Policy & Government Affairs Manager - Zeno Power

Company Overview

Zeno Power's (Zeno) mission is to provide clean, plug-and-play power anywhere in the universe. To do that, Zeno is developing a next-generation radioisotope power system (RPS) that generates carbon-free, resilient power for decades, utilizing material found in nuclear waste. Zeno's technology is both light-weight and cost-effective compared to historic RPS, opening up broad market opportunities in space and terrestrially. To bring this breakthrough technology to market, Zeno is seeking out purpose-driven and innovative professionals who are comfortable working in a startup environment. Team members will have a direct impact in enabling commercial and national security missions from the depths of our oceans, to the surface of the moon, and in austere environments here on Earth.

Zeno is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Policy & Government Affairs Manager

Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Policy & Government Affairs Manager to spearhead its government affairs activities. This position reports to the Chief Commercialization Officer and works to lead the policy and government environments in which Zeno operates.

In this role you will:

• Advance Zeno's objectives by establishing and maintaining relationships with policymakers and officials
• Develop, anticipate and monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments, including space, lunar, maritime, national security and energy issues
• Manage Zeno's needs for the federal appropriations and authorizations cycles
• Develop educational materials and align public-facing content with the policy and government affairs strategy
• Interface with Zeno leadership and directors to co-develop and execute on a government affairs strategy that reflects the evolving commercial and regulatory environment
• Establish metrics and internal tracking procedures to evaluate the impact of government affairs activities
• Build industry coalitions to advance policy priorities
• Coordinate and manage government affairs consultants
• Conduct other duties as assigned

Key Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in political science, international affairs, environmental science, or a related technical field
• At least 6 years of relevant experience. Years of experience may be adjusted for candidates with advanced degrees
• Demonstrated success in federal policy development and/or government affairs engagement with the policymakers and federal agencies
• Demonstrated familiarity with the federal appropriations cycle and the national Defense authorization cycle
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present technical information to diverse stakeholders
• Skilled in managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Candidate must be a self-starter and able to exercise discretion with external stakeholders
• Candidate must be capable of meeting deadlines and performing under pressure in an uncertain environment

Job Functions

• Position requires in-office presence in Washington, D.C. (Mt. Vernon/Chinatown) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, remote work is optional on Mondays and Fridays.
• Travel: Travel is required, <10%
• Motor Abilities: Sitting and/or standing for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
• Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 15 pounds
• Repetitive work: Prolonged
• Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
• Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hrs./day

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary band for this position is $135,000-155,000. The final job level and compensation will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, years of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, certifications, and other business considerations.

In addition to competitive compensation, we also offer a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Stock options
• Flexible paid time off
• 401k plan with employer match
• 16 weeks of paid family leave
• Transit benefits to put toward commuting expenses 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Relocation assistance

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Export Control

Applicants for employment at Zeno Power must be a U.S. person. The term “U.S. Person” means (i) a U.S citizen or U.S. national; or (ii) any natural person who is a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., holds a Green Card), as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or as a “protected individual” defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., admitted as a refugee or is granted asylum).