State Policy Manager

Upstate Forever•Greenville, SC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The State Policy Manager supports organizational efforts to advance Upstate Forever’s (UF) state policy goals and related strategies and initiatives. The position involves engagement with state agencies, partners, and coalitions; research to inform legislative priorities and related advocacy; and support of Upstate Forever’s environmental justice work. Additionally, the State Policy Manager supports organizational engagement in energy-related issues, with a focus on advocating for clean, renewable energy & efficiency and protecting the ten-county Upstate region from energy projects that threaten its critical natural assets.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five years professional work experience.
Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate complex issues and organizational interests effectively while maintaining positive relationships.
Proficient with standard office software and digital communication (including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat).
Demonstrated ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds, ages and socio-economic levels in a manner that positively reflects organizational values, builds rapport, shows respect for team members, and fosters an enjoyable, rewarding, and productive workplace. Willingness to receive and apply constructive feedback.
Comfortable working independently on multiple projects simultaneously, ability to solve problems, and a commitment to quality and integrity. Ability and willingness to learn and digest information quickly.
Capable of independent travel around the ten-county Upstate region and to Columbia, SC. Weekend work is needed on rare occasions. Overnight travel is limited primarily to conferences and professional development opportunities. Valid driver’s license and insurance required

Nice To Haves

Experience with energy issues and policy is preferred.

Responsibilities

In close consultation with the State Policy Director, work to track and analyze legislation that strengthens protections for the Upstate’s critical lands, waters, and communities.
Conduct research to inform UF’s legislative priorities, including collaboration with other UF staff.
Cultivate strong partnerships with government agencies, partners, and community organizations.
Represent UF’s interests and participate actively in the South Carolina Conservation Coalition, as well as other high-priority legislative coalitions and task forces.
Represent the interests of Upstate Forever with lawmakers and in the South Carolina Statehouse as directed by the State Policy Director.
Participate in high-priority stakeholder meetings related to UF’s energy priorities and serve on industry collaboratives and stakeholder groups that address energy efficiency and renewable energy policy.
Educate and equip residents to advocate for policies that protect Upstate communities from energy-related projects that threaten critical natural assets.
Provide support to the State Policy Director related to intervention in dockets at the Public Service Commission relevant to UF’s energy goals.
Monitor utility integrated resource plans and updates.
Support the work of the SC Energy Justice Coalition.
Collaborate with the State Policy Director and UF Communications Team to develop monthly legislative updates and action alerts related to state policy and energy.
Produce social media content, blog posts, and updates to the online legislative tracker as needed.
Respond to citizen inquiries regarding state policy and energy issues as needed.
Assist with the creation of an annual work plan and budget.
Help prepare grant proposals and reports as needed.
Attend monthly in-person staff meetings, bi-monthly advocacy team meetings, and organizational events including the Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.
Promote a work culture in alignment with UF's organizational values.
Perform additional work assigned by the State Policy Director.