Manager - Carbon–Free Electricity

Are you an experienced project manager and people leader with intense curiosity and drive? Are you willing to take risks by exploring and testing new ideas? Do you have the exceptional ability to structure and oversee analytic and strategic problem solving? If yes, then join our growing team!  

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply! 

Deadline: Apply by July 29, 2022, 12 pm Mountain Time.

Program Overview: 

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, allowing for decommissioning were prudent. 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:  

CFE seeks a Manager to lead project and campaign work across the CFE team. A successful candidate for this position will excel in three key areas: 

1. Team leadership: At RMI, you will have the opportunity to supervise 2-4 direct reports, as well as lead diverse project teams of 3-8 contributors of varying experience levels. Successful candidates will have demonstrated this skillset through a track record of people and project leadership.
2. Entrepreneurialism: At RMI, you will be expected to think creatively and critically about how your team and RMI as a whole can most effectively accelerate the decarbonization of global electricity systems. RMI empowers Managers and others on the team to be entrepreneurial and self-directed in defining approaches to achieving the team’s goals. Successful candidates will bring a track record of this kind of entrepreneurial work, and an eagerness to deploy that skill at RMI.
3. Energy sector expertise: At RMI, you will immediately plug into technical work on topics related to US and/or global electricity sector decarbonization. Competitive candidates will bring technical experience, networks, and expertise in one or both of the following content areas:  

a. Grid modeling and resource planning to support clean energy deployment at speed and scale, including:

i. Using and improving existing models and developing new analytical tools to evaluate carbon-free energy solutions to meet grid infrastructure needs; 

ii. Using and improving existing models and developing new analytical tools to support the optimization and inclusion of demand-side and distribution-level resources, including electrification of vehicles and buildings; and 

iii. Working with utilities, regulators, and others in the industry to modernize resource and grid planning processes. 

b. Engaging and supporting utilities and the private sector to take bold action on decarbonization, including: 

iv. Leading direct engagements with utilities to explore, assess, and implement decarbonization pathways and evolved business models; 

v. Leading direct engagements with clean tech, clean energy, and other private sector companies to develop and deploy solutions and business models that can support rapid and equitable power sector decarbonization; and 

vi. Energy transition management consulting. 

Core Responsibilities: 

• With senior guidance, shape projects from inception to implementation: determine change models, research methods, timelines, resource plans, communications plans, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Utilize a variety of project management techniques to ensure the high quality and timely execution of project deliverables.
• Drive thought leadership and research efforts.
• Structure and deliver compelling presentations and written products to bring new insights to the industry and partners.
• Act as the lead relationship manager with project partners and stakeholders and use stakeholder input to prioritize project deliverables and modify timelines.
• Manage and support up to 4 direct reports, including writing project-level and biannual reviews for junior staff.
• Mentor and motivate project team members and resolve any issues throughout project life cycle
• Lead and contribute to data-driven efforts and publications; in particular, identify trends and communicate relevant insights in a clear and compelling manner.
• Participate in cultivating and successfully converting business development for small and medium-sized projects.
• Lead engagements with key policymakers and other decision-makers to communicate insights and influence the transition to clean energy. 

Required skills: 

• Familiarity with the electricity industry, including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape. Expertise in one or more of the following specific areas is preferred: 

1. Demand flexibility, vehicle and building electrification, renewable energy, and/or energy storage business models, regulatory structures, pricing/rate designs, and policy environments.
2. Transmission development and/or policy.
3. Utility regulation and associated regulatory policy.
4. Wholesale electricity market design and operations, and related policy environments.
5. Integrated resource planning and related topics including capacity expansion modeling and production cost modeling.
6. Distribution system modeling and analysis, including hosting capacity, avoided cost concepts, and impacts of electrification.
7. Stakeholder process design and management in the context of electricity system planning and operations or utility programs.

Required Qualifications: 

• At least 6+ years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as utility regulation, utility strategy, climate or energy advocacy, business, law, or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems.
• Experience managing direct reports.
• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive.
• Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Direct experience working in management consulting, electric utility industry, campaign-based organizations, or electric regulatory agencies.
• Broad and deep expertise with energy, climate, and related topics in non-electricity sectors.
• Experience working with utilities, regional grid operators, regulators, DER service providers, and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector.
• Experience working directly with policymakers at federal, state, or city levels.
• A graduate degree.

Additional Qualifications: 

• Ability to travel 20–30% (once public health conditions allow)
• Excellent work references
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Experience leading projects that involve quantitative analysis 

Location: 

The position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, it is expected/preferred that this role will be based out of one of our offices in Oakland, CA, Washington, D.C., New York City, Boulder, or Basalt, Colorado. 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 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 Managers 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 adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment): 

• 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 institution, or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:       

• Have a diverse 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.