Senior Associate, Utility Regulatory Solutions - Carbon-Free Buildings Program

Job Description:

Are you a changemaker with a desire to make the world a better place? Are you passionate about the energy transition? Do you want to join a diverse and highly skilled global team where you will make a lasting impact? If yes, then this is the role for you!    

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply!     

Program Overview   

RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings (CFB) Program supports the rapid and equitable decarbonization of buildings to support modern, clean economies the world over. We work to advance affordability for customers and communities, meet load growth with clean energy to enable economic prosperity, and remove barriers to rapid clean energy deployment.  

We work closely with utilities, regulators, businesses, advocates, and customers to evolve utility 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   

CFB seeks a Senior Associate to contribute to RMI’s work on a wide range of potential utility regulatory topics focused on natural gas utilities, including: gas planning, non-pipeline alternatives, utility business models and incentives, cost recovery and cost control, and a number of cross-cutting topics across both gas and electric utilities, such as integrated system planning, rate design, and regulatory reform. 

A successful candidate for this position will bring strong:

• Utility sector expertise: At RMI, you will immediately plug into technical work on topics related to US utility regulation. Competitive candidates will bring technical experience, networks, and expertise in this field. 

• Regulator and advocate engagement to support bold actions on an affordable energy transition for all, including leading direct engagements with regulators and advocates to explore, assess, and support implementation of innovative regulatory reforms.  

• Regulatory analysis and writing to evaluate, propose, and support implementation of complex regulatory concepts related to utility business models to support effective and innovative policymaking and regulatory decision-making   

This role will report to a Manager on the Carbon-Free Buildings Program.   

Core Responsibilities:   

• Lead and contribute to data-driven efforts and publications; in particular, identify trends and communicate relevant insights in a clear and compelling manner.    

• Leverage subject matter expertise to develop solutions in thought leadership and research efforts.   

• Structure and deliver compelling presentations and written products to bring new insights to the industry and partners.   

• Facilitation of meetings and other gatherings of small and large groups on gas utility topics. 

• With senior guidance, implement and execute on delivery of small projects, tasks, and workstreams: 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 as an individual contributor.   

• Contribute to engagements with key regulators and other decision-makers to communicate insights and influence the transition to clean energy.    

• Mentor and motivate project team members and resolve any issues throughout project life cycle.  

Minimum Qualifications:   

• At least 4 years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as utility regulation, utility strategy, climate or energy advocacy, policy, law, or other fields relevant to utility transition and/or building decarbonization

• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive  

• Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment  

• Familiarity with the U.S. utility industry, including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape. Expertise in one or more of the following specific areas is preferred:   Gas utility policy issues, such as infrastructure spending, planning, non-pipeline alternatives, business model and regulatory reform, and rate design / Utility ratemaking and cost recovery  / Economic and financial issues facing regulated utilities  / Performance-based regulation and other alternative regulatory mechanisms, including decoupling, multi-year rate plans, and performance mechanisms  / Utility rate designs to support energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and electrification  / Related building decarbonization/electrification concepts such as heat pump deployment, building/energy codes

• Ability to travel 10-20%

• Experience leading projects

• Experience conducting policy research and formulating policy recommendations

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills    

Preferred Qualifications:   

• Direct experience working in utility industry, consulting, campaign- or mission-based organizations, or electric regulatory agencies.   

• Experience working with utilities, consumer advocates, community-based organizations and/or other NGOs in the utility sector.   

• Experience working directly with state policymakers or legislators.

Visa Sponsorship

Please note: At this time, RMI is not able to sponsor employment visas or hire candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the United States. All candidates must have current, independent authorization to work in the U.S. without present or future sponsorship from RMI. We will update our hiring pages if this status changes.

Location

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States. Please note that this role will require 10-20% travel.

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.

Compensation

At RMI, we prioritize fairness in our pay practices. Salaries are determined based on a mix of experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity across similar roles. The salary range of this position is $84,000-$103,000. New hires typically start toward the lower end of the range, depending on experience and alignment with the role’s scope. In addition to base salary, this position includes an annual bonus target of 5% and eligibility for merit-based increases, which are tied to both individual and organizational performance.

Benefits

We offer an array of benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance

• 403b retirement match with immediate vesting

• Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability

• Optional voluntary life, AD&D and accident plans

• Health savings or flexible spending accounts

• Fertility and hormonal health support

• Mental health and wellness support

• Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave)

• Generous paid time off and sick leave

• Paid sabbatical leave

• Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography

• Work from home and home technology allowances

• Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget)

• Potential for bonuses and merit increases

• Discount marketplace (gym memberships, pet insurance, etc.)

• Hybrid / remote work options

• Team retreats and geographic meetups

• Rewards and recognition programs

Diversity

We know that the diversity of our teams makes us stronger as an organization, and RMI is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity as outlined in U.S. federal law. We prohibit discrimination against applicants, interns, and employees on the basis of any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: age (40 and over), race, color, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, uniformed service member status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other applicable status protected by applicable law.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.