Head of Government & Community Affairs, Carolinas

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.

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 into the Chief Legal and Administration Officer.

• 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.

• 10+ years of progressive experience in government affairs, public affairs, or a related field, with a significant and…