Management Associate I

Summary

This position is located with U.S. Department of Energy, Bonneville Power Administration, in the Eastern Power Customer Services (PSE) team within NW Requirements Marketing (PS). Ready to drive operational excellence? As a Management Associate, you will serve as a key advisor to leadership resolving business challenges, orchestrating daily operations and delivering high-level administrative support. Bring your analytical talent and collaborative mindset to elevate our mission!

Duties

Power the Pacific Northwest: Drive Operational Excellence at Bonneville Power Administration The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is at the heart of the Pacific Northwest's clean energy landscape. Delivering reliable, carbon-free hydroelectric power across thousands of miles of transmission lines, BPA fuels the region's economy, powers millions of homes and businesses, and champions environmental stewardship. Behind every megawatt delivered is a network of forward-thinking teams operating with precision. As a Management Associate, you will serve as a dynamic operational catalyst and trusted advisor at the center of this vital mission. Working closely with senior leadership, you won't just keep operations running-you will actively shape how our teams plan, problem-solve, and collaborate. If you are an analytical thinker, a skilled communicator, and an ambitious professional ready to make a tangible public impact, this is your opportunity to build a high-trajectory career in public service. Key Responsibilities & Core Duties Here are the eight primary ways you will drive impact in this role: Strategic Advisory & Executive Decision Support Serve as a trusted advisor to organizational managers, conducting in-depth program evaluations and operational analyses. You will translate complex operational data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations that directly influence executive decision-making. Long-Range Planning & Resource Allocation Actively participate in the formulation of strategic organizational roadmaps and annual budget plans. You will partner with leadership to align financial resources with long-term priorities, ensuring organizational initiatives are fully funded and executed effectively. High-Impact Stakeholder & Customer Relations Act as a key liaison representing the organization in communications with diverse external and internal partners. You will build and maintain collaborative relationships with federal and regional government entities, utility partners, and internal business lines. Business Process Optimization & Problem-Solving Apply rigorous analytical methods to identify procedural bottlenecks, evaluate management practices, and modernize workflow systems. You will design, present, and implement creative solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction across the division. Performance Frameworks & Goal Tracking Help develop and implement clear performance criteria and accountability benchmarks to measure organizational success. You will track program milestones, evaluate performance outcomes against target metrics, and recommend adjustments to ensure strategic objectives are achieved. Cross-Functional Project & Event Leadership Lead the planning and execution of executive-level conferences, working groups, and inter-organizational task forces. From shaping agenda content and securing key subject-matter experts to producing comprehensive briefing materials, you will ensure high-visibility initiatives run flawlessly. Team Mentorship & Operational Leadership Provide direct leadership, coaching, and performance management for administrative support staff. You will cultivate an inclusive, customer-centric team culture, establish workload priorities, and empower team members through continuous professional development.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-07: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) applying basic analytical and evaluative techniques to gather data, analyze procedural or operational issues, and prepare routine reports, correspondence, and recommendations; and 2) coordinating day-to-day administrative operations, including managing records systems, arranging meeting and conference logistics, and liaising with human resources and organizational contacts to respond to customer inquiries and facilitate program activities. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor degree curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled (based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership). See the following link for more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=app -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with completed graduate education. GS-09: A qualified candidate's online application and 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/ICTAP 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.

Education

If substituting education for specialized experience you must s