Vice President - Policy & Community Affairs

DescriptionVice President - Policy & Community Affairs – Upland, CA The Lewis Group of Companies, one of the nation’s largest privately held real estate developers, is actively seeking an educated professional for its Southern California project development team. In your new role, you will lead the company’s public policy initiatives, advance land use and housing objectives, and engage with a wide range of policy, regulatory, and community stakeholders across California, playing a critical role in shaping and influencing the political and regulatory landscape affecting development, while supporting entitlement and permitting efforts for major projects.Our ideal candidate brings deep expertise in California land use, housing policy, environmental regulation, and infrastructure, along with a strong network across public agencies, civic groups, and elected officials. This role requires exceptional political acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory systems with confidence and diplomacy.POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Public Affairs & Policy AdvocacyLead 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).Entitlement & Permitting SupportPartner 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.Strategic Leadership & Risk ManagementIntegrate 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.Community & Stakeholder EngagementSupport 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.Experience & Education for success: 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. NOTE: This is a Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm office position located at the Upland, CA corporate office, with Fridays remote. In addition to a competitive annual salary ($200+k commensurate with experience) and annual bonus and raise potential, Lewis offers a 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.This is an excellent opportunity to join a nationally awarded and recognized growing company with a strong history, a broad future, and an excellent corporate culture. Join the Lewis Group of Companies, and you will be an essential part of a winning team with a long history of successful real estate development and management. To learn more about Lewis, visit us at The Lewis Group of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer