Manager, Water Policy

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.

Position Summary:

The Water Policy Manager is responsible for advancing Audubon ‘s water policy priorities in South Carolina through legislative advocacy, coalition leadership, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, strategic communications, and implementation support. This position will help ensure that science-based conservation priorities are incorporated into water policy, resilience planning, growth management, and funding decisions across the state.

Reporting to the Policy Director, the Water Policy Manager will serve as a key member of SC’s policy team and work closely with state agencies, legislators, local governments, utilities, agricultural interests, conservation organizations, resilience practitioners, academic institutions, landowners, and other stakeholders to advance durable water policy solutions.

The Water Policy Manager will help identify and advance opportunities related to water quantity, water quality, source water protection, wetlands, watershed management, drought resilience, land conservation, and sustainable growth. The position will support implementation of state planning efforts, including recommendations emerging from South Carolina’s State Water Plan and related resilience initiatives, while helping build long-term capacity for water policy leadership across the state.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon’s offices and centers in Columbia, SC, Charleston, SC, Audubon Silver Bluff Sanctuary in Jackson, SC or Audubon Center and Sanctuary at Beidler Forest in Harleyville, SC. This position will work at the SC State House regularly and candidates within commuting distance of the Columbia office are preferred.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required in public policy, environmental science, natural resources, planning, political science, public administration, law, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

At least five years of professional experience in public policy, government affairs, legislative advocacy, water resources, conservation, natural resource management, or a 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 and advancing legislative, regulatory, administrative, or funding strategies and working effectively within policymaking processes.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, landowners, community leaders, and coalition partners.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, facilitation, presentation development, and the ability to communicate complex policy and technical information to a variety of audiences.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while working both independently and collaboratively.

Experience developing policy briefs, testimony, reports, comments, presentations, grant materials, or other written advocacy products.

Proficiency with standard office productivity software and technology.

Flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, especially during legislative session.

Willingness to travel throughout South Carolina and occasionally beyond the state as required.

Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Compensation: $75,526 – $84,967 / year

Tagged as: Law/Policy