Summary:
The Conservation Project Manager supports the Charleston office in advancing the Coastal Conservation League’s mission across the region. This role focuses on land use, natural resource management, and community-based advocacy. The Project Manager is responsible for monitoring local government agendas, public notices, and media coverage; attending public meetings and hearings; and representing the organization with stakeholders. The position requires leading grassroots advocacy efforts, building coalitions, fostering community and partner relationships, analyzing policy issues, and effectively communicating organizational priorities. The Project Manager regularly engages with citizens, elected officials, the media, and partner organizations, often during evening or weekend events.
Essential Functions:
- Support conservation initiatives and advocacy efforts within the regional territory, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
- Assist in developing and implementing project strategies in consultation with their supervisor and program leadership.
- Represent the Conservation League at council meetings, public hearings, community events, and other forums as directed.
- Build and strengthen relationships with community leaders, elected officials, partner organizations, members, and donors to advance conservation priorities.
- Assist in organizing and coordinating coalitions to support conservation goals and policy initiatives.
- Collaborate with Government Relations and Conservation Programs staff to track and analyze local issues and contribute to policy solutions at the local level.
- Coordinate with the Advancement team to provide content, stories, and updates that highlight regional conservation efforts.
- Work collaboratively with conservation program staff on projects with regional or cross-program impact.
- Support grassroots organizing and outreach initiatives to engage diverse communities in conservation advocacy.
- Monitor local government agendas, media, and public notices to identify emerging issues and provide recommendations to the leadership.
- Support organizational initiatives such as GrowFood Carolina and other projects in the regional territory.
- Supervise project coordinators, interns, and fellows as assigned.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Authorities:
- Manage and execute regional projects aligned with organizational goals.
- Supervise staff, interns, and/or fellows assigned to the department.
- Serve as the organization’s representative in local and regional forums.
Competencies:
- Driven to advance community-based conservation initiatives.
- Strong ability to manage multiple complex projects with competing deadlines.
- Skilled at building and maintaining coalitions and partnerships across diverse communities.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy and environmental issues into clear, compelling narratives.
- Proficiency in engaging with elected officials, government agencies, and media outlets.
- Deep understanding of state and local government processes in South Carolina.
- Ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in conservation work.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accountability.
- Integrity, credibility, empathy, and a deep commitment to the mission and values of the Coastal Conservation League.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- 3–5 years of professional experience in conservation, policy, advocacy, or community engagement.
- Demonstrated passion for environmental advocacy.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience leading grassroots advocacy campaigns and/or coalition-based initiatives.
- Familiarity with local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
- Knowledge of land conservation, natural resource management, or related fields.
- Experience with environmental education, interpretation, or community outreach.
- Proficiency with GIS or related mapping tools.
Work Environment
The position operates in a professional office environment.
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.
Travel
Some travel is required and may include occasional overnight travel.
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.
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.
