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 public utility 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 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 part-time Freelance Designer (Contract) to support its design and brand efforts. PowerLines is headquartered in Washington, DC. The Freelance Designer position is remote. This role is part-time, with a target range of 20-30 hours per week, starting with a 3-6 month contract. PowerLines is an early-stage nonprofit organization working to develop best practices with our communication systems and creative processes. Workload and hours may fluctuate depending on organizational priorities, report launches, and events. Evening and weekend work may be required around critical deadlines.
The ideal candidate is a strong visual communicator with experience in both print and digital design, excellent organizational and time management skills, and the ability to work flexibly within shifting priorities and deadlines. The Freelance Designer (Contract) will work with our policy and communications teams to create compelling graphics and materials that support PowerLines' mission and public engagement efforts. Graphics are intended not only to develop PowerLines' voice, but also to bridge the knowledge gap between the realities of the utility regulatory system and everyday consumers.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and produce a variety of materials, including:
- Multi-page reports and publications
- Event materials (flyers, handouts, banners)
- Data visualizations (charts, infographics, diagrams)
- Social media graphics
- Web graphics
- Templates (documents, PowerPoint presentations, social graphics)
- Collaborate with a variety of people to translate complex policy into clear and engaging materials
- Support the existing PowerLines brand identity
- Help establish and refine the internal design workflow and organizational best practices
- Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining quality and consistent communication
Requirements
Role Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field and at least 3 years of relevant professional experience (in lieu of a degree, 5 years of relevant experience may be considered)
- Strong portfolio showcasing work in print and digital design
- Highly proficient in:
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Experience designing long-form documents or publication layouts
- Experience creating data visualizations and complex graphics
- Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills
- Ability to adapt to evolving priorities and shifting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work well with designers and non-designers alike
- Strong problem-solving and ideation skills
- Experience with video editing, web design, and/or experience working with nonprofit, policy, or mission-driven organizations is a bonus but not required
How to Apply:
- Please submit the following materials:
- Resume or CV
- Portfolio (PDF or website link)
- A brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, your approach to design thinking, why you are interested in supporting PowerLines' mission, and your general availability and preferred compensation structure
Please feel free to contact hiring@powerlines.org with any questions.
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