Summary:
The Communities and Transportation Program Director is responsible for managing and overseeing projects related to land use and planning, community design, and transportation that impact the Charleston, SC Metro area to include but not limited to projects occurring in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.
Essential Functions:
- Responsible for leading on land use and planning, community design, and transportation program work in the Charleston Metro area.
- Develop project strategies in support of the organization’s mission and goals under the direction of the Director of Conservation Programs & Public Policy.
- Responsible for representing the Coastal Conservation League in the Charleston Metro area by speaking publicly on planning, policy, and advocacy issues at council meetings, public hearings, conferences, and other events.
- Communicate regularly with members of the public, partner organizations, community leaders, elected officials, and the media.
- Build and manage coalitions of community members, partners, and public officials to advance project strategies.
- Develop and advocate for legislative policy relevant to land use and planning, community design, and transportation issues in the Charleston Metro area under the direction of the Director of Government Relations and the Director of Conservation Programs & Public Policy.
- Responsible for working with the Development team on grant opportunities and developing relationships with Board members, donors, and members.
- Collaborate and coordinate with the North and South Coast offices on issues related to land use and planning, community design, and transportation.
- Responsible for working with the Communications team to leverage various communications tools to support the land use and planning, community design, and transportation work in the Charleston Metro area.
- Utilize grassroots organizing to engage a diverse set of interest groups and empower communities.
- Think critically and strategically about complex policy and regulatory issues.
- Support GrowFood Carolina and other Conservation League initiatives in the Charleston Metro area as needed.
- Stay current on local news by reading and engaging in community outreach.
- Other duties as assigned.
Authorities:
- Responsible for managing and overseeing projects related to land use and planning, community design, and transportation related to the Charleston, SC Metro area.
- Manage program budget for Communities and Transportation Team.
- Manage and supervise staff members of the Communities and Transportation team.
Competencies:
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills with exceptional attention to details
- Ability to translate complex environmental, land use, governmental, and technical topics into engaging prose that prompts activist action
- Understanding of state and local governments in South Carolina
- Solid understanding of best practices for media and other audiences
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent managerial, and organizational abilities
- Organized with attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to meeting deadlines
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for the Coastal Conservation League’s missions and values
- Strong computer skills in office automation and various software applications using spreadsheets, word processing, and databases including MS Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe
- Strong change agility and adaptability skills
- Strong public speaking skills
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., urban planning, environmental studies, etc.)
- Minimum of five to seven years of experience in environmental advocacy
- Leadership experience
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Advanced degree (i.e., Masters or Juris Doctor) in a related field
- Seven to ten years of experience in land use and planning, community design, and/or transportation
Organization Description:
The Coastal Conservation League is an environmental advocacy organization working to respond to rapid growth and development, as well as impacts from a changing climate on the South Carolina coastal plain. We work from our headquarters in Charleston, our legislative office in Columbia, our South Coast office in Beaufort, which covers Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, and Hampton counties, our North Coast office, which works across Georgetown, Horry, Marion, Williamsburg, and Florence counties, and our food hub, GrowFood Carolina, in Charleston. Our team of professionals works across the coastal plain to promote clean energy, protect land, water, and wildlife, build strong cities and towns, and support local food and farmers to build healthy, resilient communities.
Our mission is to protect the health of the natural resources of the South Carolina coastal plain and ensure a high quality of life for all the people who live in and love this special place.
Work Environment
The position operates in a professional office environment located in Charleston, SC and has hybrid opportunities.
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 local travel may be required.
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.
director of land use planning
land use director
