Associate/Senior Associate - U.S. Federal Policy (Heavy Industry)

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? Do you have a passion for making the world a better place? If yes, then join our growing team!

RMI is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate (entry- or mid-level research and collaboration positions) to join our U.S. federal policy team to focus on industrial emissions reduction. The position will be focused on supporting federal policymakers to develop and implement policies on technologies such as clean hydrogen and carbon capture/removal; industries including steel, cement, maritime shipping and aviation; and enablers such as manufacturing, supply chains, economic development, finance, and methane management. RMIers bring a variety of skillsets, and we welcome candidates with diverse educational and work backgrounds. We will carefully review each application to determine the appropriate starting position level (Associate or Senior Associate), and this will be communicated during the interview process.

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply! 

Application Deadline: Please submit all application materials by June 3rd.

Program Overview:

The US Program works to accelerate the US transition to a climate-aligned future. The US Program collaboratively develops RMI’s overall US strategy by establishing clear priorities while working to integrate, elevate, and fill gaps among US-focused work across RMI’s programs. The US Program works with government, industry, and civil society across all economic sectors to accelerate US decarbonization.  

The US Program’s federal policy team works with policymakers in the executive and legislative branches to inform, develop, and implement federal clean energy and climate policies. As an Associates or Senior Associate, you will develop targeted analysis, distil insights from other RMI programs, liaise with external partners, develop public communications, and engage with federal policymakers on policies and measures to accelerate the pace of industrial decarbonization in the United States (working alongside Associates focused on other energy sectors – electricity, buildings and mobility).

Currently, our federal heavy industry team has a strong focus on supporting the successful implementation of the US regional clean hydrogen hubs program and other policies advancing clean hydrogen. As such, experience and/or interest working on clean hydrogen as a tool for industrial decarbonization is warmly welcomed. Our team also covers a range of other industrial decarbonization topics.

Position Overview:

As an Associate or Senior Associate, you are a creative problem solver who uses your quantitative, technical and analytical abilities to conduct compelling research and assessment around vital energy issues. You will collaborate with team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions for our research questions and clients.  

As an RMI Associate, you will be an independent contributor and work closely with colleagues on projects under the direction of more senior staff. You will develop expertise in the content area of your specific program within RMI and will provide subject-matter support on that topic to other RMIers.

Your key job responsibilities as an Associate primarily include: 

• Provide quantitative analysis, modeling, policy advice and support to our projects.
• Locate and manage high quality data that sheds new light on problems and solutions.
• Create innovative problem-solving approaches to drive project insight.
• Synthesize recommendations into clear and compelling presentations, written reports, and policy briefs or memoranda.
• Present quantitative information in a clear, visual format. Engage with external experts via phone interviews, conferences, and on occasion, respond to outreach requests.

Your key responsibilities as a Senior Associate include the above, and:

• Structure and guide the work of more junior team members.
• Design and create approaches and quantitative models to effectively address key questions and challenges posed by our research goals and clients. 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 engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy), business (marketing, finance, international), finance, international development, public policy, economics, computer science, mathematics, architecture, physical and social sciences.
• At the Associate level, 2-4 years of cumulative work experience.
• At the Senior Associate level, 3-6 years of cumulative work experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with heavy industry sectors (e.g., steel and metals, cement, oil and gas, maritime shipping, aviation, heavy duty trucking), especially on industrial decarbonization strategies.
• Experience working with policymakers, public officials and staff, especially in US federal government. Experience with state or city governments also welcome.
• Experience working on the topic of clean hydrogen.
• Experience working on clean energy and emissions reduction across any sector, including electricity, buildings, transport and industry.
• Prior experience in consulting, project management, or other related fields.
• Ability to design, create, and run Excel-based models.
• High level of comfort performing basic analysis on energy use, emissions reduction potential, levelized costs, etc., including converting between different units of energy.
• Understanding of basic financial concepts, analyses and metrics (eg: debt, equity, cash flows, net present value, cost of capital).
• Ability to stick with a problem through resolution but also knowing when to ask for help.
• Ability to listen actively, be diplomatic, and share knowledge and information well.
• Willingness to plunge into unfamiliar disciplines and take risks by exploring and testing new ideas.
• Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives and/or facilitating challenging conversations. 
• Demonstrated initiative and accomplishment in previous work.  Graduate degree

Location  

These positions can remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, it is preferred that the successful candidates will be based out of RMI’s Washington, DC office. We will also consider candidates based elsewhere (in another RMI office or remotely) who are willing to travel to Washington, DC as needed.

RMI’s other U.S. office locations are New York, NY; Boulder, CO; Basalt, CO; and Oakland, CA. 

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.

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, new Associates based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $70,000-$82,000 and Senior Associates at $79,000-$93,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!

Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including: 

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 403b retirement options (5% match immediately) 
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability 
• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access) 
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave 
• Commuter and wellness benefits 
• Casual work environment 

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. 

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.