Senior Vice President of Conservation

Sustain SC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect the sustainability goals of business in South Carolina with local solutions for the benefit of our economy, environment, and people. The Senior Vice President of Conservation (SVP-Conservation) possesses strong leadership and business development skills with a background in conservation, communications, economic development, government affairs, corporate sustainability, and management level experience. Leadership, team building, problem- solving, work ethic, professionalism and integrity are paramount.

Job Duties

Serve as the Conservation lead for Sustain SC:

• Cultivate, maintain and develop Sustain SC relationships with conservation organizations.

Implement the Roadmap to Sustain SC by developing and managing key Sustain SC Accelerator Programs, including:

• A Resilient State: Sustain SC Land and Water Action Fund
• Land and Water Action Platform, including soliciting private funding
• Watershed Resource Registry

1. Implementation and setting direction for the WRR

• The Circular Economy: South Carolina’s New Economic Opportunity
• Three-Legged Stool: Affordable, Reliable and Sustainable Energy
• For each Accelerator, develop, manage and execute one to two in-person events and one to two virtual “Technical Assistance” webinars per year.

Strategic Growth of the Organization

• Work closely, collaboratively and in support of the CEO to manage the strategic direction of the organization.
• Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships in concert with and in support of Sustain SC’s CEO.
• Cultivate and manage Sustain SC membership with SVP of Commerce.
• Manage additional strategic initiatives in addition to the Roadmap to Sustain SC implementation as needed.
• Monitor and adjust the strategic direction of Sustain SC to align with state and national sustainability goals as needed.

Serve as the Liaison for SC Office of Resilience (SCOR) and manage the MOU.

• Meet quarterly with SCOR leadership.
• Complete all quarterly and bi-annual reporting in compliance with the MOU.
• Manage all aspects of the MOU with SCOR.

Event Support, Sustainability Symposium and Leadership Program:

• Provide hands-on assistance to the team in the development of the annual event calendar, including identifying panelists, speakers and recruiting sponsors for key events.
• Help manage, plan and execute the annual Symposium.
• Provide support to the Sustainability Leadership Initiative as needed.

External Affairs

• Maintain the integrity and reputation of Sustain SC’s brand.
• Assist with communications timeline and PR.
• Present on behalf of Sustain SC at appropriate speaking engagements. Represent Sustain SC in state governmental meetings as needed.

Other Duties as Assigned

Skills and Competencies:

Ownership mentality: Sustain SC is a small non-profit and each team member is expected to bring a can-do, proactive attitude – no task is too small or goal too big for our team.

• Goal oriented: Driven by key metrics, focused, and achieves goals
• Organization: Strong organizational and project planning skills with a proven track record of cross-functional implementation 
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, to both internal and external stakeholders. Must be forward facing and engaging. 
• Professionalism: Conduct and productivity must exceed the needs of the organization and internal team
• Integrity: Making ethical, transparent, and well-intentioned decisions
• Accountability: Owning decisions made and their outcomes
• Respect: Treating all employees, members, and stakeholders professionally
• Trust: Nurturing positive relationships at all levels of the organization and with external partners, members, and donors
• Teamwork: Working cohesively and collaboratively with others
• Creativity: Finding new ways of thinking, learning, and doing
• Discernment: Ability to read a specific situation and respond appropriately.

Sustain SC Core Values:

• Purpose-driven leadership: We value doing good and doing it well.
• Stewardship: We value and care for our state’s resources - our economy, environment and people.
• Collaboration: We value working together with different sectors and industries in a non-partisan way.
• Integrity: We value acting with trust, credibility and accountability.
• Respect: We value each other’s opinions and views, even when we may not agree.

Experience and Education:

• Minimum Level: 8 years in conservation, external affairs, corporate sustainability, philanthropic fundraising or related management level experience.
• Preferred Level: 10+ years.
• Bachelor's Degree required; Graduate degree preferred.

This position will be remote; however, employees must live in South Carolina. One to three days of travel per week throughout the state of South Carolina is expected. Candidates must maintain a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.

Salary range: $100,000 - $120,000 or commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please send a detailed cover letter and resume to Sarah Sprinkle at sarah@ssphilanthropy.com by August 5, 2024.