Role SummaryThe Head of Government Affairs will lead Blue Energy's engagement with policymakers, elected officials, and public stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as within our host communities. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, this role is central to launching Blue Energy's nuclear power plant projects and growing the business more broadly. The Head of Government Affairs will work closely with the VP of Commercial, VP of Communications, and Deputy General Counsel, and will help shape the company's overall strategic direction.
Key Responsibilities- Advocacy & reputation: Advocate for Blue Energy's business interests, build trust among stakeholders, and protect the company's reputation.
- Policy intelligence: Stay ahead of federal, state, and local policy developments and energy market/RTO dynamics; help shape Blue Energy's policy positions and translate them into political outcomes that support the business.
- Federal strategy: Direct Blue Energy's federal government strategy and relationships, including:
- The Administration - notably the Department of Energy's Loan Programs Office, the Department of Commerce, and the Energy Dominance Council - advocating for support for new nuclear generally and for Blue Energy's approach specifically, in alignment with U.S. energy and national security objectives.
- The Department of State and related agencies, supporting international deployment of Blue Energy's technology and advancing supply chain policy for domestic and overseas nuclear construction.
- Key Members of Congress and congressional staff, including committee and district office relationships.
- FERC & markets: Direct Blue Energy's strategy and advocacy before FERC and in the RTOs/markets FERC regulates, with a focus on interconnection, NEPA, and permitting, as well as the interplay between state and federal policy in energy markets (e.g., data center restrictions and preemption issues).
- State strategy: Direct state-level strategy and relationships in states where Blue Energy operates or plans to develop, emphasizing policy support for nuclear power and data-center offtake, economic development, and clear permitting pathways.
- Community & international engagement: Oversee the government affairs dimensions of local community engagement in host communities, and the political and sovereign aspects of Blue Energy's international development plans, partnering with Legal on export control matters.
- Relationship building: Build relationships with key government stakeholders at all levels, as well as with government affairs contacts at partners, prospective customers, and other stakeholder organizations; facilitate direct engagement between Blue Energy's CEO, executives, and key policymakers.
- Strategy & team leadership: Develop a comprehensive government affairs strategy that ties these efforts together in support of Blue Energy's business model and brand narrative; build and manage a team, and retain and oversee external consultants and lobbyists within budget.
- Risk management: Anticipate opposition to Blue Energy's projects and develop effective strategies to address it, consistent with the company's values and objectives.
- Cross-functional collaboration: Partner closely with Commercial, Regulatory, Communications, and Legal to align all advocacy efforts with Blue Energy's broader business interests.
- Startup mindset: Operate with the mindset of a fast-growing startup, positioning Blue Energy as an emerging leader in new nuclear development.
Qualifications- 12+ years experience in government affairs, public policy, or related roles, including direct engagement with federal energy policy.
- Established relationships with, and working knowledge of, the Department of Energy, Congress, and FERC.
- Experience in the energy sector - nuclear, power generation, or large-scale infrastructure development strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated track record leading state-level advocacy efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
- Experience building and leading a government affairs function, including managing external lobbyists and consultants within budget.
- Strong understanding of RTO/ISO market structures and FERC regulatory processes, including interconnection, NEPA, and permitting.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with credibility among senior executives, policymakers, and regulators.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Ability to travel frequently, including to Washington, D.C., state capitals, and project sites.
- Executive presence and the ability to operate independently and adaptively in a fast-paced startup environment.
Preferred Qualifications- Advanced degree (J.D., M.P.P., or M.B.A.).
- Direct experience with nuclear energy policy, including familiarity with the NRC and DOE loan and grant programs.
- Prior in-house government affairs leadership role at an energy company, utility, or developer.
- Experience with international energy policy and export controls (e.g., DOE Part 810, NRC 10 CFR 110).
- Existing relationships with strategic partners such as GE Vernova or Constellation.
- Experience in one or more of Blue Energy's core states: Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey.
- Familiarity with data center and large-load offtake policy issues.
- Prior experience at a startup or other high-growth company.
