Government Relations Director

Scope of Position

CVSC seeks a seasoned government relations professional with extensive experience in legislative and lobbying strategies to lead the organization’s comprehensive government relations efforts. The position will design and implement legislative state and local campaigns to protect South Carolina’s air, land, and water in a just and equitable manner.

Location and Travel

The position must be based in South Carolina (non‑negotiable), but may be performed remotely from within the state. During legislative session (January–June) a consistent physical presence will be necessary in Columbia. Occasional day and overnight travel will be required.

Specific Responsibilities

• Work with CVSC team to craft and implement ambitious multi‑year vision and strategy for advancing CVSC’s policy priorities at the state and local level.
• Lead the organization’s Government Relations team as registered lobbyist for the organization, supervising contract and staff lobbyists and coordinating with issue‑specific policy staff to advance a broad set of land protection, clean air, clean water, clean energy, climate resilience, and other environmental policy goals that address systemic environmental, racial, and economic inequities.
• Track, monitor, and analyze policy; attend hearings, workgroups, and other meetings.
• Build and maintain a diverse set of positive working relationships with state and local elected officials and staff, conservation partners, community leaders, state agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the creation of the biennial Conservation Scorecard and any legislation‑specific accountability efforts to educate citizens on the voting records of lawmakers.
• Communicate legislative strategy and action opportunities to CVSC staff, external supporters, and partners.
• Perform other duties as needed in accordance with the successful operation of a non‑profit organization.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working to advance public policy at a statewide level, with at least 2 years as a registered lobbyist.
• 2+ years of experience supervising full‑time staff and/or contractors, with a demonstrated ability to inspire action, lead by example, and instill purpose into daily operations of the organization.
• A strategic approach to project management that can identify long‑term opportunities and create strategies that thoughtfully help a committed team achieve incremental milestones that build toward these goals.
• Ability to professionally represent CVSC in written and oral communications.
• Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative, productive, respectful relationships with leaders and organizations representing a variety of interests and perspectives.
• Experience with grassroots and grass‑top advocacy and how these efforts can amplify and support direct lobbying efforts.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to adjust strategies and work plans in real time.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, negotiating, and public speaking skills. Ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner in person, over video conferencing, and over the telephone.
• Strong attention to detail, fast and willing learner, strong organizational skills and ability to follow up and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well within a team and with individuals, both internal and external, from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated awareness of one’s own cultural identity, views about difference, and the ability to learn and build on varying cultural and community norms. Shares our commitment to increasing racial justice and equity in our movement and organization, integrating these principles into all of the work we do and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
• A personal approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice that values the individual and respects differences of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability and socio‑economic circumstance.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of the South Carolina political environment, particularly within the South Carolina General Assembly.
• Experience working with local governments in South Carolina and advancing local policy.
• Passion for conservation and environmental efforts to protect air, land, and water.
• Knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and the types of policies used to advance environmental protection and climate action at the local and state levels.
• Proficiency and substantial experience with standard office productivity software and equipment; ability to read, process, and synthesize printed materials on paper or standard computer screen.

Terms of Employment

Full‑time, contingent on continued funding (grants and individual donations). 40‑hour workweek with flexible scheduling. Occasional out‑of‑town travel required.

Salary and Benefits

Competitive non‑profit sector salary in the $105,000–$115,000 range, depending on experience and qualifications.

Health insurance plan paid 100% for employees and 60% for families and dependents. Flex Spending Account, short‑term disability, dental, and vision coverage at no cost to employees.

SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with 3% match. Monthly cell phone stipend, technology/office setup stipend for remote workers, and an annual professional development budget. 14 holidays, Fridays off in the summer months, 17 days of PTO (increasing with tenure), 8 weeks of paid parental leave, and a sabbatical program.

Equal Opportunity

CVSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a racially just, equitable and inclusive workplace.

Application Information

The position will remain open until filled.