Vaulted Deep Head of External Affairs Remote · Full time

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Vaulted is a waste management company that removes carbon. We take organic waste that can pollute our environment above ground and safely inject it ultra deep underground—permanently removing carbon from the atmosphere while protecting local land, air, and water. Vaulted is based in Houston, San Francisco, and Kansas. With a growing team of 70+ people across the country, Vaulted signed the second largest carbon removal offtake ever with Microsoft in July 2025 and is rapidly expanding to new sites. Vaulted's proprietary technology builds on decades of expertise to deliver safe, durable carbon and waste management solutions now, at scale.

Head of External Affairs

Vaulted Deep

Location: Houston, open to remote

About Vaulted

Vaulted is a waste management company that removes carbon. We take organic waste that can pollute our environment above ground and safely inject it ultra deep underground—permanently removing carbon from the atmosphere while protecting local land, air, and water. Vaulted is based in Houston, San Francisco, and Kansas.

With a growing team of 80+ people across the country, Vaulted signed the second largest carbon removal offtake ever with Microsoft in July 2025 and is rapidly expanding to new sites. Vaulted's proprietary technology builds on decades of expertise to deliver safe, durable carbon and waste management solutions now, at scale.

About the Role

At Vaulted, we have an aggressive plan to rapidly grow our team and subsequent climate impact. As the Head of External Affairs, you will be responsible for leading Vaulted’s government affairs, regulatory, community engagement, and respective communications work. In short, you are responsible for our “licenses to operate” - ensuring we have the permits, policy, and community support needed to grow. This position will manage an existing small and growing team. Responsibilities include:

Regulatory & Government Relations

• Lead Vaulted’s policy advocacy, lobbying, and government affairs strategy, representing the company’s interests to policymakers, regulatory agencies, and other public stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key government, legislative, and regulatory partners (including federal and state EPA).
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments at the local, state, and federal levels to assess impact and guide decision-making for the company.
• Develop long-term strategies for navigating the political and regulatory landscape while identifying and mitigating regulatory and reputational risks.

Community Engagement & Communications

• Serve as Vaulted’s primary external voice, shaping messaging and materials that support site development, permitting, and community engagement.
• Oversee community engagement strategies and activities at existing and new sites.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Manage, lead and grow the External Affairs team to meet organizational needs and support Vaulted’s long-term objectives.

What You Will Bring

To succeed in this role, and to help the company to succeed in our mission, the Head of External Affairs must possess strong government affairs expertise, exceptional communication and negotiation skills, and strategic foresight in navigating complex policy landscapes. They must also thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with a growing team of ever-changing needs. In addition, we seek a candidate with:

• Bachelor’s or Advanced Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Regulatory Affairs, Law or related field
• 10 + years of experience in government relations, public policy or related area of expertise; preference given to candidates with experience specific to site development and community engagement
• Ability to analyze complex policy issues and communicate them clearly and persuasively to both internal and external stakeholders
• Strong understanding of the legislative and administrative rulemaking processes, and land use regulations
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to develop and maintain community relationships throughout the life of a project
• Passion for and commitment to sustainability and the work of climate change mitigation. Knowledge of carbon removal is helpful, but not necessary

You’ll Thrive Here If

• You have a strong bias to action to deliver on the fast-paced goals of a startup working to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change
• You're energized by solving problems in ambiguity, taking independent ownership of your responsibilities as we chart a new industry pathway
• You value and exercise respectful dissent - including giving & receiving feedback! - grounded in kindness and positive intent
• You exhibit genuine care and appreciation for fellow Vaulters through the wins, setbacks, milestones, and everything in between

This is a unique opportunity to work in a fast-paced and rewarding environment where your contributions will directly lead to mitigating, and eventually reversing, the worst impacts of climate change.