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.

About the Role:

The Nuclear Company is seeking a dynamic and influential External Affairs Manager, South Carolina to lead our engagement and strategic outreach efforts within South Carolina. The External Affairs Manager will be a key driver in shaping the company's reputation, fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders, and navigating the political and community landscapes of the Carolinas. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned professional with a proven track record of building coalitions, effectively communicating complex issues, and advancing organizational objectives through strategic external engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building: Develop and cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with key external stakeholders across South Carolina, including community leaders, nonprofits, business organizations, advocacy groups, and the public. Serve as the company's primary point of contact for external affairs in the region.
• Strategic Outreach and Advocacy: Develop and execute comprehensive external affairs strategies tailored to the unique community, regulatory, and political environments of South Carolina and the surrounding region. Create open lines of communication with stakeholders, collaborate on educational outreach and initiatives, and develop a community benefits strategy.
• Community Engagement and Partnerships: Build and maintain positive relationships with local communities, fostering understanding and support for the company's operations and initiatives. Identify and pursue opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborations that benefit both the company and the community.
• Communication and Public Affairs: Develop and deliver clear, consistent, and compelling messaging to external audiences, enhancing the company's visibility and reputation. Collaborate with internal communications teams to ensure alignment of external and internal communications strategies.
• Issue Management and Crisis Response: Proactively identify and manage potential external affairs issues and challenges in the Carolinas. Serve as a key member of the crisis response team, providing strategic counsel and managing external communications during critical situations.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Work closely with internal stakeholders across various departments, including government affairs, legal, regulatory, operations, and communications, to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to external affairs activities in the Carolinas.
• Reporting and Analysis: Track and report on key external affairs activities, providing insights and analysis to inform strategic decision-making. Evaluate the effectiveness of external affairs initiatives and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Organizational Support: Provide strategic counsel and support to the VP of Regulatory & External Affairs on matters related to the Carolinas region.

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Political Science, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in external affairs, public affairs, or a related field, with a significant focus on South Carolina. Experience in the energy sector, particularly nuclear energy, is valued.
• Proven track record of successfully building and managing relationships with a diverse range of external stakeholders, including community leaders, and advocacy groups in South Carolina and the surrounding region.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective external affairs strategies and advocacy campaigns.
• Strong understanding of the community, political and regulatory landscapes of South Carolina and the surrounding region.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Established network of contacts within the political, business, and community spheres of the Carolinas is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and professional standards.
• Valued but not required:
  • Experience successfully engaging with environmental nonprofits.
  • Understanding of the role of Public Utilities Councils.
  • Knowledge of workforce development programs in the Carolinas.
  • Successful track record of Tribal engagement.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation packages
• 401k with company match
• Medical, dental, vision plans
• Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range:

The estimated starting salary range for this role is $118,000 - $140,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a semi-monthly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role.

EEO Statement:

The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.