SC Water Policy Manager — Conservation & Resilience

Nashville Public Radio; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

National Audubon Society is seeking a Water Policy Manager to advance water policy priorities in South Carolina through legislative advocacy, coalition leadership, and stakeholder engagement. You will analyze policy, coordinate with state agencies and partners, and help shape funding decisions and resilience planning across the state.

The role reports to the Policy Director, working closely with a broad network of stakeholders to implement state water plans and promote durable policy solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, environmental science, natural resources, planning, political science, public administration, law, or a related field.
• At least five years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative advocacy, water resources, conservation, natural resource management, or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water policy issues including water quantity, water quality, source water protection, watershed management, resilience, drought planning, land conservation, growth management, or related natural resource policy issues.
• Experience developing policy briefs, testimony, reports, comments, presentations, grant materials, or other written advocacy products.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency staff, local governments, utilities, landowners, and coalition partners to advance conservation and water policy priorities.
• Develop and implement policy strategies that advance SC’s conservation priorities and water policy objectives.
• Monitor and engage on legislative, regulatory, and funding opportunities related to water resources, resilience, and growth management.
• Collaborate with Audubon staff to advance recommendations from the SC State Water Plan and resilience initiatives.
• Coordinate statewide coalitions and working groups focused on water resources and environmental policy.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports, presentations, testimony, and comments to support advocacy and decision-making.
• Work with communications and partners to develop outreach strategies and strengthen grassroots advocacy.
• Represent Audubon in public settings, meetings with agencies, legislators, NGOs, and stakeholders.
• Track progress toward policy goals and assist in securing funding and partnerships.
• Collaborate across policy, conservation, and government affairs teams to share best practices and maintain safety.

Skills

Policy analysis

Public speaking

Coalition building

Stakeholder engagement

Advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

National Audubon Society is seeking a Water Policy Manager to advance water policy priorities in South Carolina through legislative advocacy, coalition leadership, and stakeholder engagement. You will analyze policy, coordinate with state agencies and partners, and help shape funding decisions and resilience planning across the state.

The role reports to the Policy Director, working closely with a broad network of stakeholders to implement state water plans and promote durable policy solutions.