Policy and Partnerships Associate or Manager

Overview

PowerLines is a new national nonprofit organization that aims to modernize the utility regulatory system to accelerate affordable, reliable, and clean energy for American consumers. It focuses on state public utilities commissions (PUCs), which play a critical role in determining how much people pay for utility bills, how utilities invest in different types of energy, and where new energy projects are built. These 200 commissioners oversee more than $200 billion in utility spending each year and have significant influence over the future of our energy system. PowerLines seeks to advance the public interest through effective utility regulation and envisions a world where people are empowered to shape energy decisions that lead to stronger communities.

To deliver on this mission, PowerLines is seeking a Policy and Partnerships Associate or Manager to lead core external engagement, partnership building, and policy analysis workstreams. The ideal candidate for this role will be a coalition builder, initiative taker, and strategic problem solver who is passionate about making a positive impact on our energy systems. This person will have exposure to high-level thinkers and leading organizations in the energy space, a portfolio of intellectually stimulating projects, and an ability to contribute outsized impact in an underaddressed problem space. As an early member of the PowerLines team, this person will be able to play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of PowerLines’ work and partnerships moving forward. The position will start by reporting to the Founder and Executive Director while the organization continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development (50%)

• Build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across the public, private, NGO, and academic sectors–including policymakers, regulators, think tanks, philanthropies, corporates, investors, trade associations, academic institutions, media, grassroots organizations, communities, the public, and other partners–in service of PowerLines’ efforts to build a “big tent” coalition engaged on efforts to modernize utility regulation
• Support development and execution of PowerLines’ partnerships and external engagement strategy
• Support planning of workshops, convenings, and events involving a diverse range of stakeholders with varied interests
• Educate a range of external audiences and stakeholders on key utility regulatory issues, including distilling complex topics 
• Represent PowerLines at conferences, convenings, and other events

Policy Analysis (25%)

• Track legislation and regulatory dockets related to utility regulation and energy market developments across the state and federal levels
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research on a range of topics related to state public utilities commissions, utility bills, electricity markets, and other utility regulatory issues
• Review and synthesize a range of information sources to develop internal and external market intelligence and thought leadership
• Produce policy memos identifying key themes regarding policy, regulatory, and market developments for a range of internal and external audiences
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert on key utility regulatory and energy policy issues

Communications and Operations (25%)

• Contribute to execution of communications and external engagement strategy, including contribution to thought leadership 
• Support development of grant proposals 
• Provide ad hoc support for other organizational needs as they arise
• Manage and mentor junior staff, including interns and volunteers

The key responsibilities for the role are similar between the Associate and Manager levels. The primary difference for the Manager level role is a greater set of expectations around an ability to independently lead and execute on the above responsibilities and bring a strategic mindset to all functions and settings. The Manager role is also expected to effectively support project management for a range of internal and external projects as needs arise.

Additional roles that a Manager would be expected to take on include:

• Lead strategy and development around grant proposals
• Lead facilitation of workshops, convenings, and events
• Support federal engagement efforts, including with Congress and federal agencies
• Provide thought leadership through potential external engagement opportunities

Requirements

Role Requirements

The ideal candidate for this role will be a coalition builder, initiative taker, and strategic problem solver who is passionate about making a positive impact on our energy systems. Strong soft skills, including high emotional intelligence and ability to build relationships with a range of diverse stakeholders with varying interests, is particularly important for this role. As PowerLines is a new nonprofit organization, an ability to proactively identify opportunities, operate with structure in a dynamic startup environment with inherent uncertainty, and maintain a deep passion for PowerLines’ mission is critical to success.

Core:

• Deep emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to find common ground and forge consensus among a diverse range of stakeholders with varying interests
• Highly structured independent thinking skills, including an entrepreneurial problem solving mindset, bias towards action, and commitment to high-quality execution 
• Capacity to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and uncertain environments, including an ability to identify priorities and function independently 
• A burning passion for PowerLines’ mission of advancing the interests of American energy consumers and belief that state public utilities commissions (PUCs) are one of the most important institutions shaping the future of our energy system
• Robust understanding of relevant political dynamics and constituencies 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Above all else, a growth mindset, curiosity, and confident humility

Bonus:

• Background or experience in an energy regulatory body (e.g., state public utilities commission or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission), utility or grid operator, policymaking body (e.g., Congress, state legislature, state energy office, city government), or corporate (e.g., energy developer, investor, corporate)
• Demonstrated track record of success and impact in building coalitions and partnerships across a range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated track record of success in advancing public policy impact across a range of settings and jurisdictions
• Experience with software and data analytical tools, such as R and Python, and data visualization tools, such as Tableau and GIS
• Experience with key industry datasets and data sources (e.g., FERC and PUC filings, Energy Information Administration data)

Role Mechanics:

• The expected salary range for this role is $60,000-$90,000 if applying at the Associate level (typically 0-3 years of relevant experience) and $90,000-$150,000 if applying at the Manager level (typically 4+ years of relevant experience). Compensation may be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and other factors.
• The benefits package includes unlimited PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, a 401k employer match, sick leave, health and wellness benefits, and a professional development stipend.
• This position is ideally based in Washington, DC but can be done remotely. 

How To Apply:

• Please include your CV/resume and a cover letter. All materials submitted, including the cover letter, will be carefully read and considered. In your cover letter, please specify whether you are applying to the Associate or Manager position.
• Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2025, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
• Please reach out to our Founder and Executive Director Charles Hua at charles@powerlines.org with any questions.