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

About the role

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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;
• 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.

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.

Skills

• Analytical rigor and external orientation.
• Interest in facilitating conversations and advancing real-world change.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across diverse teams and perspectives.

Benefits

• 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
• Hybrid / remote work options
• Team retreats and geographic meetups
• Rewards and recognition programs