Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Accountabilities:

You will lead policy, regulatory, and public affairs initiatives that support commercial growth, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and enable the deployment of innovative energy infrastructure.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on policy, regulatory, stakeholder, and market-development issues.

• Develop and execute federal and state policy strategies aligned with commercial deployment and long-term business objectives.

• Monitor legislation, regulations, and government agency actions affecting carbon capture, power generation, grid infrastructure, energy markets, and industrial decarbonization.

• Represent the organization in industry associations, coalitions, working groups, and policy forums to influence relevant discussions and outcomes.

• Lead public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies, shaping the external narrative around the technology, market opportunity, and role in meeting growing electricity demand.

• Build strategic partnerships and advocacy coalitions that support market development and long-term growth.

• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams on external communications, thought leadership, and engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders.

• Develop strategies to accelerate permitting and regulatory pathways required for project deployment and commercialization.

• Support efforts to streamline project-enabling processes, including grid interconnection and Class VI permitting where applicable.

• Establish and maintain relationships with federal, state, and regional agencies that influence infrastructure development and deployment timelines.

• Identify policy and regulatory barriers, assess their potential impact, and develop practical mitigation strategies.

• Identify and pursue non-dilutive funding opportunities through federal, state, and regional programs.

• Coordinate with technical, commercial, and finance teams to develop funding strategies and support grant applications.

• Build relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and funding organizations to accelerate project development and business growth.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate brings substantial experience in energy policy, government affairs, public affairs, or infrastructure development, combined with strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to translate complex regulatory developments into actionable business strategies.

• At least 10 years of experience in energy policy, public affairs, government affairs, infrastructure development, or a related field.

• Proven track record of influencing policy, regulatory, legislative, or stakeholder outcomes.

• Experience in carbon capture, power generation, grid infrastructure, natural gas, industrial decarbonization, or a closely related sector.

• Strong understanding of energy markets, infrastructure development, permitting processes, and industrial project deployment.

• Familiarity with Class VI permitting, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs, Department of Energy (DOE) funding mechanisms, and energy infrastructure regulations.

• Excellent executive communication, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and other external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify emerging policy risks and opportunities.

• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.

• Experience working in a startup or other rapidly growing organization.

Benefits:

• Annual base salary of $200,000–$220,000 USD, depending on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location.

• Pre-IPO stock options.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with 90% of employee premiums covered.

• Basic life insurance fully covered.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer matching.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

• Unlimited paid time off.

• 12 or more company holidays annually, including Earth Day.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Commuter benefits.

• Annual learning and development stipend.

• Additional benefits and perks.