Government Partnerships Advisor (Part-Time)

Overview

PowerLines is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to modernizing the utility regulatory system to lower utility bills and grow the economy. It focuses on state public utilities commissions (PUCs), which play a critical role in utility pricing, investment, and project development. With more than $200 billion in utility spending annually, PUCs have significant influence over the future of the energy sector. Rising utility bills are a pressing national issue, with utilities requesting record-setting rate increases and millions of Americans struggling to pay their bills. The U.S. grid is experiencing rapid growth due to AI data centers and manufacturing, exacerbating the need for effective regulatory policies.

• Rising utility bills: Utilities requested a record $31 billion in rate increases in 2025, double the previous year's figure. Eighty million Americans face difficulty paying their utility bills.
• Grid growth: The U.S. grid is experiencing the fastest rise in electricity demand in decades, driven by AI data centers and manufacturing.
• Policy impact: PowerLines is recognized on the 2025 "TIME100 Next" list and has shaped discussions in major publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Politico, Bloomberg, CBS News, NPR, Marketplace, Financial Times, TIME, Vox, The Daily Mail, and MIT Technology Review.
• Organizational growth: PowerLines is rapidly expanding its reach and influence, aiming to establish itself as a nonpartisan expert on utility regulatory and energy affordability issues.
• Policy focus: The organization is focused on shaping the policy and partnerships trajectory to address the growing economic and political issues surrounding utility bills.

About the role

The Government Partnerships Advisor will work remotely and support PowerLines in building and managing bipartisan coalitions, developing relationships with policymakers, and engaging with other NGOs and advocacy groups. This role requires an experienced professional with a strong background in government affairs or government relations, particularly in utility regulation and policy.

Requirements

• Experienced government affairs or government relations professional with strong relationships with state and/or federal policymakers.
• Track record of engaging on state and/or federal policy issues, especially those relevant to utility regulation.
• Experience building coalitions and engaging with a politically diverse set of stakeholders.
• Ability to build relationships with a politically diverse set of stakeholders, particularly focusing on bipartisan relationships.
• Capacity to thrive in an early-stage, fast-paced, dynamic, and uncertain startup environment.
• Passion for advancing PowerLines' mission of modernizing the utility regulatory system to lower utility bills and grow the economy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in state and/or federal policy, politics, government affairs, government relations, or a related field.
• Preference for experience with NGO, advocacy, government, or startup settings.
• Experience with energy policy and utility issues is valued, but not required.
• An ability to build relationships with a politically diverse set of stakeholders, and ideally a proven ability to build bipartisan relationships.
• A passion for advancing PowerLines' mission of modernizing the utility regulatory system to lower utility bills and grow the economy.

Skills

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience with coalition building and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage tight timelines.

Benefits

This role can be structured either as a monthly retainer or an hourly rate. Compensation may be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and other factors.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV/resume and a note addressing the following:

1. Why you are interested in the Government Partnerships Advisor role at PowerLines.
2. How you would engage in this role, including whether you would primarily focus at the state or federal level.
3. Your availability (hours per week or per month).
4. The requested rate.

All materials should be submitted by April 30, 2026, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.