Vice President - Policy & Community Affairs

Position Overview

The Lewis Group of Companies, one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate developers, seeks an experienced Vice President - Policy & Community Affairs to lead public policy initiatives, land use, and housing objectives in Southern California.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of strategies related to land use, housing, environmental, and economic development policy.
• Monitor, analyze, and influence proposed legislation, ballot initiatives, and regulatory actions at the local and state levels.
• Represent the company with governmental agencies, public officials, trade associations, and industry groups.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, government staff, and community stakeholders.
• Participate in industry boards and committees (e.g., Building Industry Association, California Business Roundtable).
• Partner with development, legal, construction, and related teams to support entitlement, permitting, and zoning processes.
• Assist in navigating approvals and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA, SB 330, general plans, housing mandates, and climate-related regulation.
• Engage with city councils, planning commissions, and community groups to advocate for project approvals.
• Integrate entitlement and political strategy with community outreach initiatives.
• Identify political, regulatory, and development risks and formulate mitigation strategies.
• Advise executive leadership on the regulatory and political environment affecting land development in California.
• Oversee government affairs initiatives and manage consultants, lobbyists, and legal advisors.
• Support public outreach and communications efforts to build support for development projects.
• Participate in civic and industry organizations to promote the company’s profile and policy priorities.
• Align messaging with communications and PR teams to ensure consistency and clarity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s or J.D. strongly preferred (public policy, law, urban planning, political science, or related field).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public policy, or land use law, preferably aligned with real estate development in California.
• Deep knowledge of California land use law, CEQA, state housing mandates, and regional/local planning processes.
• Demonstrated ability to secure entitlements, influence policy, and navigate political systems.
• Strong relationships with government agencies, elected officials, and planning/community departments across key California jurisdictions.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; comfortable translating complex regulatory issues to diverse audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities effectively.

Additional Requirements

• Reliable transportation and a driver’s license are required for traveling to company projects and land sites.

Pay & Benefits

A competitive annual salary ($200+k commensurate with experience), annual bonus and raise potential, monthly auto allowance, variety of benefits plans, a 401k savings plan with immediate vesting and company match, $100/month cellphone reimbursement, paid holidays, vacation time, continued training, advancement opportunities, and much more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lewis Group of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.