Are you a systems thinker with cross-sector interest and experience? Are you an experienced 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? Can you create impact through influence? If yes, then join our growing team!
We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply!
Program Overview
RMI is seeking an exceptional Manger to help lead our Strategic Analysis and Engagement (SAE) Group. SAE’s mission is to catalyze and coordinate cutting-edge thought leadership activities at the edges and intersections of RMI programs. Other RMI programs focus on specific sectors, geographies, or market catalysts, with the goal to drive 1.5ºC-aligned action within those areas. SAE focuses on the integrated story of climate action progress and serves as a force multiplier to drive connectivity and efficiency across RMI programs and the broader climate-actor ecosystem. We apply systems-thinking approaches to the interlocking behavioral, technoeconomic, and institutional factors that influence the pace and direction of the energy transition and help corporations take bold action on their climate targets. Our current efforts focus on:
- Model development, technical analysis, and thought leadership related to the global energy transition. This includes analysis of systems dynamics, energy-economic scenarios, technology learning curves, and other ways to validate transition pathways that reinforce the achievability of a 1.5°C-aligned future. In addition to our technical work in this space, we also convene top external analysts focused on these topics.
- Inspiring and equipping first-mover corporations to take ambitious steps in the global energy system that will unlock new opportunities. This involves consulting activities as well as contributions to collaborative fora needed to guide and sustain action.
Position Overview
This Manager will lead SAE’s work analyzing the role of catalytic forces in accelerating energy systems transformations, describing innovative sectoral decarbonization strategies, and integrating the best work from across the Institute to support RMI’s ambitious whole-systems perspectives on the global energy transition. Our Managers are creative project leaders who guide and manage team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions for our industry partners and research. You will be a primary project manager and work closely with and under the direction of RMI’s Principals and Managing Directors to design and execute projects.
The Manager:
- is sometimes an individual contributor but is most often responsible for managing and guiding more junior staff.
- has responsibility for managing projects and/or significant portions of initiatives. The Manager works with Principals and Managing Directors to provide mentorship, professional development, and project reviews of more junior staff.
- contributes to strategy-level conversations about initiatives and RMI.
- has developed expertise in one area and is conversant in one or more additional areas. The Manager represents RMI externally at mid-level technical events and to small- to mid-sized groups.
- is beginning to participate in business development and sometimes has a significant role in that area.
Core Responsibilities
1) Develop insights and lead engagements to accelerate corporate decarbonization efforts
2) Manage a team that develops analyses and frameworks to help corporate and policy decision makers better understand how private sector action can profitably accelerate the energy transition.
Topic areas might include:
comparative analysis of energy-economic scenarios, decarbonization pathways, and other relevant studies, with a focus on where such efforts under-represent the potential or actual speed of energy systems change- analysis and thought leadership on the risks and opportunities embedded in an accelerated energy transition (e.g., radical energy efficiency, circularity, technology and business model innovation, creative destruction, cross-sector collaboration)
3) Lead periodic consulting engagements to inform corporate decarbonization strategy development
4) Leverage expertise to inform RMI’s portfolio-level narrative on 1.5C alignment, including periodic updates to key indicators used to set program targets and track progress
Facilitate collaborative thought leadership and initiative development
- Lead roadmap development and execution for the Pathways Explorer component of SAE’s new 1.5C Wayfinder platform, including original and partner-driven content
- Act as the lead relationship manager with project partners and stakeholders
- Help identify and incubate potential collaborative opportunities with a diversity of stakeholders at the global level (e.g., climate NGOs, private-sector actors)
- Act as a collaborative thought leadership partner and resource to other RMI programs in exploring emerging opportunities for scaled climate impact and “over-the-horizon” topics that could derail longer-term success toward 1.5ºC-alignment beyond 2030
Across all work streams:
- With senior guidance, shape and execute project strategies from inception to conclusion: determine research methods, timelines, resource plans, communications plans, and stakeholder engagement
- Structure and oversee work of junior team members; coach and motivate team members and work with Principals to resolve any issues throughout project life cycles; manage performance reviews for junior staff
- Propose and vet new methods for analyzing problems
- Determine how results will be measured and be accountable for project results; rigorously and respectfully quality control and challenge findings from RMI teams and partners
- Work with our Influence team to develop communications strategies
- Structure and deliver compelling presentations and written products; represent RMI in external interviews and videos
Required Qualifications
Educational & professional
- Graduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as sustainability, environment, economics, engineering, business, or an energy-related discipline
- At least 6+ years of cumulative work experience and excellent work references
Technical
- Familiarity with at least one of RMI’s current programmatic focus areas (electricity, mobility, buildings, industry), including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape
- Understanding of basic financial analysis and metrics (e.g., NPV, cash flows)
- Familiarity with global energy transition scenarios/pathways
- Ability to develop, oversee, and QC use of complex analytic models in Excel; literacy in an open-source programming language, such as R or Python, is a plus
General
- Ability to listen actively, be diplomatic, and communicate your ideas clearly
- Willingness to plunge into unfamiliar disciplines
- Willingness to take risks by exploring and testing new ideas
- Experience managing direct reports
- Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment
- A passion for making the world better
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years prior experience in strategy or management consulting
- Experience working with and managing diverse high-level stakeholders (e.g., government, non-profit, and private sector) in one or more energy sectors
- Familiarity with analytical methods relevant to the energy transition (e.g., integrated assessment models [IAMs], analyzing and forecasting technological change and/or innovation)
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.
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
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 based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $103,000-$125,000. You would also have an additional 10% 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.; and Beijing.