Manager, Industrial Decarbonization - Third Derivative

Program Overview

Tackling the climate crisis is a once-in-a-generation, trillion-dollar economic opportunity, and the world needs a healthy global innovation engine to identify and massively scale new climate technology solutions that will speed up the clean energy transition.

Founded for this purpose, Third Derivative (D3) – a program of RMI –  is a global climate technology startup accelerator aimed at accelerating the rate of climate innovation. Our mission is to build an inclusive ecosystem that rapidly finds, funds, and scales climate tech innovation globally. 

We’ve built a vertically-integrated model that unites investors, corporates, experts, and startups to work together to increase the success and speed to market for climate innovation. 

Since our launch in December 2020, our ecosystem includes $4T market cap of corporate partners, $7B AUM of investor partners (across five continents), and 78 startups reflecting climate innovations solving for all major emissions sectors.

Now, our high-performance team of climate enthusiasts is growing, and we’re seeking a Industrial Decarbonization Manager to join us in our mission.

Position Overview

D3 is seeking a Manager with the technical knowledge, experience, and passion to build the world’s largest ecosystem focused on advancing the commercialization of early stage climate technology startups in the industrial decarbonization sector and specifically within the carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology space.

The Manager will lead selection and ongoing support for startups through their own expertise and through the development and engagement of a network of external technical experts.   

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders including startups, mentors, corporates, investors, academic institutions, and governments - always focused on building D3’s ecosystem and connecting the dots to drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the technical needs of D3 cohort startups and recruit mentors that can provide the required support.

• Support, engage, and nurture D3’s community of technical mentors.

• Recruit technical experts to support D3’s startup selection diligence process.

• Conduct due diligence on program applicants in areas of climate impact, techno-economics, and market dynamics to inform startup selection. 

• Support the ongoing refinement of D3’s startup selection criteria and processes.

• Provide ongoing technical expertise to D3 cohort startups focused on industrial decarbonization.

• Serve as a critical representative of D3 to ecosystem members, funders, the general public, and other RMI programs at D3 events as well as external events.

Qualifications 

• Technical academic background in natural sciences, mechanical/chemical/materials engineering, energy and environment systems, or a related field. Masters Degree with related work experience or PhD preferred.

• Deep expertise in carbon dioxide removal technologies and techniques like direct air capture (DAC), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), biochar, enhanced weathering, ocean alkalinity enhancement, mineralization and others. Expertise in other industrial sector decarbonization areas like green steel, green cement, hydrogen, etc. is highly preferred.

• Experience in entrepreneurship and/or commercialization in one or more early stage technology areas, a plus

• Broad understanding and passion for early stage technologies

• A deep existing network within the climate technology sector, a plus

Location

Remote

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

The starting salary range for this position is $102,000 - $123,000.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  This role will have an additional 10% 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.    

RMI is an equal opportunity employer 

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.