Application Guide

How to Apply for State and Local Government Affairs Manager

at Oklo

🏢 About Oklo

Oklo is pioneering next-generation fast fission technology to recycle nuclear waste into clean, reliable energy, positioning itself at the forefront of the advanced nuclear industry. Working here offers the chance to shape energy policy in a mission-driven startup environment focused on decarbonization and innovation.

About This Role

This role involves developing and executing state/local government engagement strategies, with a focus on Tennessee, to advance Oklo's regulatory and legislative goals for deploying advanced nuclear technology. You'll directly influence policy decisions that enable clean energy projects while building relationships across government and industry stakeholders.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might include monitoring Tennessee legislative hearings on energy bills, drafting a policy analysis for internal stakeholders, and preparing for meetings with state regulators or local officials to discuss Oklo's projects. You could also coordinate with trade associations on advocacy efforts and brief company leadership on emerging policy risks/opportunities.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Oklo Is Looking For

  • Has 5–7 years of hands-on experience navigating state legislative/regulatory processes, ideally with exposure to energy, infrastructure, or technology sectors
  • Demonstrates proven ability to build bipartisan relationships with state/local officials and agencies, particularly in Tennessee or Southeastern states
  • Can articulate complex nuclear energy policy issues clearly to diverse audiences, from legislators to community leaders
  • Possesses strategic thinking to monitor policy trends and proactively identify opportunities/threats for advanced nuclear deployment

📝 Tips for Applying to Oklo

1

Highlight specific experience with Tennessee state government, regulatory agencies, or energy policy—mention any existing relationships with key officials or departments

2

Quantify advocacy achievements (e.g., 'secured support from X legislators for Y energy bill' or 'navigated regulatory approval for Z project') rather than listing generic responsibilities

3

Research Oklo's specific projects or regulatory filings (e.g., license applications with the NRC) and reference how your skills align with their current needs

4

Tailor your resume to show how you've managed multi-stakeholder engagements (trade associations, community groups, agencies) simultaneously

5

Use Oklo's mission-driven language ('clean, reliable, affordable energy') when describing your own policy goals or accomplishments

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your understanding of state-level nuclear energy policy challenges and how you'd advance Oklo's goals in priority states like Tennessee", 'Describe a specific example of building a coalition or influencing legislation/regulation in a complex technical field (energy, infrastructure, etc.)', "Connect your experience to Oklo's unique position as an advanced nuclear startup—show enthusiasm for their technology and mission", "Mention how you'd monitor and analyze policy trends affecting nuclear waste recycling or next-generation reactor deployment"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Oklo's specific technology (fast fission reactors, nuclear waste recycling) and how it differs from traditional nuclear plants
  • → Recent state-level nuclear energy legislation in Tennessee or other priority states (e.g., advanced reactor support policies)
  • → Oklo's leadership team and their backgrounds in energy/technology—note any public statements on policy priorities
  • → Key stakeholders in Tennessee energy policy (e.g., Tennessee Valley Authority, state energy office, relevant committees)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building relationships with state legislators in Tennessee who may be unfamiliar with advanced nuclear technology?
2 Describe a time you analyzed complex legislation/regulations and developed a successful advocacy strategy around it
3 What do you see as the biggest state-level policy barriers to deploying Oklo's technology, and how would you address them?
4 How would you engage with local communities or opposition groups concerned about nuclear projects?
5 What experience do you have with energy-related trade associations, and how would you leverage them for Oklo's benefit?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic policy/advocacy language without tying it to energy, nuclear, or infrastructure sectors
  • Failing to demonstrate bipartisan relationship-building—this role requires engaging across political spectra
  • Overemphasizing federal experience without highlighting state/local government expertise, particularly in Tennessee

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Oklo!

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