Government Relations Manager

Cayce, S.C. | Full-time, in office | Great opportunity 

Applications will be reviewed starting November 2, 2026, and interview candidates will be notified no later than November 16, 2026.

South Carolina needs more electricity, fast. Important policy decisions are being made right now about how to accomplish that. As our Government Relations Manager, you'll represent South Carolina's member-owned electric cooperatives, which serve nearly two million people, in that debate as a registered lobbyist at the State House.

Why this role

  • Issues that matter. You’ll work to address load growth, wholesale power supply challenges, and how to protect the line crews who restore power.

  • A respected voice. Co-ops serve all 46 counties and about 70% of the state's land mass. Our relationships at the State House are long-standing and bipartisan.

  • Opportunities from day one. We're a small team. You'll work directly with our Vice President for State Government Relations, and you will immediately begin tackling important projects impacting our entire system.

  • A mission you can stand behind. Co-ops are not-for-profit, locally governed, and owned by the members they serve. There are no shareholders, so every win goes to South Carolina families and businesses.

What you'll do

  • Advocate for co-op priorities with legislators, staff, and agency officials, as a lobbyist registered with the State Ethics Commission.

  • Spot issues early, including bills, regulations, and interim studies, and assess their impact on our member co-ops.

  • Draft solutions: bill language, amendments, testimony, one-pagers, and talking points.

  • Build consensus among member cooperatives so we speak with one voice.

  • Advise ECSC leadership and co-op CEOs on strategy and positioning.

  • Build and maintain partnerships with related business and other policy stakeholders.

What the year looks like

From January to May, the session sets the pace: early hearings, late nights, and evening events. The rest of the year brings interim study committees, visits to co-ops around the state, other projects, event planning, and building next session's agenda. If you thrive on that rhythm, you'll love this work. If you want the same 9-to-5 every week of the year, it won't be the right fit.

What we offer

  • Excellent salary

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to you

  • A defined-benefit pension, rare today, that rewards a long career

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Generous paid time off

  • A close team where people stay for decades.

  • An office just across the river from the State House, and just across the street from a Starbucks.

What you'll bring

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree

  • Eligibility to register as a South Carolina lobbyist (SC Code §§2-17-15 and 8-13-755 set one-year limits for certain former officials and staff)

  • Outstanding writing and speaking: clear, persuasive, and accurate

Preferred:

  • 5–10 years of legislative, political, government affairs, legal, or regulatory experience. That could be as legislative staff, at an association or lobbying firm, at a state agency, on campaigns, or in the energy industry.

  • Working relationships at the South Carolina State House

  • Knowledge of electric utilities or energy policy

  • A law degree is a plus, not a requirement

If you meet most of these and the work excites you, we want to hear from you.

How to apply

Complete the application below and upload your résumé (required), a cover letter (optional) and three professional references (optional).

Questions? Contact Bonnie Anzelmo, Vice President for State Government Relations, at bonnie.anzelmo@ecsc.org.

About ECSC

Since 1941, the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina has been the statewide association for the state's not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperatives. Our members serve more than 850,000 accounts over 74,000 miles of line. We provide them with government relations, legal, communications, safety, and training services.