Head of Government Affairs

Role Overview

Title: Manager and/or Director of Government Affairs

Hours: Full-time; Salaried

Location: Washington, DC or Salt Lake City, UT (with frequent travel)

Pay: $135K - $205K

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Manager: Co-Founder, CTO

Mission – Why we exist and why we need you

Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2,300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, historically it’s been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we’re using better technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cheap and vital contributor to a carbon-free electrical grid.

Zanskar operates in a highly regulated and policy-sensitive sector. We need a strategic and proactive Head of Government Affairs to ensure our efforts are supported by policy and permitting frameworks that enable accelerated geothermal development. This role will be instrumental in influencing federal and state policies, cultivating strategic relationships with regulators and lawmakers, and positioning Zanskar as a trusted and informed voice in the clean energy space.

Outcomes - Problems you’ll solve

The Head of Government Affairs will lead Zanskar’s policy and regulatory strategy, representing the company to legislative and administrative leaders at both the federal and state levels. This role is responsible for modernizing the regulatory landscape for geothermal exploration, development, and operations—driving reforms that enable faster, more scalable deployment.

You’ll own Zanskar’s political and policy strategy, while also leading our engagement in geothermal coalitions, clean energy alliances, and advocacy groups to advance permitting reform and geothermal prioritization. This role works cross-functionally—particularly with our Land and Development teams—to identify and address regulatory risks related to permitting, drilling, land access, and project development.

Within six months, you’ll have built and begun executing a comprehensive government affairs strategy that strengthens Zanskar’s presence across key federal and state agencies. You will have established relationships with senior stakeholders at the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, congressional energy staff, and relevant state regulatory bodies.

A successful candidate brings a bipartisan mindset, strong political instincts, and a passion for making policy work in service of innovation. Your efforts will directly accelerate Zanskar’s ability to explore and develop geothermal resources—advancing our mission to make geothermal scalable, sustainable, and accessible.

Competencies - What we're looking for

- Experience: At least 5-10 years in government, public policy, or regulatory affairs, with a strong track record at the federal (e.g., Capitol Hill, federal agencies like DOE or BLM) or state level (e.g., legislatures, executive offices). Roles may include legislative staffer, agency official, or other public-sector or government-facing positions.

- Writing & Communication: Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling language. A strong publication history—through think tanks (e.g., Institute for Progress, Foundation for American Innovation), policy journals, op-eds, or longform platforms—is highly preferred. Experience preparing policy memos, testimony, or strategic communications is a must.

- Relationships & Network: Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build trust, form coalitions, and navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. You maintain an active, high-quality network across policy circles—regulators, staffers, agency officials, and policy experts—and have used those relationships to drive results.

- Policy Expertise – Energy & Environment: Deep familiarity with federal and state energy, natural resources, and federal permitting policy, ideally including work with DOE, BLM, congressional committees, or relevant industry groups. Experience with geothermal, oil & gas, solar & wind, or broader clean energy policy is a plus.

- Mission-Driven: You’re passionate about decarbonizing the energy system and believe geothermal is essential to solving climate change. You’re eager to help shape the policy environment that enables its growth.

Location, Salary, and Benefits

- The position is located in either Washington, DC or Salt Lake City, UT, with regular travel between these locations

- Full-time; salaried

- Paid holidays, and 18 days PTO Medical, dental & vision coverage

- 401(k)

- A direct impact in displacing carbon emissions, and growth opportunities in a growing startup environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.