Strategy & Public Affairs Associate
New York, NY, Washington, DC or remote.
About Blue Whale Materials
Blue Whale Materials (BWM) is an American recycling company working toward a greener and more sustainable global battery supply chain. BWM operates a lithium-ion battery recycling facility in Bartlesville, OK, producing an ethically sourced stream of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and lithium in the first stage of a domestic closed-loop solution for lithium-ion battery manufacturers.
We are seeking a talented and motivated professional to join us as Blue Whale Materials grows and commercializes state-of-the-art technology. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
Job Summary
The Strategy, Corporate Development & Communications Associate is a high-impact role supporting Blue Whale Materials' growth across multiple fronts: corporate strategy, government affairs, external communications, investor relations, and industry engagement. The Associate will work closely with the CSO and the senior leadership team, serving as a key integrator across internal functions and external relationships.
This is an excellent opportunity for a self-starter with a background in consulting, finance, policy, corporate development, or communications who thrives in a fast-moving environment and wants to help build a company at the intersection of clean energy, critical minerals, and national security.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategy & Corporate Development
- Oversee and assist in business and corporate strategy planning and implementation
- Conduct research and analysis to support corporate and business strategy initiatives
- Lead project management efforts on strategy and organizational development initiatives
- Communicate strategy and organizational development objectives across departments
- Implement organizational development and operational initiatives as needed
Government Affairs & Funding
- Interface with and manage external government affairs consultants to advance BWM's policy and regulatory objectives
- Prepare and advance government funding proposals and responses to federal funding opportunities
- Track government plans, legislative developments, and regulatory initiatives relevant to battery recycling, critical minerals, and clean energy
- Manage government compliance responsibilities, coordinating with internal teams and external advisors to ensure timely and accurate reporting
Communications & Public Affairs
- Manage all social media channels and develop content strategy to advance BWM's brand and mission
- Lead roadmap and presentation strategy for company website and all external communications, ensuring messaging is current, accurate, and aligned with corporate strategy
- Identify and pursue public affairs opportunities to increase visibility for the company and its leadership, including op-eds, speaking engagements, awards, and press placements
- Draft and develop presentations, materials, and communications on strategy, ESG, organizational development, partnerships, and corporate development opportunities
- Support internal communications between departments to coordinate on achievements, plans, issues, and events
External Representation & Industry Engagement
- Represent BWM at industry events, government convenings, and investor meetings, serving as a visible and credible ambassador for the company
- Manage BWM's participation in industry associations, including OKRA, Volta, NaatBatt, and others, building relationships across the battery recycling ecosystem
- Track policy and market developments through industry and association channels and synthesize insights and develop recommendations for leadership
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across government, industry, and the investment community
Investor & Environmental Reporting
- Manage communications and presentations to investors, including preparation of investor updates, reporting packages, and materials for investor meetings
- Assist with the ESG program, including drafting and executing policies, managing life cycle analysis, and environmental reporting obligations
- Support the CSO on investor relations projects as they arise
Desired Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who bring a strong analytical foundation, excellent communication skills, and the judgment to operate effectively across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. Relevant backgrounds include consulting, investment banking or finance, government or policy, corporate development, or executive communications. The following qualifications describe our target profile:
- Bachelor's degree required
- Minimum 2 years of professional experience in consulting, finance, corporate development, government affairs, policy, or communications; experience in energy, industrials, or a startup environment is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams and deliver high-quality work in a fast-moving environment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience synthesizing complex information for executive and external audiences
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience drafting executive communications, board materials, investor presentations, or policy documents is highly valued
- Familiarity with government funding processes, regulatory frameworks, or public affairs is a plus
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Proven organizational and time management skills, with meticulous attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional presence appropriate for senior-level internal and external interactions
- Self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively as part of a growing team