Manager- Decarbonization Retrofits, California - Carbon-Free Buildings

about 2 years ago
Full time role
Oakland, CA, US... more
Oakland, CA, US... more

Job Description

Are you an experienced people leader with intense curiosity and entrepreneurial drive? Are you highly knowledgeable about high performance buildings including HVAC and envelope systems? Do you have experience working with energy transition stakeholders in California? Can you create impact through influence? If yes, then join our growing Carbon-Free Buildings team!   

A 1.5-degree future requires decarbonization of the energy system through both generation and consumption, with the buildings sector being responsible for 40% of global GHG emissions. RMI is a non-profit think-do-scale tank that has a 40-year history of working on clean energy solutions using integrative design solutions.  RMI applies rigorous techno-economic research, whole-systems expertise, and entrepreneurial approaches to help markets take advantage of breakthrough energy innovations.  

RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings (CFB) program seeks to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions globally by 2045 through solutions that build a just and equitable energy transition.  This program is a team of 65+ staff. CFB drives impact using a range of methods including research and technical analysis, facilitation, stakeholder engagement and policy work, strategic client engagements, thought leadership, and demonstration projects, all focused on accelerating the adoption of efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy technologies. 

Position Overview  

RMI’s REALIZE initiative is seeking a manager to lead the REALIZE-CAretrofit program. The position is highly entrepreneurial and will be heavily focused on engaging external stakeholders across government, industry, and the real estate development sector to establish a scalable multifamily retrofit delivery model for the state of California. A background in the design, engineering and construction sector along with experience in multifamily development, energy policy (especially as relevant to California), and stakeholder engagement is preferred. 

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!  

Initiative Overview 

REALIZE is an initiative within RMI’s Carbon Free Buildings program aimed at catalyzing the zero-carbon building revolution for existing buildings. REALIZE is focused on developing mass-customizable and scalable approaches to conducting zero carbon retrofits on affordable multifamily housing. We focus on affordable low-income housing to ensure that populations most in need benefit from the transition off fossil fuels. REALIZE leverages technical analysis, R&D, demonstrations, business model innovation, stakeholder engagement and collaboration, policy development, boots-on-the-ground field work, and communication, to achieve its goals.REALIZE has geographically specific programs across the US including REALIZE-CA and REALIZE-MA.  

Roles and Responsibilities 

Managing projects to yield breakthrough results  

  • Shape project strategies from inception to conclusion: determine and implement change models, research methods, timelines, resource plans, communications plans, and stakeholder engagement.  

  • Be accountable for project outcomes, rigorously but respectfully managing RMI teams and external partners to deliver these results.  

  • Act as the lead relationship manager with project partners and stakeholders, including the California Energy Commission and US Department of Energy. 

  • Coach and motivate project team members and resolve any issues throughout project life cycle, including writing project-level reviews for junior staff.

  • Oversee teams that number between 2 to 10 contributors (internal and external).  

  • Regularly contribute to external interviews, videos, and publications to share project insights.  

  • Work with our development team to raise resources.  

Managing relationships in key venues  

  • Act as the lead relationship manager with stakeholders in multiple priority venues (i.e., building owners, cities, states, agencies, industry), focused on decarbonization of buildings.

  • Serve as the interface to RMI’s full expertise and leadership in these venues. 

  • Convene and facilitate collaborative workshops, bringing RMI’s facilitation approach to develop new solutions and strategies. 

Providing thought leadership  

  • Develop strategies for scaling building decarbonization solutions in California and across the U.S.  

  • Lead and contribute to research efforts and publications.

  • Represent RMI in the media and other public speaking events. 

Qualifications 

Minimum Qualifications  

  • Passion for RMI’s mission and for improving the built environment 

  • Graduate degree or equivalent professional experience in a field related to the built environment

  • Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience with at least 3 years of project management experience 

Additional Qualifications  

  • Ability to create new programs with a strong entrepreneurial spirit 

  • Experience with building design, including architectural, building science, and MEP disciplines 

  • Experience with California energy policy and regulatory landscape

  • Knowledge of affordable housing finance 

  • Experience managing external stakeholder relationships 

  • Experience with advocacy campaigns 

  • Grant management experience 

  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills

  • Experience managing high performing team members in a project-based work environment 

  • Highly collaborative, strong team player 

  • Passion for advancing market-based solutions to climate change 

Location 

The position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, you must be based in California, preferably in our Oakland office, but location within California is flexible. 

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.  Typically, managers based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $103,000-$121,000. 

You would also have an additional 10% bonus target! 

Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

  • 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 

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined 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 an accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.   

Diversity 

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.     

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:     

  • Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.     

  • Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.

  • Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities. 

RMI is an equal opportunity employer with 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 nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing. 

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