Philanthropic Advisor (Part-Time) at PowerLines in Washington, DC

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 are quickly becoming a national economic and political issue. In 2025, utilities requested a record-setting $31 billion in rate increases, double the previous record, while 80 million Americans are struggling to pay their utility bills. Meanwhile, the U.S. grid is experiencing the fastest rise in electricity demand in decades with the growth of AI data centers and manufacturing. Utility bills have become a defining national economic and political issue with a growing bipartisan set of policymakers voicing concern over these issues and conveying a desire to advance policy solutions to respond to these issues.

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, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Politico, Bloomberg, CBS News, NPR, Marketplace, Financial Times, TIME, Vox, The Daily Mail, and MIT Technology Review. PowerLines is quickly establishing credibility as a nonpartisan expert on utility regulatory and energy affordability issues while reaching a bipartisan set of policymakers, including initial partnerships with the National Governors Association and Western Governors Association.

PowerLines is in a period of significant organizational growth and seeks a part-time Philanthropic Advisor to advise on PowerLines’ fundraising strategy. The Philanthropic Advisor(s) will focus on building relationships and engaging with foundations and high-net worth individuals on PowerLines’ behalf. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to shape the financial foundation of a rapidly growing organization working on one of the most important economic issues facing American households. You will help build the organization’s financial foundation and serve as a force multiplier that enables PowerLines to expand its programs, shape policy, and improve energy affordability for consumers.

PowerLines is headquartered in Washington, DC. The Philanthropic Advisor is a remote, part-time position and will work closely with and report directly to the Founder and Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and research potential foundations for PowerLines to engage with, including a focus on foundations outside of the energy space
• Develop and maintain relationships with potential foundations, donors, and funders for PowerLines
• Advise PowerLines on development of fundraising strategy, with a focus on foundations and high-net worth individuals
• Advise on execution of development events for donors and foundations
• Conduct research and support in drafting of letters of inquiry, concept notes, funder memos, and grant proposals
• Maintain donor records and files and ensure databases are updated
• Provide additional support to PowerLines’ fundraising efforts as needed

Role Requirements

The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraising professional who has existing strong relationships with foundations and/or high-net worth donors, with a track record of securing significant funding support for a nonprofit organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of fundraising experience with a demonstrated record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from foundations and/or high-net worth individuals
• Strong relationships with foundations and high-net worth individuals
• Proven skills in donor stewardship and cultivation
• Self-motivated and self-starter with ability to work independently
• Ability to handle multiple projects effectively and efficiently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to connect the dots between PowerLines’ programmatic objectives and donor interests, motivations, and priorities
• Strong emotional intelligence skills, including the ability to understand what motivates prospective donors and develop proposals that reflect varied donor interests
• A passion for advancing PowerLines’ mission of modernizing the utility regulatory system to lower utility bills and grow the economy through a consumer-centered lens

Compensation and 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 include your CV/resume and a note that addresses the question of why you are interested in the Philanthropic Advisor role at PowerLines, how you would engage in this role, your availability (hours per week or per month), as well as the requested rate. All materials submitted will be carefully read and considered.
• Priority consideration will be given to applications received by April 15, 2026, but applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.