Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Affairs

Vice President of Public Affairs & Government AffairsAbout Zap EnergyZap 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 & Government Affairs, you will shape how Zap Energy is understood by policymakers, industry leaders, customers, investors, and the public. You will lead the company's external affairs strategy, integrating communications, government affairs, policy engagement, executive positioning, and stakeholder relations into a single, cohesive function.You will help define the emerging category of the integrated nuclear company while ensuring Zap is a trusted voice in the national conversation around energy security, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technology leadership. Your work will span congressional engagement, executive branch relationships, state and local government outreach, industry associations, media, conferences, scientific publications, and strategic partnerships. This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO. It requires someone who thrives at the intersection of deep technical substance, public policy, and strategic communications. Zap needs an executive with the judgment, presence, and credibility to become a trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team. We need someone who can shape policy, influence external stakeholders, anticipate emerging issues, and help guide strategic decisions before they become communications or government affairs challenges. You will lead a growing team responsible for communications, government affairs, policy, executive communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement, while managing external agencies, consultants, and lobbying partners to advance Zap's strategic objectives.Responsibilities: what you will doStrategic Communications & Corporate NarrativeTranslate Zap's scientific and strategic vision into a compelling narrative that resonates across policymakers, customers, investors, regulators, engineers, and the public. Partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership to articulate not only what Zap is building, but why it matters for America's energy future.Own the company's overarching narrative and ensure consistency across every external touchpoint.Lead executive communications, speeches, congressional testimony, op-eds, white papers, and strategic thought leadership.Build and maintain Zap's editorial voice: technically rigorous, credible, ambitious, and grounded.Partner with engineering and scientific teams to translate technical milestones into clear public messages.Government Affairs & Public PolicyDevelop and execute Zap's government affairs strategy across federal, state, local, and international stakeholders. Build long-term relationships that position Zap as a trusted partner on advanced nuclear energy, national security, energy infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation policy.Develop and execute Zap's government affairs strategy aligned with corporate objectives.Build relationships with members of Congress, congressional committees, executive agencies, governors, state legislatures, regulators, national laboratories, and local governments.Partner with internal leadership and external lobbying firms to influence legislation, appropriations, regulatory frameworks, and public policy.Identify policy opportunities and risks while advising executive leadership on evolving political and regulatory landscapes.Coordinate government engagement across commercialization, siting, licensing, funding, defense, and research initiatives.Represent Zap before policymakers, industry associations, and public forums.Support pursuit of federal funding opportunities,...