Job Description:
Do you love solving challenging problems, thinking in numbers, and working in groups? Do you also have the self-motivation, curiosity, creativity, and ability to persuade others toward meaningful results? Are you passionate about the clean energy transition? If yes, then join our growing team!
RMI is seeking Senior Associates for our Carbon-Free Electricity Program.
Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!
Application deadline: August 4th , 2023
About RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity Program
RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) Program supports the rapid and equitable decarbonization of electricity systems to support modern, clean economies the world over. We work to facilitate the transition away from coal-powered generation, slow the expansion of gas-fired generation, and wisely manage existing gas infrastructure. We also work to speed the deployment of clean, distributed, and customer-centric energy solutions; expand transmission networks to accommodate the growth of carbon-free electricity resources; and transition utilities to be climate-aligned in their business models and operations. We work closely with utilities, regulators, businesses, advocates, and customers to evolve grid institutions, policies, regulations, business models, and processes in support of the transition to a clean energy future. We employ a unique combination of research, consulting, and collaboration to support individuals and organizations to innovate and implement transformative energy solutions.
Position Overview
In this role, you will support the Carbon-Free Electricity Program’s efforts to accelerate equitable clean energy solutions in the United States and globally. In our work, we collaborate with the entire electricity sector. With utilities, regulators, and other stakeholders, we work to reform utility business models so that utility incentives are aligned with creating a just, clean energy future. With businesses, we develop and share solutions that bring clean energy technologies to the grid at scale. Across influential early adopters, we help to experiment with and implement new, transformative solutions.
As a Senior Associate, you are a creative problem solver who uses your quantitative, technical, and analytical abilities to conduct compelling research on and assess vital energy issues. You will collaborate with team members to craft visionary, yet practical, solutions for our research questions and clients.
Senior Associates are independent contributors that have developed significant subject matter expertise in one or more areas relevant to RMI’s work. Senior Associates also manage projects and the contributions of other staff to their projects.
At RMI, you will immediately plug into technical work on topics related to US and global electricity sector decarbonization. Competitive candidates will bring technical experience and expertise in engaging and supporting utilities, regulators, consumer advocates, or other stakeholders in advancing utility regulations to accelerate an equitable, reliable transition to carbon-free energy.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Conduct analytical research and draft written deliverables, including regulatory filings.
- Locate, synthesize, and analyze data that allows RMI to shed new light on problems and devise creative solutions in client engagements and thought leadership.
- Develop hypotheses to guide work and propose new ways to assess problems.
- Contribute to RMI teams through facilitating events and conversations with diverse electricity-sector stakeholders.
- Synthesize quantitative information and recommendations into clear and compelling presentations and written deliverables.
- Lead and manage specific workstreams and projects with support from senior staff.
- Lead and manage client, expert, and stakeholder relationships in relation to specific projects.
- Structure and guide the work of more junior team members.
- Contribute publicly at conferences, share expertise in response to media requests, discuss our work with donors, and direct RMI research collaborations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in an applicable field such as public policy, economics, law, business (marketing, finance, international), finance, engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy), or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems.
- 3+ years of cumulative work experience.
- Ability to design, create, and run Excel-based models.
- Strong written communication skills, including persuasive and analytical writing and presentations
- Understanding of basic financial concepts, analyses, and metrics (e.g., debt, equity, cash flows, net present value, cost of capital).
- Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive.
- Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment.
- Ability to listen actively, be diplomatic, and communicate complex ideas.
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree in one of the applicable fields noted above.
- Strong quantitative skills and experience.
- Direct experience working in management consulting, electric utility industry, electric regulatory agencies, or campaign-based organizations.
- Experience working with utilities, regulators, DER service providers, regional grid operators, and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector.
- Experience working directly with policymakers at state, city, or federal levels.
- Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives and/or facilitating challenging conversations.
- Experience working in one or more of the following specific areas:
- Utility regulation and law, and associated regulatory policy.
- Stakeholder process design and management in the context of utility regulation, electricity system planning and operations, or utility programs.
- Demand flexibility, vehicle and building electrification, renewable energy, and/or energy storage business models, regulatory structures, pricing/rate designs, and policy environments.
Additional Qualifications
- Ability to travel 10-20%
- Excellent work references
Location
We are a remote-ready organization with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado; and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.
We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.
We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.
Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined in Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.
Compensation
RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. A new Senior Associate joins at the minimum to mid salary range of $81,235 to $98,467. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, vision insurance
- 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)
- Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
- Professional and personal development
- Generous paid time off and sick leave
- Parental leave
- Flexible working hours
- Commuter and work from home stipends
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At RMI, our mission is to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future for all. For this to happen, every single person needs to be a stakeholder in the energy transition. Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve is critical to our success. We need the widest range of perspectives to understand the systems we are trying to change. That doesn’t just mean bringing a diverse team to the table; it also means working proactively to give all job seekers and employees equitable experiences. Visit our DEI page for more information on our DEI initiatives and commitments.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
About RMI
RMI is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization of experts across disciplines working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives. Since our founding in 1982 by Amory Lovins, RMI’s chairman emeritus, we continue to grow and have a global reach and reputation.
For 40 years, RMI has utilized our unique techno-economic expertise and whole-systems thinking to publish groundbreaking research and analysis. We bring together collaborations of rare reach, range, and expertise—creating unconventional partnerships and mobilizing action to drive change on the massive scale needed to combat the climate crisis.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.