State Policy Manager

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

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.

This is a full-time position based in either the Greenville or Spartanburg office, with a hybrid work schedule. The position reports to the State Policy Director and may require travel to Columbia, South Carolina during the legislative session (Jan-May), occasional travel throughout the ten-county Upstate region, and occasional work on nights and weekends.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Legislative Engagement

• 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.

Energy specific duties 

• 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.

Education & Outreach 

• 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.

Admin and Additional Responsibilities 

• 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.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 

1. Experience: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five years professional work experience.
2. Communication: Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate complex issues and organizational interests effectively while maintaining positive relationships.
3. Technical Skills : Proficient with standard office software and digital communication (including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat).
4. People Skills: 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.
5. Self-Motivated and Problem Solver: 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.
6. Travel: 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
   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with energy issues and policy is preferred. However, applicants that possess the Essential Qualifications above, but do not have the Preferred Qualifications, are still encouraged to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary starting at $60,000, negotiable based on experience
• Health and dental insurance, paid holidays & time off, and 401K with employer contribution.
• Flexible workplace and scheduling in accordance with company policy. (The expectation is that staff are available during the standard workday for meetings and responses to time-sensitive requests).
• Civic Days (up to 16 paid hours per year for civic and/or community service).

To apply, upload a cover letter and resume to the Bamboo Platform by 5 p.m. EDT on August 17, 2026. No phone calls, please. A limited number of candidates will be interviewed, tentatively scheduled to take place in late August. A hiring decision is anticipated in early September to accommodate a desired start date by early October. 

Job Link:

Remote work policy: Subject to coordination with and approval by supervisor, an employee may regularly work remotely up to four days per week and is required to work from the office one day per week, in addition to attending necessary internal and external in-person meetings. When working remotely, employees must clearly communicate their availability and means of being contacted. Likewise, employees must be reasonably accessible and responsive to internal and external communication. Employees are responsible for their own phone and internet expenses enabling remote work.

DEI Commitment: Upstate Forever is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are taking deliberate steps to build authentic community partnerships and cultivate new leaders at all levels of our organization – from our membership to our staff to our board – to ensure that we better represent the community we serve.

Upstate Forever is an equal opportunity employer.

Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects the critical lands, waters, and unique character of Upstate South Carolina .