Vice President of Public Affairs

Vice President of Public Affairs

Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion, fission and hybrid applications. Built on an integrated platform of high-energy-density physics and pulsed power, liquid metals and advanced materials, and compact, modular systems, Zap is building the foundational technologies needed to deploy the energy sources of the future.

As Zap’s Vice President of Public Affairs, you will be the chief architect of how Zap Energy is understood by the world. You will craft and guard the company's narrative, drive its presence at the highest levels of industry discourse, shape the emerging category of the integrated nuclear company, and ensure that Zap's voice is heard clearly and credibly through every channel — from congressional briefings to keynote stages to published research.

This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. It requires someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical substance and compelling public communication — a rare profile that only emerges from genuine years in the arena. Zap needs a communications executive with the judgement, presence and gravitas to become a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team.

Someone who can influence decisions before they become communications challenges, not simply communicate them afterwards.

You will lead a small and growing team of communications professionals and leverage third parties to engage multiple audiences: public sector, industrial/commercial, and scientific.

Translate Zap's scientific and strategic vision into a clear, compelling public narrative that resonates across audiences — from policymakers and institutional investors to engineers and energy journalists. You will be a trusted thought partner to the CEO and executive team, helping the company articulate not just what it does, but why it matters at this moment in history.

Own the company's overarching narrative and ensure consistency across all touchpoints.

Lead the development of executive communications, speeches, op-eds, and published perspectives for senior leadership.

Build and maintain the editorial voice of Zap Energy — rigorous, ambitious, and grounded.

Lead your team to partner with the science and engineering teams to translate technical progress into accessible, accurate public milestones.

Define and steward the messaging architecture that positions Zap as a category-defining company. Every word matters — from a press release to a recruiting page to a congressional testimony. You will build the systems and discipline that keep Zap's brand sharp and coherent as the company scales.

Develop and maintain the company's core messaging framework, value propositions, and audience-specific variations.

Oversee brand voice guidelines and ensure alignment across marketing, recruiting, business development, and government affairs.

Continuously refine messaging in response to competitive landscape, regulatory environment, and public conversation around nuclear energy.

Ensure Zap is represented by internal technical experts at the events that shape the future of energy — not just attending, but leading conversations. Build a deliberate presence strategy that puts Zap's leaders on the right stages and in the right rooms.

Working with your team and internal leaders, identify, prioritize, and secure Zap's participation in high-impact industry, policy, and technology events globally.

Prepare and coach executives for keynotes, panels, and media appearances.

Oversee conference and event strategy with clear objectives — policy influence, talent, media, investor, and partner goals.

Host strategic delegations and site visits, including government, academic, and media tours of Zap facilities.

Oversee a publishing capability that positions Zap as the authoritative voice on the future of nuclear energy. This includes peer-reviewed science communication, long-form perspectives, and earned media — not content marketing.

Provide clear guidance on a proactive publishing calendar for white papers, op-eds, and…