VP, Community Relations

Responsibilities

• Own Compass’s community relationships in high-stakes moments, including rezoning proceedings, organized community opposition, and new market entry—building and managing the stakeholder networks that protect the company’s ability to develop and operate.
• Develop and maintain the company’s local issues management playbook, including opposition intelligence, third-party and influencer alignment, and escalation protocols coordinated with Corporate Communications and the Strategic Relations Team.
• Lead Compass’s presence at local government proceedings: rezoning hearings, permitting processes, entitlement submissions, and regulatory meetings. Serve as a credible and prepared spokesperson in these settings.
• Identify and build proactive relationships with high-stakes local stakeholders including county commissioners, city managers, local elected officials, adjacent landowners, regulators, activists, police, and fire, across all Compass markets.
• Support Land Development in local entitlement and hearing preparation, partnering closely on community strategy, hearing logistics, and stakeholder readiness for new projects.
• Serve as Compass spokesperson in community and local government settings; flex in support of the Government Relations lead in state and regulatory proceedings as needed.
• Coverage of local issues attracting media attention and with Marketing on required public postings (e.g., DEQ permitting) and targeted community-facing paid campaigns.
• Manage and develop the Community Relations Manager, providing oversight, market guidance, and cross-functional coordination to ensure the Good Neighbor program reinforces community trust across all markets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Must have 10+ years’ experience in community relations, public affairs, or external affairs.
• Must be able to travel regularly to prospective and existing Compass campus markets.

Skills and Experience

• 10+ years of experience in community relations, public affairs, or external affairs.
• Established relationships with local government, civic, and regulatory organizations in key Texas and multi-state markets preferred.
• Strong executive presence; credible and authentic as a spokesperson in community and government settings.
• Ability to operate strategically and independently across multiple markets simultaneously.
• Experience in energy, infrastructure, or real estate development sectors preferred.