Senior Associate, Building Electrification Policy - Carbon-Free Buildings Program

Job Description:

Are you passionate about advancing building decarbonization through policy change? Do you enjoy analyzing complex regulatory and legislative issues, building relationships with diverse stakeholders, and translating technical information into actionable recommendations? Are you motivated by creating real-world impact through policy and market transformation? If so, RMI invites you to join our growing Buildings team. 

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. 

Position Overview 

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate to support and advance building electrification policy across the Northeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. The Senior Associate will contribute to the development and implementation of policies that accelerate the transition to clean, efficient, all-electric buildings. 

This role combines policy and data analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and strategic problem-solving. The Senior Associate will lead discrete workstreams within larger initiatives, manage relationships with external partners, conduct research and analysis, and develop written products that inform policymakers, advocates, utilities, regulators, and industry leaders. 

Successful candidates will be comfortable navigating complex policy environments, managing multiple priorities, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to drive meaningful market and policy change. 

Program Overview 

RMI's Carbon-Free Buildings Program works to transform residential and commercial buildings to operate without fossil fuels. Our team develops and advances policies, market strategies, and technical solutions that reduce emissions while improving affordability, resilience, health, and economic outcomes. 

The Building Electrification Policy team works with state and local governments, utilities, regulators, advocates, and industry partners to design and implement policies that support building decarbonization. Areas of focus include utility regulation, appliance standards, energy efficiency, electrification incentives, codes and standards, finance, affordable housing, and equitable implementation strategies. 

Core Responsibilities 

Policy Research and Analysis 

• Conduct research and analysis on building electrification, utility regulation, energy policy, and decarbonization strategies.  

• Evaluate legislative, regulatory, and market opportunities developments affecting building decarbonization in priority states (West/Intermountain West or Eastern US).  

• Develop policy recommendations supported by quantitative and qualitative analysis.  

• Synthesize complex technical and policy information into clear findings and actionable recommendations.  

• Contribute to reports, policy briefs, regulatory comments, presentations, and other external-facing products.  

Project Management 

• Lead discrete projects and workstreams from design through execution.  

• Develop workplans, manage timelines, coordinate contributors, and ensure high-quality deliverables.  

• Support project budgeting, reporting, and partner communications.  

• Track project milestones and help ensure alignment with program objectives.  

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, utility regulators, advocates, utilities, industry representatives, and other partners.  

• Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, working groups, and conferences.  

• Support coalition-building efforts and collaborative policy development processes.  

• Represent RMI in external meetings and public forums.  

Strategy Development 

• Contribute to the development of policy strategies that advance building electrification in priority states and regions.  

• Identify emerging policy opportunities, risks, and trends.  

• Support program leadership in evaluating and prioritizing strategic opportunities.  

Thought Leadership and Communications 

• Develop presentations, articles, webinars, and other materials for external audiences.  

• Present research findings and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholder groups.  

• Support media engagement and public communications efforts as appropriate.  

Business Development and Organizational Contribution 

• Contribute technical content and analysis for grant proposals and donor reports.  

• Support development of new project opportunities and partnerships, including RFPs.  

• Participate actively in program and organizational initiatives.  

Required Qualifications 

• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as energy policy, climate policy, utility regulation, building decarbonization, public policy, or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems  

• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.  

• Ability to translate complex technical and policy concepts into clear, actionable insights.  

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.  

• Commitment to advancing equitable and market-based climate solutions.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with state agencies, energy policy, and NGOs.  

• Experience developing or implementing building decarbonization, energy efficiency, electrification, or climate policies.  

• Familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes in Western or Eastern U.S. states.  

• Experience working with state agencies, local governments, utilities, advocates, or community organizations.  

• Knowledge of building energy systems, building science, or energy economics.  

• Experience facilitating stakeholder engagement processes or multi-party collaborations.  

• Experience contributing to grant-funded projects and proposal development.  

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, with a preference for the Northeast, Midwest, and West.  

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.