Associate - RMI (Remote)
Transform your career with RMI.
Are you ready to be part of a transformative movement towards a sustainable future? When you join RMI, you are empowered to make an impact. Regardless of your background or level of experience, you will have the opportunity to help bring about change in the world surrounded by team members who are passionate about transforming the global energy system. If you're excited about the prospect of contributing to impactful projects and being at the forefront of innovation in clean energy, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a brighter, greener tomorrow.
We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply!
Associate Role Overview
The Associate Role at RMI offers an exciting opportunity for early career professionals and job changers to dive into the world of nonprofit work focused on transforming the global energy transition. As an Associate, you'll join a cohort of like-minded individuals hired within a similar timeframe and together you'll embark on an immersive Associate Bootcamp. During this bootcamp, you'll gain invaluable insights into the various teams and initiatives at RMI, setting the stage for a rewarding and impactful journey ahead.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The selected candidates for hire are anticipated to start in late October and through November 2024. Specific start dates will be discussed to consider the needs of the Programs team and the selected candidates’ circumstances.
To view this job and apply, click here.
Application Requirements
Resume (Required)
We suggest a 2–3-page resume that includes information about your academic background and work experience. Feel free to add additional sections that highlight any leadership roles you’ve held, relevant coursework, academic projects that you’ve completed, conference presentations, or any articles that have been published.
Cover Letter (Required)
Answer the following questions below.
What does Environmental Equity & Justice mean to you?
Describe a specific initiative or project within the clean energy transition space that you find particularly inspiring or innovative. This can include work RMI is doing as well.
What inspired you to apply for this Associate position? And which program(s) are you most interested in working with?
Available Programs
Carbon-Free Buildings
Policy Transformation Initiative (2)
The Policy Transformation team works to transform US building sector policy for a carbon-free, equitable, healthy future. This includes bringing RMI analysis and best practices insight to support state and city-level policy development, in collaboration with policymakers, advocates, regulators, and other stakeholders. This role will be focused on building sector policy in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Candidates across the continental United States will be considered, though preference will be given to candidates based in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic US.
The Big Portfolios Initiative
The Big Portfolios team influences and supports owners and managers of existing buildings to scale decarbonization projects across their portfolios. The team focuses on influencing both the supply and demand side of the sector through projects such as catalyzing high-temperature heat pump development, retrofit road mapping analysis tools, and supporting portfolio owners as they develop and implement their strategies.
Global Cooling
Rapid urbanization and a warming planet mean significantly greater demand for cooling globally. The Global Cooling team is addressing the challenge of providing efficient and affordable cooling with minimal climate impact to people around the world. This Associate will also spend some of their time working on projects with the Embodied Carbon team which focuses on reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with building materials and construction.
Carbon-Free Electricity
Clean Competitive Grids Initiative
RMI's Clean Competitive Grids team strives to add energy to the grid by ensuring a level playing field for clean energy and adequate transmission infrastructure. We work across the United States.
Global Electricity Transition Initiative (2)
The Global Electricity Transition team within RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity Program works across the electricity system to support the transition to clean, affordable, and reliable electricity globally, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies. We work closely with utilities, governments, financial institutions, and other NGOs across a range of topics.
Carbon-Free Transportation
Mobility Grid Impacts Initiative
RMI’s Carbon-Free Transportation is accelerating the transition to electric mobility across all modes and use cases, and facilitating the grid infrastructure planning and deployment needed to meet anticipated EV adoption.
Climate Aligned Industries
Chemicals and Refining
The Chemicals & Refining team at RMI is focused on chemicals sector climate action. We use our analytical abilities to conduct compelling research and assessments to develop sector transition strategies, build techno-economic models, convene industry stakeholders, analyze relevant policies, and catalyze markets for climate-differentiated products.
Third Derivative
Third Derivative (D3) cultivates an inclusive, global network of deep experts, corporate partners, and investors to help startups with groundbreaking climate tech solutions go to market faster, create real impact, and transform markets; we do this in an 18-mo accelerator program of general and focused cohorts.
US Program
Clean Regional Economic Development (CRED) Initiative
CRED drives regional economic opportunities through sector analysis, stakeholder engagement, and demand generation – working across 12 states and counting to convene hundreds of economic development practitioners and related stakeholders in workforce, sustainability, finance and infrastructure for bootcamps, analytical training, and convenings to align for regional cleantech business attraction.
Bloomberg Methane Initiative
The US Program works to accelerate the US transition to an equitable, climate-aligned future for all. The US Program collaboratively develops RMI’s overall US strategy by establishing clear priorities while working to integrate, elevate, and fill gaps in US-focused work across RMI’s programs. The US Program works with government, industry, and civil society across all economic sectors to accelerate equitable decarbonization in the United States.
State Ambition Initiative (2)
The State Ambition Team within the US Program provides cross-cutting technical, analytical, policy, communication, and facilitation support focused at the state level, collaborating as relevant with other initiatives within the US Program and programs across the institute. Our flagship analytical product right now is developing, deploying, and maintaining the Energy Policy Simulator for states. Other types of support that we are invested in or targeting for future development include accelerating use of Inflation Reduction Act benefits, increasing deployment of clean energy, expediting industrial decarbonization, and improving environmental justice, equity, and affordability through the clean energy transition.
General Responsibilities
Conduct in-depth research and analysis on topics relevant to each team's focus area, synthesizing findings into actionable insights and recommendations.
Maintain partnerships with external stakeholders, including government agencies, industry organizations, and community groups, to advance shared goals and objectives.
Collaborate with colleagues across different teams and departments within RMI to leverage expertise, share resources, and maximize impact.
Contribute to the development of communication materials, such as reports, briefs, and presentations, to effectively communicate team activities, findings, and recommendations.
Assist in coordinating team meetings, workshops, and events, including logistics, agenda development, and participant communications.
Create innovative problem-solving approaches to drive project insights.
Provide quantitative analysis and modeling activities to guide initiative insights and implementation.
Utilize both quantitative and qualitative analysis or modeling techniques to assess the impact of various energy strategies and policies.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to energy systems, markets, and technologies.
Develop visualizations and reports to communicate research findings effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to thought leadership efforts through publications, presentations, and participation in conferences and workshops.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant work experience OR a master's degree in applicable areas such as: STEM, political science/policy, finance, business administration, environmental sciences, or economics.
Note: PhD candidates with less than 2 years of relevant work experience will also be considered, as their advanced academic background and specialized knowledge may compensate for the shorter duration of professional experience, as their advanced academic background and specialized knowledge may compensate for the shorter duration of professional experience. This provides an opportunity for highly qualified individuals to contribute based on their research, expertise, and potential impact in the field. This provides an opportunity for highly qualified individuals to contribute based on their research, expertise, and potential impact in the field.
Genuine passion for driving positive change in the clean energy transition space, demonstrated through previous work experience, academic projects, and/or extracurricular activities.
Strong interest in and understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the clean energy sector.
Project management skills, with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Communication skills, both written and verbal, can convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Ability and willingness to engage with technical material and provide qualitative and quantitative evaluation of existing initiatives.
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
Some experience related to a specific program of interest from the list of available teams above, such as:
Policy experience in climate/energy, including advocacy and research.
Familiarity with the state and local U.S. political landscape, particularly in relation to climate and energy.
Knowledge of US electricity regulation and policy.
Experience in relationship management and facilitation, including organizing multistakeholder workshops and meetings.
Knowledge and/or interest in electric grid and load capacity.
Understanding of basic financial concepts, project or portfolio management, strategic planning, or experience in strategy or management consulting.
Ability to create clear, structured, and illustrative PowerPoint presentations.
Familiarity with data analysis and visualization, please list if you have experience with any of the following: Excel-based modeling, R, Python, MATLAB, Igor, Tableau, EnergyPlus.
Coordinating events such as workshops, seminars, and conferences.
We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. We offer professional learning and training opportunities to help you develop skills you may not have had the opportunity to cultivate yet.
Compensation
The salary target for this role will be between $71,000-$87,000. This is dependent on experience that will be discussed and vetted through the interview process. This position also includes an additional 5% bonus target.
Location
We are a remote-ready company 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 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.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, adjusted to regional norms, including (for US employment):
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
403b Retirement Options (5% match immediately)
Generous PTO
Learning & Development opportunities
Parental leave
Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
Commuter and Wellness Benefits
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.
Diversity
Our workforce's diversity is one of our core values at RMI, and we strive to achieve diversity within our organization that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this diversity—whether of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ability—is critical to our long-term success, ensuring that we:
Have the diversity of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges
Have a culture of inclusion and respect that enables us to attract and keep diverse talent
Can secure the talent that we need with access to the full talent pool
Can relate to decision makers within diverse communities
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.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
