Operations Associate (Contract Role)

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 an Operations Associate for a full-time contract role through the end of 2026, with the possibility of extension, to support core operational workstreams. 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 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. Every day at PowerLines looks different. This person will be expected to move fast, tackle problems, and keep the trains running. The Operations Associate will have the opportunity to help build organizational infrastructure at a pivotal juncture, have a front row seat to an organization during an exciting period of growth, and contribute outsized impact in an underaddressed and dynamic problem space. This person will play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of PowerLines’ work, including its team, culture, operations, and organizational infrastructure.

PowerLines is headquartered in Washington, DC. There is a strong preference for the Operations Associate to be based in Washington, DC. The Operations Associate will report to the Chief of Staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Internal Operations

• Maintain shared team systems, including Google Drive folder, team site, and directory

• Support weekly team meetings and other recurring rhythms, including developing of agendas, notetaking

• Support processing of reimbursements, receipts, and other expenses

• Provide operational and project support to PowerLines projects and teams as needed

• Lead preparation for weekly team close-outs and recaps

• Support onboarding of new team members

• Support tracking contracts and renewals

• Support coordination with HR administration

• Executive Support

• Support scheduling for Executive Director

• Prepare briefing materials and meeting pre-reads

• Track key external contacts and follow-ups on the Executive Director’s behalf, including CRM upkeep

• Work with Executive Director and Chief of Staff  on a regular basis to ensure that priorities and key tasks are completed

• Be several steps ahead and anticipate challenges and opportunities for the organization

• Team Culture

• Support building of organizational and team culture, including planning for team retreats, happy hours, and other team building events

• Support professional development opportunities for PowerLines team members

• Ensure PowerLines office space is well-maintained and conducive for team success

• Fundraising

• Support research and tracking of funder and donor prospects

• Support fundraising operations and administrative needs

• Event Support

• Support planning and execution of logistics for events and convenings

• Coordinate travel and logistics for PowerLines team retreats and events

Requirements

Role Requirements

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:

• 0-3 years of experience in operations, project management, or a related field, preferably in a nonprofit, advocacy, or startup setting.
• A “get stuff done” and “whatever it takes” mentality to deliver success.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as an ability to multitask and prioritize high-volume, high-priority initiatives.
• Anticipate needs and serve as a discreet, trusted partner on sensitive matters
• Capacity to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and uncertain environments, including an ability to identify priorities and function independently.
• A passion for PowerLines’ mission.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits

• This role is a 4 month full-time 1099 contract role with the possibility of extension. The compensation will be $6,000 per month. Compensation may be based on skills, qualifications, experience, location, and other factors.