includes a potential 25% bonus.
$215,000–$235,000 | Director, Data Center Development — Remote
Hanwha Data Centers, part of Hanwha Energy USA, is hiring a director to identify and acquire data center sites nationwide. The job combines real estate negotiations, site selection, utility planning and early-stage development, with travel of up to 50%.
$215,000–$230,000 | Director, Technical Construction — San Francisco, California
JLL is seeking a director to oversee complex technical construction and heavy infrastructure projects for a major technology client in the Bay Area, with a focus on high-density infrastructure delivery.
$180,000–$195,000 + Bonus | Director, Land Development — New Jersey, New York or Remote
Fleet Data Centers is seeking a director to advance large-scale data center campuses through site diligence, master planning, permitting and entitlements. The job includes regular work with utilities, government agencies and local communities, right where infrastructure development meets site selection.
Still open: Starting at $106,829 | Economic Development Director — Clayton, North Carolina
The Johnston County town is still looking for an economic development director to lead business development and investment. Applications close Oct. 30.
Movers & Shakers
Nayan Bhakta takes the lead at McCarthy's renewable energy group
McCarthy Building Companies has promoted Nayan Bhakta to president of its National Renewable Energy Group, succeeding Dhruv Patel, who has moved into the chief operating officer job at parent company McCarthy Holdings.
Bhakta previously served as COO of the renewable energy group, where he helped more than quadruple its solar and battery storage footprint in less than two years. McCarthy says the group has built more than 115 utility-scale solar and storage projects since 2010, totaling more than 18 gigawatts of generation and 10 gigawatt-hours of battery storage.
Bhakta joined McCarthy in 2014 after working in renewable energy and petrochemical construction. He now leads national strategy and business operations for the company's solar and storage portfolio.
Derrell Hartwick heads to Fort Lauderdale
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has named Derrell Hartwick its next president and CEO. He takes office Oct. 26.
Hartwick comes from the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas, where he is president and CEO. He previously led the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber of Commerce in Idaho.
Rachael Weiland named president and CEO of South Dakota Trade
Rachael Weiland has been named president and CEO of South Dakota Trade, which helps South Dakota companies expand into international markets. She succeeds interim leader Joe Fiala.
Weiland was most recently marketing manager at VRC Metal Systems and previously served as South Dakota Trade's director of business engagement.
Award Winners
Chase Eikenbary named Ohio Economic Developer of the Year
The Ohio Economic Development Association named Chase Eikenbary of the Regional Growth Partnership its 2026 Economic Developer of the Year. Ashley Epling of the Williams County Economic Development Corporation and Julia Suggs of the Area Development Foundation of Knox County received Awards of Merit.
The honors were presented Oct. 8 at OEDA's annual summit in Dayton, which drew 47 nominations across seven categories.
Jason Duff wins Ohio's Local Champion award
Jason Duff, founder of Small Nation, received OEDA's Local Champion of the Year Award of Excellence. Small Nation revitalizes smaller communities through property redevelopment, entrepreneurship and investment in downtown commercial districts, building on the assets a town already has.
Hillman Group/Forest Fair Mall project earns top development honor
The Hillman Group/Forest Fair Mall Demolition project in Forest Park received OEDA's 2026 Project of the Year Award of Excellence. The First Quality Mega Site and Heartland Commerce Park earned Awards of Merit.
On the Radar
The International Economic Development Council's annual conference opens Oct. 25 in New Orleans. Location Decision will be watching for award winners, leadership announcements and projects worth a closer look.
Got a move, an award or an open seat?
We're watching promotions, new appointments, retirements, major career opportunities and award-winning economic development work. Send yours to [email protected].
Movers, Shakers & Award Winners is a curated weekly roundup covering the people and organizations shaping corporate investment, site selection and economic development.