Summary

This role leads a state agency focused on protecting South Carolina's natural areas, farms, historic sites, and open spaces by managing grants, building partnerships, and guiding overall operations.

The director reports to a board and works with governments, nonprofits, and others to prioritize and fund conservation projects.

It's ideal for someone with strong leadership experience in environmental protection, policy, and team management who is passionate about land preservation.

Key Requirements

Experience in strategic leadership and developing long-term plans for conservation or environmental organizations
Knowledge of grant administration, including reviewing applications, site evaluations, and due diligence processes
Proficiency in policy management, ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations like the Conservation Bank Act
Skills in budget preparation, fiscal oversight, and managing financial resources for a public agency
Strong abilities in building and maintaining partnerships with governments, nonprofits, land trusts, and stakeholders
Leadership in supervising staff, hiring, and overseeing agency operations
Effective communication and representation skills for public outreach and legislative relations

Full Job Description

Position Overview
The Director of the South Carolina Conservation Bank, an appointee who must be confirmed by the South Carolina Senate prior to hire, provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the agency, and serves as the primary liaison between the Conservation Bank Board and the state’s conservation community. Working under the direction of the 17-member Board of Directors, the Director is responsible for implementing the Conservation Bank Act and advancing the agency’s mission to protect South Carolina’s natural resources, working lands, historic landscapes, and significant open spaces.
The Director oversees the agency’s grant programs, manages staff and agency operations, and builds partnerships with federal, state, and local governments, nonprofit organizations, land trusts, and private stakeholders to advance land conservation across South Carolina.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership
The Director works closely with and reports to the Board to develop and implement the agency’s long-term strategic plan. This includes identifying statewide conservation priorities, maintaining a Conservation Priority Map, and ensuring the agency’s programs align with statutory goals and evolving conservation needs.

Grants Program Administration
The Director oversees the Conservation Bank’s grant program, which provides funding to qualified entities for land conservation projects throughout South Carolina. Responsibilities include:
• Reviewing grant applications and supporting documentation
• Conducting site visits and evaluating conservation values of proposed projects
• Coordinating due diligence review, including appraisals and other technical analyses
• Working directly with applicants to refine proposals and ensure program compliance
• Presenting project recommendations and findings to the Board and its Grants Review Committee

Policy and Program Management
The Director ensures that the Conservation Bank operates in full compliance with the Conservation Bank Act and applicable state regulations. This includes maintaining and updating the agency’s policies and procedures, supporting Board governance, and ensuring transparency and consistency in all program operations.

Budget and Fiscal Oversight
The Director prepares annual budget requests to the General Assembly, manages the agency’s annual operating budget and oversees the administration of grant funds, personnel resources, and operating expenditures. The Director ensures all financial activities comply with state requirements and that agency funds are administered responsibly and effectively.

External Relations and Partnerships
The Director represents the Conservation Bank in communications with the public, state and local governments, conservation organizations, and other partners.

Responsibilities include:
• Communicating the agency’s accomplishments and conservation impact
• Maintaining productive relationships with conservation partners and state agencies
• Identifying opportunities to leverage Conservation Bank funds with federal, state, local, and private funding sources
• Supporting collaborative conservation initiatives across the state
• Maintaining productive relationships with the General Assembly and legislative staff

Staff Leadership and Administration
The Director supervises agency staff and provides overall leadership for the organization’s operations. Responsibilities include hiring staff, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring the effective coordination of the agency’s administrative and programmatic functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Executive-level leadership or management experience in administration, public service, conservation, real estate, land management, or a related field.
Strong public communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of public and private partners are essential.

Qualifications

Knowledge of South Carolina state government, public finance, grant administration, and natural resource or land conservation issues.

Additional Information

Salary for this position ranges from $112,126 to $173,817, commensurate with credentials and experience, and is contingent upon recommendation by the Conservation Bank Board and approval by the Agency Head Salary Commission.

✓ Fresh Listing

Executive Director

SES Pay Grade

Job Description

Summary

Key Requirements

Full Job Description

Requirements

Qualifications

Additional Information

Browse Similar Jobs

Related Jobs

Executive Assistant I

Executive Housekeeper-Pres Res

Executive Secretary 2

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Director, Financial Management Directorate and Chief Financial Executive

Correctional Program Specialist (Executive Assistant)