Senior Associate, Clean Energy Planning - Carbon-Free Electricity Program

Job Description:

Are you a changemaker passionate about shaping how electricity systems evolve to meet growing demand with clean energy? Do you enjoy working at the intersection of technical analysis, regulatory processes, and stakeholder engagement? If so, this role may be for you. 

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. 

Application deadline: Friday July 17th, 11:59pm CT

Program Overview 

RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) Program supports the rapid and equitable decarbonization of electricity systems globally 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 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 

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate to contribute to and lead work at the intersection of utility planning, large load integration, and regulatory engagement. This role will support efforts to improve planning practices, scale demand flexibility, and develop innovative solutions for new electricity demand to be met with clean, cost-effective resources. 

A successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in utility integrated resource planning and regulatory processes, along with the ability to manage projects and engage diverse stakeholders. You will work closely with regulators, advocates, utilities, and large energy users to provide technical assistance, facilitate dialogue, and develop actionable insights. 

This role is well-suited for someone who is both analytically rigorous and externally oriented, with an interest in facilitating conversations and advancing real-world change. Examples of projects you may contribute to include: 

• Developing approaches that utilities and system operators can use to better plan under uncertainty and optimize investments to avoid lock-in and stranded assets. 

• Supporting an electricity regulator to develop a framework for integrating large loads into the grid while maximizing system benefits and protecting customers from cost shifts.  

• Designing and facilitating a workshop with hyperscalers and utilities to develop a novel clean procurement or regulatory strategy  

• Co-authoring thought leadership products on solutions to emerging power sector challenges and priorities. 

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

Core Responsibilities 

• Serve as a subject matter expert on integrated resource planning, demand flexibility, large loads, or regulatory processes within your project teams, ensuring rigor and feasibility of proposed solutions. 

• Independently scope and execute multiple small projects or workstreams in parallel across different modes of work including: research & thought leadership, technical assistance, workshop design and facilitation.  

• Lead development of research, insights, and recommendations to support regulatory and planning decisions – synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.

• Design and facilitate workshops, meetings, and convenings with electricity sector stakeholders.

• With support from senior staff, structure and create presentations and writing that bring new insights to partners in a clear and compelling manner. 

• Utilize a variety of project management techniques to ensure the high quality and timely execution of project deliverables as an individual contributor.   

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

Minimum Qualifications 

• Advanced degree in an applicable field such as engineering (power systems, mechanical, electrical, civil), economics, computer science, or mathematics. 

• 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 the decarbonization of electricity systems.

• Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment and of significant work products (e.g., consulting deliverables, peer-reviewed publications, etc.) on topics relevant to this role. 

• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive  

• 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:  Utility resource planning practices and regulatory processes; Integration of large loads including data centers into the grid, including large load tariffs, clean energy sourcing, or load forecasting; Distributed energy resources, virtual power plants, demand flexibility, or battery energy storage. 

• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills  

• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across diverse teams and perspectives 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Direct experience working with utilities, regulators, consumer advocates, or other electricity sector stakeholders  

• Familiarity with one or more of the following:  Integrated resource planning (IRP) or distribution system planning / Large load integration (e.g., data centers, electrification) / Demand flexibility, load management, demand-side resources, or battery energy storage / Regulatory proceedings or policy development processes  /

• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, or stakeholder processes.

• Experience leading projects that include quantitative analysis, including familiarity with capacity expansion and production cost modeling, battery storage modeling, or valuation of distributed energy resources.  

• Experience leveraging AI tools to streamline research, analysis, and workflows. 

We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all the skills listed above. We offer professional learning and training opportunities to help you develop the skills you may not have had the opportunity to cultivate yet.   

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

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