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!

Application Deadline: April 27th, 2026 at 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

CFE seeks a Senior Associate to contribute to RMI’s work on a wide range of potential utility regulatory topics, including rate‑making, utility finance & accounting, cost recovery approaches, alternative regulation (including performance‑based regulation), customer affordability programs, utility business models, distributed energy resources, and distribution planning.

A successful candidate for this position will bring strong u tilitysectorexpertise . At RMI, you will immediately plug into technical work on topics related to US electricity regulation. Competitive candidates will bring technical experience, networks, and expertise in the following content areas:

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 Electricity 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.
With senior guidance, implement and execute on delivery of small projects, tasks, and work streams: 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 policymakers 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.

Required skills

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 rate‑making 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
Rate designs to support energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and electrification
Distributed energy resources and distribution planning

Required 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 the decarbonization of electricity systems
Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive
Demonstrated track record in a project‑based work environment

Preferred Qualifications

Direct experience working in electric utility industry, consulting, campaign‑based organizations, or electric regulatory agencies.
Experience working with utilities, regional grid operators, regulators, consumer advocates, DER service providers, community‑based organizations and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector.
Experience working directly with state policymakers.
Expertise in one or more of the following areas: Regulatory process design to support inclusive and collaborative decision making / Approaches to support customer affordability, including low‑income rates, disconnection reforms, and payment assistance programs.

Additional Qualifications

Ability to travel 10–20%
Excellent work references
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
Experience leading projects that involve quantitative analysis

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.

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).

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.

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Rocky Mountain Institute