The Chief Conservation Officer (CCO) works closely with the Executive Director and organizational leadership to protect the South Carolina coast.  The CCO is responsible for the management and oversight of the League’s conservation programs.  The CCO will articulate and pursue conservation outcomes through efforts to utilize land use planning to support and sustain resilient communities; preserve and defend marshes, beaches, and tidelands in the face of rising sea levels and expansive development; protect wildlife and their critical habitats; promoting a clean energy future; and support farming and sustainable agricultural policies that preserve the coast’s rural landscapes. 

This role requires high-level leadership on environmental public policy through community engagement, local and state government advocacy, and regulatory analysis and engagement. The CCO manages the organization's policy team and collaborates closely with legal, communications, government relations, and development staff to shape and influence local, state, and federal policies that protect land, water, wildlife, and communities.  

The CCO is a highly visible representative of the organization, engaging regularly with community leaders, elected officials, agency staff, organizational partners, and a diverse range of stakeholders to build strong relationships and advance the organization’s conservation priorities. The CCO embraces the Conservation League’s vision of a South Carolina coast where wildlife thrives, air and water are clean, and natural landscapes are protected for generations to come.  In addition to possessing conservation policy expertise, the CCO is an experienced leader with demonstrated capacity to establish goals and objectives, and who expertly inspires the team to achieve outstanding results. 

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of the organization’s conservation policy agenda.
• Serve as a public spokesperson and advocate on conservation policy, representing the organization in the community, including local and state government meetings, hearings, public forums; media interviews and articles; and actively engages in grassroots community events. Maintain a consistent presence across the organization’s regions by engaging with elected officials and staff of local governments, and other civic bodies, as appropriate, to elevate conservation priorities and build local support for conservation outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Executive Team, and external counsel to shape legal and strategic approaches to complex environmental policy issues.
• Monitor, analyze, and respond to legislative and regulatory developments that impact conservation priorities.
• Supervise and support policy staff with an important emphasis on developing future conservation leaders.
• Cultivate relationships with elected officials, agency staff, legal partners, coalitions, and other advocacy organizations.
• Work collaboratively with Chief Advancement Officer to coordinate team efforts to frame and amplify policy priorities through campaigns, alerts, and earned media.
• Support Advancement fundraising efforts related to policy and advocacy initiatives.
• Provide briefings and policy updates to the Board of Directors and key stakeholders.
• Oversee the Conservation department budget and ensure resource alignment with strategic objectives.
• Provide strategic leadership and representation for the organization across three coastal territories, ensuring consistent presence, engagement, and alignment with regional conservation priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Authorities:

• Lead policy development and strategic implementation on behalf of the organization.
• Manage and direct the conservation policy teams in Charleston, Beaufort, and Conway.
• Represent the organization publicly and speak on behalf of the Executive Director on policy matters.
• Allocate department resources.
  
  

Competencies:

• Expert knowledge of environmental, land use, and energy policy
• Expert legislative and regulatory analysis skills
• Expert public speaking, writing, and advocacy abilities
• Outstanding relationship-building with policymakers and partners
• Outstanding community engagement skills
• Demonstrated team leadership and supervision skills
• Demonstrated strategic and analytical thinking
• Understand the political and regulatory landscapes that impact effective coastal conservation efforts.
• Experience with media and communications strategy
• Able to engage with attorneys to plan and execute legal strategies and litigation efforts.
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental science, political science, or related field.
• Substantial experience in environmental policy, legislative affairs, or public advocacy
• Demonstrated success influencing public policy and engaging with regulatory processes
• Supervisory and leadership experience in a policy-focused role
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and coalition-building
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s, JD, or Ph.D.) in one or more related environmental fields, i.e. law, science, policy, or public administration
• Nonprofit advocacy or campaign experience

Work Environment

The position operates in a professional office environment located in Charleston, SC.

Travel

Some statewide travel is required.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Other duties may be required in the job as requested by the Supervisor.

Benefits

The Coastal Conservation League offers a competitive suite of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance, 403(b) retirement and generous paid time off policies.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and climb stairs.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential component of the Conservation League’s commitment to advancing equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Coastal Conservation League is an equal opportunity employer. The Conservation League does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need.