About the Role
PowerLines is a high-growth, national nonprofit organization dedicated to modernizing the utility regulatory system to lower energy costs for American consumers and stimulate economic growth. Recently recognized on the prestigious 2025 "TIME100 Next" list, our organization is rapidly becoming a leading voice in the national conversation surrounding utility rate increases and energy infrastructure. We are currently seeking a strategic and creative Freelance Designer to join our team on a part-time contract basis. This remote position is critical to our mission of bridging the knowledge gap between complex regulatory systems and the everyday energy consumer through high-impact visual storytelling and professional brand management.
As our Freelance Designer, you will collaborate closely with our policy and communications teams to produce high-quality materials that reach millions of Americans. PowerLines focuses on the critical role of State Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs), which oversee more than $200 billion in annual utility spending. Your work will directly influence how this information is consumed by the public and reported by major media outlets like The New York Times, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times. This is a 3-6 month contract with a target workload of 20-30 hours per week, offering the flexibility of remote work while contributing to a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities- Design and produce comprehensive, multi-page reports and publications that translate complex energy policy into accessible, professional documents.
- Develop a wide range of event materials, including digital and physical flyers, handouts, and large-format banners for high-profile organizational events.
- Create sophisticated data visualizations, including charts, infographics, and diagrams that simplify technical utility data for a general audience.
- Produce engaging social media and web graphics that align with the PowerLines brand identity and drive public engagement.
- Build and maintain reusable templates for PowerPoint presentations, internal documents, and social media assets to ensure brand consistency across the organization.
- Establish and refine internal design workflows and creative best practices to support our evolving communication systems.
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including policy experts and communication leads, to iterate on designs and manage project timelines effectively.
- Support the ongoing evolution of the PowerLines brand identity, ensuring all visual assets reflect our status as a national leader in energy policy.
- Associates or Bachelors degree in Graphic Design or a related field with at least 3 years of professional experience; alternatively, 5 years of relevant professional experience will be considered.
- A strong professional portfolio showcasing a diverse range of work in both print and digital design, with a particular focus on layout and data visualization.
- Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
- Proven experience in designing long-form documents, publication layouts, and complex informational graphics.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced nonprofit setting.
- Exceptional communication skills and a collaborative mindset, comfortable working with both fellow designers and non-design staff.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a knack for ideation when faced with complex design challenges.
- Experience with video editing, web design, or previous work with mission-driven organizations is considered a significant advantage.
- Opportunity to work with a high-profile nonprofit organization recognized on the 2025 "TIME100 Next" list.
- Fully remote work environment with a flexible schedule centered around a 20-30 hour work week.
- Meaningful work that directly impacts national energy policy and consumer advocacy.
- Collaborative culture that values creative input and strategic design thinking.
To apply, please submit your resume or CV along with a link to your portfolio (or a PDF version). Additionally, include a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience, your approach to design thinking, and why you are interested in supporting the PowerLines mission. Please include your general availability and preferred compensation structure in your application materials. Applications and inquiries should be directed to hiring@powerlines.org.