VP Nuclear Development, Government Affairs

American Electric Power

Vice President Nuclear Development leading regulatory and legislative strategy for AEP's nuclear initiatives. Collaborating across jurisdictions to support new nuclear generation and policy development.

Posted 7/14/2026full-timeColumbus • District of Columbia, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $260,109 - $338,142 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Expertise in developing and leading regulatory and legislative strategies for nuclear development, with a strong focus on collaboration with governmental and regulatory bodies. Proven ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and engage effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Regulatory Strategy DevelopmentLegislative Affairs ManagementUtility Regulation ExperienceNuclear Project DevelopmentStakeholder Engagement

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Hard Skills

Regulatory PlansCost Recovery StrategiesEnergy PolicyInfrastructure Project DevelopmentRegulatory FilingsLegislative Position CoordinationSiting and PermittingFinancing MechanismsCustomer Needs AnalysisStrategic Thinking

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsNegotiation SkillsRelationship BuildingCross-Functional Team LeadershipExecutive Presence

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeAdvanced Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

Nuclear DevelopmentUtility CommissionsLegislative BodiesRegulatory FrameworksEnergy PolicyMulti-Jurisdictional EnvironmentRegulatory RisksLong Term Value CreationGovernment AffairsStakeholder Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and lead AEP’s regulatory strategy for nuclear development across all regulated jurisdictions.
Translate the nuclear project delivery model into clear, actionable regulatory plans, filings, and engagement strategies needed to secure regulatory approvals.
Collaborate with AEP operating companies to ensure alignment between nuclear development activities and jurisdictional regulatory frameworks, expectations, and precedents.
Anticipate regulatory risks and opportunities and advise senior leadership on mitigation options.
Collaborate with AEP operating companies and other organizations to develop cost recovery strategies that reflect customer needs, system benefits, and long term value creation.
Develop and lead the legislative affairs strategy for Nuclear Development at both the state and federal levels, ensuring alignment with AEP’s broader government affairs priorities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with governors’ offices, state legislators, congressional delegations, and relevant committees to advance policies that enable nuclear deployment.
Monitor legislative activity affecting nuclear development, including siting, permitting, financing, incentives, workforce, and energy policy.
Coordinate AEP’s legislative positions, testimony, and policy materials for hearings, briefings, and stakeholder engagements.
Collaborate closely with AEP’s federal and state Government Affairs teams to ensure seamless alignment between legislative, regulatory, and business strategies.
Represent AEP’s Nuclear Development strategy before state commissions, regulatory staff, legislative bodies, and other key governmental and industry stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong, constructive relationships with regulatory and legislative entities to support transparency, trust, and credibility.
Coordinate closely with jurisdictional regulatory teams and government affairs teams to ensure consistent messaging across all forums.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., JD, MBA, public policy, engineering) preferred.
15+ years of experience in utility regulation, energy policy, legislative affairs, nuclear project development, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience developing regulatory and/or legislative strategy for major infrastructure or generation projects, ideally including nuclear.
Experience working with state utility commissions, legislative bodies, and regulatory staff across multiple jurisdictions strongly preferred.
Exceptional strategic thinking and the ability to distill complex technical issues into compelling regulatory narratives.
Strong understanding of customer needs, regulatory frameworks, legislative processes, and cost recovery mechanisms.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills.
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive alignment in a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment.
Demonstrated executive presence and ability to engage effectively with senior leaders, regulators, and external stakeholders.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible work hours
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities