Program Manager

Overview

PowerLines is a national nonprofit organization that aims to modernize the utility regulatory system for American energy consumers to lower utility bills and grow the economy. 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.

Rising utility bills is quickly becoming a national economic and political issue. In the first half of 2025, utility rate increase requests totaled $29 billion, setting a record for any year and more than doubling the amount during the same period last year. Recognized on the 2025 “TIME100 Next” list, PowerLines is rapidly becoming a go-to source and leader in informing the national discussion of this issue and has already shaped the conversation in The New York Times, Bloomberg, CBS News, Financial Times, TIME, Vox, The Daily Mail, Heatmap News, MIT Technology Review, Latitude Media, Yahoo News, and Canary Media.

PowerLines is seeking a full-time Program Manager to support core workstreams focused on delivering positive consumer impact. This work will involve supporting partners in key utility regulatory proceedings and advising them on critical issues. The ideal candidate will be a scrappy team player who takes initiative, is detail-oriented and organized, and brings a “get stuff done” mentality. This person should also be eager to wear multiple hats, manage multiple high-impact workstreams, and maintain adaptability in a dynamic, high-velocity startup environment. This person will ideally have background in energy consumer advocacy and have some degree of proficiency in utility regulation. This role will also require creative problem solving and an ability to operate in uncertain and ambiguous environments. 

PowerLines is a rapidly growing, early-stage startup nonprofit organization. The Program Manager will have the opportunity to build relationships with a diverse range of partners, tackle a portfolio of intellectually stimulating and analytically rigorous projects, and contribute outsized impact in an underaddressed and dynamic problem space. As an early member of the PowerLines team, this person will play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of PowerLines’ work, including its ability to deliver and scale impact to consumers.

PowerLines is headquartered in Washington, DC. This position can either be hybrid or remote. The Program Manager will report to the Founder and Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management
• Develop and manage work plans, timelines, and deliverables across multiple projects simultaneously
• Coordinate with internal staff, contractors, and external partners to ensure clear communication and alignment
• Track progress, identify roadblocks, and adapt plans to shifting stakeholder landscapes
• Produce project documentation including meeting agendas, action items, progress updates, and reports
• Coordinate with other team members and departments on key project tasks to unlock synergies and maximize impact
• Partnership Development
• Conduct power mapping and landscape analysis to identify key stakeholders and proactively build relationships with those partners
• Support partnership development and ongoing relationship management with state partners, coalition members, and other key stakeholders
• Provide strategic advising and capacity support to key external partners to maximize impact
• Research and Analysis
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research and analysis of key utility regulatory proceedings and issues
• Track legislation and regulatory dockets related to utility regulation and energy market developments across the state and federal levels
• Review and synthesize a range of information sources to develop internal and external market intelligence and thought leadership
• Strategy
• Identify strategic, high-impact opportunities for PowerLines to engage on consumer advocacy
• Oversee strategic planning and implementation of state-level programs focused on utility regulatory reform advocacy
• Identify robust strategies and tactics for successful engagement on key utility regulatory issues and proceedings
• Serve as internal subject matter expert and strategic thought advisor on consumer advocacy opportunities

The ideal candidate for this role will be a team player who has a high degree of attention to detail, is able to juggle competing priorities and wear many hats, and take initiative and solve problems. As PowerLines is an early-stage startup nonprofit organization, an ability to proactively identify opportunities, operate nimbly in a dynamic startup environment, and maintain deep passion for PowerLines’ mission is critical to success.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4–10 years of professional experience in program and/or project management, preferably in utility regulation, consumer advocacy, nonprofit, government, private sector, or other settings
• Strong preference for candidates with background in utility regulatory and energy consumer advocacy issues, including technical literacy on key utility regulatory topics
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong emotional intelligence and an ability to build relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in fast-moving environments
• Strong analytical mindset, including an ability to synthesize and translate complex information to a diverse range of audiences
• Experience coordinating diverse stakeholders and building collaborative relationships
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to function independently in fast-paced, uncertain environments
• Attention to detail, ability to prioritize effectively under pressure
• Entrepreneurial spirit and comfort bringing structure to ambiguity, including a willingness to wear many hats
• A passion for PowerLines’ mission

Compensation and Benefits

• The expected salary range for this role is $90,000-$125,000. 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, and health and wellness benefits.

How To Apply:

• Please include your CV/resume and a cover letter that outlines why you are particularly interested in PowerLines' mission and strategic approach. All materials submitted will be carefully read and considered.
• Priority consideration will be given to applications received by December 15, 2025, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.