One Hundred Miles (OHM) protects Georgia's 100-mile coast through advocacy, education, and community engagement. We are inclusive of all friends and residents of Georgia's coast. We collaborate with conventional and unconventional allies and celebrate our coast and the stories of the people working to protect it. OHM is a trusted resource and conservation leader across our coast and throughout the country.

The Coastal Planning and Policy Strategist is a critical member of the OHM team, serving as the lead expert on coastal development, land use, growth management, conservation planning, climate resilience, and public policy. This position combines technical expertise, strategic advocacy, coalition building, and legislative engagement to promote responsible development across Georgia’s coast while protecting wildlife, cultural heritage, community quality of life, and the long-term resilience of coastal communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on land conservation strategies, conservation planning, protected-land policy, Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan, and growth-management approaches that preserve ecologically significant landscapes, working waterfronts, and cultural resources.
• Co-lead OHM’s legislative and regulatory advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, including engagement with elected officials, agency staff, coalition partners, and community stakeholders to advance responsible growth, coastal resilience, conservation, and climate adaptation policies.
• Develop policy positions, white papers, planning recommendations, model ordinances, and legislative priorities that advance OHM’s conservation and community resilience goals.
• Educate and engage community members in comprehensive planning, zoning, and other land-use tools that address coastal hazards, pollution, population growth, environmental protection, and quality of life.
• Serve as a recognized regional leader and spokesperson on coastal growth management, climate resilience, land-use planning, conservation policy, and sustainable development in Georgia.
• Partner with OHM program staff to advance community-driven initiatives that preserve cultural heritage, improve environmental quality, and sustain a high quality of life.
• Promote sustainable economic development and responsible planning and zoning in inland coastal counties, in collaboration with the OHM Program Team, to help communities prepare for future growth.
• Design and implement campaigns to oppose proposals that threaten natural resources, historic communities, or coastal resilience, including proposals that inadequately address sea-level rise.
• Advocate for responsible growth-management policies and local government planning that accounts for sea-level rise by building strategic alliances with businesses, corporations, civic partners, and other organizations.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in urban or regional planning, public policy, environmental management, natural resources, conservation planning, geography, or a related field; a Juris Doctor with relevant experience in rural land use, environmental, conservation, or administrative law; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in planning, conservation, policy advocacy, public-sector engagement, or related work.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Comprehensive planning
  • Rural zoning and land-use regulation
  • Growth management
  • Conservation planning
  • Climate resilience planning
• Experience working with local governments, planning commissions, elected officials, and public agencies.
• Strong public speaking, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement experience.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• Registered lobbyist or demonstrated legislative advocacy experience.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Experience drafting legislation, ordinances, or policy frameworks.
• Experience with conservation easements, land protection, or land trust work.
• Familiarity with Georgia coastal communities and local government processes.
• Existing relationships with state agencies, legislators, local officials, and conservation organizations.

We are looking for a dedicated professional to join our team full-time at our Savannah, GA office. This position involves regular travel across Georgia's beautiful coastal counties, making it the perfect opportunity for someone who loves environmental planning and policy. If you have a real passion for community planning, coastal conservation, and a deep appreciation for the local culture and communities along the Georgia coast, we would love to hear from you.