Philanthropic Advisor; Part-Time

Overview

Power Lines 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 TIME
100 Next list, Power Lines 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. Power Lines 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.

Power Lines is in a period of significant organizational growth and seeks a part‑time Philanthropic Advisor to advise on Power Lines’ fundraising strategy. The Philanthropic Advisor(s) will focus on building relationships and engaging with foundations and high‑net‑worth individuals on Power Lines’ 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 Power Lines to expand its programs, shape policy, and improve energy affordability for consumers.

Power Lines 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.

• Identify and research potential foundations for Power Lines to engage with, including a focus on foundations outside of the energy space
• Develop and maintain relationships with potential foundations, donors, and funders for Power Lines
• Advise Power Lines 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 Power Lines’ fundraising efforts as needed

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.

• 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…