Policy Research & Communications Associate

Founded in 2013 by Senator Jim DeMint, Palmetto Promise Institute champions free-market policies that advance freedom, innovation, and opportunity in South Carolina. We focus on five key areas: Education, Fiscal Policy, Healthcare, Energy, and Quality of Life. Our mission is to empower the people of South Carolina by promoting policies that unleash the potential of individuals, families, and communities.

We are a small but growing organization, Palmetto Promise Institute has achieved significant successes, including leading efforts on education reform and school choice. With the recent launch of Palmetto Promise Impact, our affiliated 501c4 advocacy arm, we are poised for an even greater impact.

About the Opportunity

At Palmetto Promise Institute, you’ll work alongside experienced policy professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of South Carolinians. You’ll gain hands-on experience in research, legislative relations, and strategic communication while contributing to reforms that matter for families, students, and communities across the state. Our team is small enough that your work will have a real impact on the organization, and you’ll grow quickly as you take on meaningful responsibilities. If you’re eager to learn, curious about how policy becomes reality, and motivated by making a difference, this is a place where you can thrive.

Position Overview

Palmetto Promise Institute is seeking a Policy Research & Communications Associate to support our award-winning team as we advance free-market policy solutions across South Carolina. This position is ideal for someone early in their policy career looking for hands-on experience in research, legislative monitoring, communications, and nonprofit operations.

The Associate will report to the President & CEO. This role is based in Columbia, SC and is a full-time, in office position with occasional virtual work available.

This role will also work directly with experienced policy professionals and other senior leadership, gaining the skills, mentorship, and real-world exposure needed to grow within the organization. The right person will not only contribute immediately but will also have the opportunity to take on increasing responsibilities over time.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research & Writing

• Conduct background research and help draft briefs, reports, and other policy content
• Support preparation for legislative testimony, media commentary, and strategic projects
• Maintain updated issue files and build relationships with policy experts
• With experience, represent the organization at events and in the media

Legislative Tracking & Outreach

• Monitor Statehouse activity and track priority bills
• Summarize hearings and meetings and support outreach to legislators, staff, and coalition partners
• Attend policy and coalition meetings on behalf of the organization (up to 10%)

Communications & Digital Support

• Assist with weekly emails, blogs, and basic website updates
• Help create simple graphics and other visual materials
• Proofread and fact-check content and support social media efforts

Office & Operations Support

• Support daily office operations, scheduling, and meeting or event logistics
• Handle general email and voicemail monitoring
• Maintain basic documents and spreadsheets
• Manage the intern program (up to 2 Interns), including onboarding and project coordination

Qualifications

• 0-4+ years of experience
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills
• Ability to distill complex issues into clear, accessible language
• Highly organized with the ability to balance multiple responsibilities
• A strong interest in state policy and alignment with free-market ideas
• Experience with Microsoft Suite/OneDrive/SharePoint. Familiarity with WordPress, MailChimp, Social Media Platforms, and Canva is a plus
• Ability to travel approximately 10%
• Relevant Bachelor’s Degree is preferred but not required

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Generous paid time off policy
• Medical insurance stipend
• Retirement savings plan with employer match

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

• A cover letter explaining why Palmetto Promise Institute’s mission resonates with you, why you’re a fit for this role, and your salary requirements.
• Résumé

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Angela Hight, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: angela@talentmarket.org.

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

FULL JOB POSTING: https://talentmarket.org/job-opening/palmetto-associate/