Summary
This position is within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Ready to drive organizational impact? As a Management Associate, you will serve as a vital advisor to leadership-streamlining operations, guiding program planning and budgets, and coordinating high-visibility communications across key internal and external partners. Join our mission-driven team to help power the Pacific Northwest and elevate your career!
Responsibilities
Power the Future of the Pacific Northwest: Shape Strategy and Drive Operational Excellence at BPA At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)-a powerhouse within the U.S. Department of Energy-our mission is to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable hydroelectric power while championing environmental stewardship across the Pacific Northwest. Behind every major energy milestone is an agile operational foundation. As a Management Associate I, you will sit at the center of organizational decision-making, serving as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. This is not an ordinary support role: it is an opportunity to directly influence program strategy, solve complex operational challenges, bridge vital stakeholder partnerships, and optimize the business systems that keep our regional mission moving forward. Key Responsibilities & Impact Here are the eight core areas where you will make a lasting impact: Strategic Advisor to Executive Leadership Serve as a primary analyst and right-hand advisor to department managers. You will evaluate program performance, analyze organizational health, and deliver data-backed insights that guide executive decision-making and program execution. Long-Range Planning and Budget Formulation Actively participate in defining the organization's future by collaborating on multi-year strategic plans, resource allocations, and operating budgets. You will establish performance metrics to track and ensure the achievement of critical agency benchmarks. Operational Problem-Solving and Process Modernization Apply advanced analytical methods to diagnose operational bottlenecks, evaluate reporting systems, and review management practices. You will design, present, and implement innovative recommendations that enhance workplace efficiency and customer satisfaction. High-Visibility Stakeholder and Tribal Relations Act as an organizational ambassador across diverse internal and external networks. You will represent management in discussions with sovereign Tribal Nations, federal and state agencies, regional utility leaders, and executive business divisions-ensuring alignment on key policy shifts. Cross-Functional Issue Management and Solutions Delivery Translate complex, competing priorities into unified action plans. You will investigate sensitive inquiries, coordinate with technical and business units, and craft well-researched, authoritative responses on behalf of leadership. High-Impact Conference and Program Coordination Lead the planning and execution of executive conferences, strategic summits, and special programs. You will curate agendas, secure key speakers, develop comprehensive briefing materials, and facilitate cross-organizational collaboration. Workforce Strategy and Talent Advisory Consult with leadership on human capital needs, team realignments, and organizational design. Partnering closely with Corporate Human Resources, you will identify staffing gaps, evaluate the impact of personnel decisions, and shepherd organizational talent initiatives. Team Leadership and Information Governance Provide mentorship and performance management to administrative staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing office culture. In addition, you will modernize information tracking and records systems to ensure compliance with federal standards and streamline day-to-day operations.
Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Serving as a personal assistant to multiple managers or executives; (2) performing administrative support (e.g., Prepare reports, spreadsheets, correspondence, etc.) for a department, company or organization; (3) planning, scheduling, and coordinating meetings and other organizational activities; AND (4) coordinating official travel for staff and completing special assignments of a high priority, confidentiality or sensitive nature. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.B. or J.D. if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. CTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Requirements
In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.
Education
If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.