Head of Government & Community Affairs, Carolinas

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the Role
The Nuclear Company is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Head of Government Affairs & Community Affairs, Carolinas to lead and direct the company's legislative, regulatory, and community engagement efforts within the state. This person will be responsible for shaping and advancing the company's policy objectives, securing a favorable operating environment, and building deep, sustained community support critical for success. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of North Carolina and South Carolina’s political landscape, a proven ability to influence policy outcomes, and a track record of building and leading successful partnerships and coalitions. This role requires exceptional judgment, strategic vision, and the ability to operate at the highest levels of government and community leadership. This role will report to our Director, Government Relations.

Responsibilities

• Government Affairs & Advocacy Leadership (Legislative & Regulatory) 
  • Policy & Legislative Strategy: Develop, own, and execute comprehensive legislative and regulatory strategies to advance The Nuclear Company's policy objectives within the Carolinas, including engagement with the State Legislature, Governor’s office, and relevant state agencies. 
  • Direct Advocacy: Serve as the company’s primary advocate and point of contact for state and local government officials, agencies, and legislative bodies in the Carolinas. 
  • Regulatory Engagement: Proactively engage with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and other state regulatory bodies to promote a favorable regulatory environment for advanced nuclear deployment. 
  • Issue Monitoring & Analysis: Monitor, analyze, and report on key legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic counsel and timely updates to the VP of Regulatory & External Affairs and Senior Management. 
  • Compliance: Ensure all company government affairs activities adhere to the highest ethical standards and comply with all applicable state and local lobbying and ethics laws. 
• Community Affairs & Stakeholder Management 
  • Strategic Coalition Building: Develop and lead the strategy for building broad-based coalitions with key external stakeholders, including business organizations, industry associations, community leaders, and advocacy groups. 
  • Community Benefits Strategy: Design and implement a robust and impactful community benefits and engagement strategy that fosters strong local support for the company's operations and initiatives. 
  • Reputation Management: Direct strategic outreach and messaging to enhance the company's visibility and reputation across the state, ensuring clear, consistent, and compelling communication with external audiences. 
  • Tribal and NGO Engagement: Oversee and direct engagement strategies with local and regional environmental nonprofits and Tribal communities. 
• Leadership & Crisis Management 
  • Strategic Counsel: Provide expert strategic counsel to senior leadership regarding the political, regulatory, and community environments in the Carolinas. 
  • Issue & Crisis Management: Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate potential political and external affairs issues. Serve as a key member of the crisis response team for the region, directing external communications during critical situations. 
  • Internal Alignment: Work in close collaboration with internal partners (Government Affairs, Legal, Regulatory, Communications) to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to all external activities in the Carolinas. 

Experience

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public affairs, or a related field, with a significant and proven focus on the Carolinas’ state-level political and legislative environment. 
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Communications, or a related field. 
• Expertise: Deep, demonstrable knowledge and mastery of the Carolinas’ legislative process, political dynamics, and key state agencies. Experience in the energy sector, particularly nuclear or regulated utilities, is highly valued. 
• Track Record: Proven ability to successfully develop and implement state-level legislative and regulatory advocacy campaigns resulting in policy or operational outcomes. 
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex energy and technical issues clearly and persuasively to high-level government officials, community groups, and the public. 
• Relationships: Established, active network of contacts within the Carolinas’ political, business, and community spheres. 
• Skills: Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills. A demonstrated ability to lead and make high-stakes decisions under pressure. 
• Valued but Not Required Experience: 
  • Experience successfully engaging with environmental nonprofits and advocacy groups on energy or infrastructure projects. 
  • Knowledge of workforce development programs and economic development incentives in the Carolinas. 
  • Successful track record of engagement with Federally Recognized Tribes. 

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $151,000 - $176,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.

Export Controls
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration to certain applicants.

Recruiting Fraud Alert
Your safety is our priority. We want to ensure your job search stays secure. Please note that the team at The Nuclear Company only communicates through official @thenuclearcompany.com email addresses. We will never ask for payments or sensitive financial information at any stage of our recruitment process. For your peace of mind, please verify all openings and submit your applications directly through our official careers page: Careers