Head of Federal Affairs

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.CFS is collaborating with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with new groundbreaking high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. The mission is to deploy fusion power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To execute this plan, we are looking to add talented people to the team who are mission-driven and treat people well, improve our team by adding diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits, and have skill sets and experience that relate to this role.This is a unique opportunity to join a fast paced, high growth company that will bring to market and quickly scale a completely new source of clean energy. You will be a leader in identifying opportunities and executing strategies that create the fastest path for commercial fusion energy to provide the power the world needs to meet our growing energy demands and combat climate change. This is a newly created position and will be responsible for growing CFS’s presence with all relevant U.S. Federal stakeholders. You will lead the development of CFS’s policy advocacy strategy and be the primary interface with government officials and staff. The ideal candidate has a strong knowledge of the federal authorizations and appropriations process in the energy sector and combined experience working with the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. The position reports to the Chief Movement Builder and is part of the broader effort to create a movement for fusion energy and drive concrete actions that pave the way for fusion energy, the next and possible last solution for clean energy to the world. This candidate should be based in Washington, DC, and will need to be able to travel to CFS headquarters in the Boston area as needed.

This team member will:

• Developing and executing strategies to affirmatively shape and influence the policies, legislation and decisions that affect CFS’s business objectives to bring fusion energy to the world in a time scale that matters for climate change.
• Establish and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders and decision makers including elected officials, their staff, key administration officials, thought leaders, industry associations and other public policy stakeholders outside of the organization, regardless of their political affiliation.
• Support internal strategic planning and business development activities as necessary and develop an understanding of industry trends.
• Coordinate and align on policy and advocacy efforts with the Head of Public Affairs, who leads state and local government affairs and NGO engagement.
• Coordinate and align on policy and advocacy efforts with Regulatory Advisor/Counsel.
• Work in coalitions within the clean energy sector to increase momentum behind policy and legislative proposals that support CFS’s objective for a domestic fusion pilot plant in the early 2030s and more than 10,000 fusion power plants deployed by 2050.
• Prepare briefings for executive interaction with policymakers and government leadership.
• Develop advocacy materials and position papers, internal and external communications.
• Willingness to be a registered lobbyist and manage political compliance for CFS.
• Supervisory responsibilities include retain and manage external counsel and advisors for advocacy and lobbying activities in all branches of the government; manage political compliance and reporting requirements.

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, political science, public policy, public administration, or business administration, or similar plus extensive years combined work-related experience on Capitol Hill, in federal public policy, or in a corporate government relations environment, or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
• Advanced degree a plus.
• Experience working in or with government (~10 years) at the U.S. Federal level, including Capitol Hill.
• Skilled at identifying and implementing complex, innovative policy solutions.
• Familiarity with relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, policies, and laws relevant to the energy generation sector.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to effectively relay complex information in a concise format, including development of public comment letters, Congressional testimony, and advocacy materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively, efficiently, prioritize workflow and meet demanding deadlines.
• Ability to work in a bipartisan manner.

Additional experience and/or qualifications:

• Experience in advocacy with bringing new or first-of-a-kind energy technologies to market.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams to develop robust and innovative advocacy efforts with decision makers in Washington, DC.
• Experience understanding and aligning Federal policy and advocacy efforts to broader company global efforts.
• Ability to attend events outside of traditional business hours, including before and after work and on weekends.
• Willingness to occasionally travel.

CFS team members thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have demonstrated exceptional results through a range of different pursuits. We all tightly align with our company values of integrity, execution, impact and self-critique. As we grow, we are looking to add talented people who are mission driven and bring diverse perspectives and new ways of solving problems.At CFS, we deeply value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.