Senior Associate - US Federal Policy (Methane)

Do you love solving challenging problems?  Do you enjoy crafting compelling analysis-based communications and developing and executing campaigns to mobilize organizations to act? Do you have self-motivation, curiosity, creativity, and the ability to persuade others toward meaningful results? Are you passionate about the clean energy transition? If yes, then join our growing team! 

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply! 

Program Overview 

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. 

Initiative Overview

The Federal Policy Team is a group of lobbyists and campaigners working to influence the federal government.  This project focuses on securing the first ever climate standards for landfills from EPA:

• Secure a methane reduction standard from EPA by organizing a coalition of EJ groups, local advocates, lawyer and technical experts
• Expand public and policy maker understanding of the vast methane problem at landfills by publicizing the ever-expanding data coming from fly overs and very soon satellites
• Elevate U.S. non-federal action on the global stage to promote the solutions around the world and reduce the impact of landfill methane on our climate

Position Overview:  

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate to play a leading role in developing and executing action campaigns within a growing methane waste team. In this role, you will work with initiative leadership to identify topics around which to focus campaigns; develop campaign plans that effectively deploy technical assistance, communications, collaborative convenings, and other tactics to mobilize climate action among federal leaders; translate analytical research into actionable technical assistance; and motivate and engage non-federal entities to advance climate progress.

As a Senior Associate, you are an independent, creative problem solver that takes initiative to apply your quantitative, technical, and analytical abilities to translate research into action campaigns and technical assistance. You will collaborate with team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions for a wide range of U.S. non-federal leaders. We expect self-motivation, curiosity, creativity, the ability to drive oneself and others toward meaningful results, a passion for the clean energy transition, and interest in subnational work.  

As an RMI Senior 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 can provide support internal to RMI on that topic.  

Application Deadline: Please submit all application materials by May 30th.

Key Responsibilities  

• With senior guidance, develop and execute waste methane campaign strategies to accelerate U.S. climate progress by securing standards from EPA, states, companies and cities. Determine change models, intervention points and tactics, timelines, resource plans, communications plans, and stakeholder engagement. Work with diverse partners to structure, organize, and execute identified strategies. Resolve any issues throughout the project life cycle. 
• Determine how results will be measured and be accountable for project results, rigorously and respectfully challenging findings from RMI teams and partners.  
• Lead and support stakeholder engagement across a diverse set of public sector, private sector, civil society, and non-profit stakeholders. This could include convening and facilitating collaborative workshops that bring RMI’s facilitation approach to develop new solutions and strategies, providing hands-on support to a cohort of entities through multiple phases of solution execution, and implementing multiple communications tactics to engage a broad set of non-federal entities.
• Develop analysis-driven, actionable technical assistance products such as guidance, checklists, tools, case studies, webinars, and model language to support accelerated non-federal climate action.
• Regularly contribute to external interviews, videos, and publications to share project insights and publicly represent RMI.   
• Support senior staff and the development team with managing funder relationships and additional fundraising to raise resources.

Minimum Qualifications  

• 5+ years of professional work experience
• Experience structuring, organizing, and executing project work
• Experience supporting external stakeholder engagement
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Highly collaborative, strong team player
• Passionate to make a difference, and to deliver impact towards a clean, prosperous, and secure, low-carbon energy future for all
• Experience with climate, energy, coalition building, advocacy campaigns, and/or U.S. non-federal climate action
• Experience working directly with policymakers, regulators, and other non-federal decision-makers

  Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience developing and executing campaigns to mobilize action
• A track record or other demonstration of integrating a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in work, team culture, and outcomes
• Knowledgeable about landfill systems and/or methane monitoring
• Willingness to plunge into unfamiliar disciplines
• Experience with the U.S. non-federal climate movement, preferably with experience operating in multiple geographies and at multiple scales (e.g., regional, state, local)
• Ability to travel 10-20% (once public health conditions allow)
• Experience managing high performing junior team members in a project-based work environment
• Experience with energy policy and/or advocacy campaigns

Location:  

The position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, this role will be based out of our Washington, D.C. office. This will be discussed further throughout the interview process.    

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 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 Senior Associates based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $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)
• Generous PTO
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Parental leave
• Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Commuter and Wellness Benefits  

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.;