Expert, Utility Finance and Accounting - Carbon-Free Electricity Program

Job Description:

Are you a leader 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!   

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 facilitate the transition away from coal-powered generation; slow the rush toward gas generation and wisely manage existing gas infrastructure, allowing for decommissioning where prudent; speed the deployment of clean, distributed, and customer-centric energy solutions; and transition utilities to be climate-aligned in their business models and operations. 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 an Expert (Manager) on a utility regulatory topic, specifically ratemaking, cost recovery approaches, rate design, and utility finance or accounting practices.     

A successful candidate for this position will excel in two key areas: 

1. Entrepreneurialism: At RMI, you will be expected to think creatively and critically about how your team and RMI as a whole can most effectively accelerate the decarbonization of global electricity systems. RMI empowers Managers and others on the team to be entrepreneurial and self-directed in defining approaches to achieving the team’s goals. Successful candidates will bring a track record of this kind of entrepreneurial work, and an eagerness to deploy that skill at RMI. 

2. Utility sector expertise: At RMI, you will immediately plug into technical work on topics related to US electricity sector transition. Competitive candidates will bring technical experience, networks, and expertise in the following content area:  

a) Regulator and advocate engagement to support bold actions on equitable and affordable energy transition, including leading direct engagements with regulators and consumer advocates to explore, assess, and support implementation of innovative regulatory reforms.

b) Regulatory analysis and writing to evaluate, propose, and support implementation of complex regulatory concepts related to utility finance and ratemaking to support effective and innovative policymaking and regulatory decision-making. This includes experience writing testimony.

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.  

• Drive 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, shape projects from inception to implementation: determine 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. 

• Lead engagements with key policymakers and other decision-makers to communicate insights and influence the transition to clean energy. 

• Act as the lead relationship manager with project partners and stakeholders and use stakeholder input to prioritize project deliverables and modify timelines. 

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

• Participate in cultivating and successfully converting business development for small and medium-sized projects. 

Required skills: 

• Familiarity with the electricity industry, including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape. Expertise in the following specific areas: Utility ratemaking and cost recovery / Economic and financial issues facing regulated utilities including topics like COE, ROE, capital structure, and utility accounting / Experience working with commissions and/or intervenors, including consumer advocates, on the above issues in contested proceedings

Required Qualifications: 

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as utility regulation, utility strategy, climate or energy advocacy, consumer advocacy, policy, law, or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems

• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive

• Track record managing medium to large interdisciplinary teams on project-based work

• Experience writing expert testimony and responding to discovery

• Demonstrated ability to successfully mentor and train mid-career staff on technical topics

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Direct experience working in electric utility industry and with electric regulatory agencies. 

• Broad and deep expertise with issues related to energy affordability

• Experience working with utilities, regional grid operators, regulators, consumer advocates, community-based organizations and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector. 

• Experience working directly with policymakers at federal, state, or city levels

• Demonstrated application of expertise in one or more of the following areas: Regulatory process design to support inclusive and collaborative decision making / Approaches to support affordability and equitable outcomes, including low-income rates, disconnection reforms, and payment assistance programs

• Deep understanding of the totality of the ratemaking process

• Track record of successful people management

• Certified Rate of Return Analyst (CRRA) or willingness to take the SURFA CRRA exam within the first 12 months of employment.

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).

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

Job Description:

Are you a leader 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!   

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 facilitate the transition away from coal-powered generation; slow the rush toward gas generation and wisely manage existing gas infrastructure, allowing for decommissioning where prudent; speed the deployment of clean, distributed, and customer-centric energy solutions; and transition utilities to be climate-aligned in their business models and operations. 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 an Expert (Manager) on a utility regulatory topic, specifically ratemaking, cost recovery approaches, rate design, and utility finance or accounting practices.     

A successful candidate for this position will excel in two key areas: 

1. Entrepreneurialism: At RMI, you will be expected to think creatively and critically about how your team and RMI as a whole can most effectively accelerate the decarbonization of global electricity systems. RMI empowers Managers and others on the team to be entrepreneurial and self-directed in defining approaches to achieving the team’s goals. Successful candidates will bring a track record of this kind of entrepreneurial work, and an eagerness to deploy that skill at RMI. 

2. Utility sector expertise: At RMI, you will immediately plug into technical work on topics related to US electricity sector transition. Competitive candidates will bring technical experience, networks, and expertise in the following content area:  

a) Regulator and advocate engagement to support bold actions on equitable and affordable energy transition, including leading direct engagements with regulators and consumer advocates to explore, assess, and support implementation of innovative regulatory reforms.

b) Regulatory analysis and writing to evaluate, propose, and support implementation of complex regulatory concepts related to utility finance and ratemaking to support effective and innovative policymaking and regulatory decision-making. This includes experience writing testimony.

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.  

• Drive 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, shape projects from inception to implementation: determine 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. 

• Lead engagements with key policymakers and other decision-makers to communicate insights and influence the transition to clean energy. 

• Act as the lead relationship manager with project partners and stakeholders and use stakeholder input to prioritize project deliverables and modify timelines. 

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

• Participate in cultivating and successfully converting business development for small and medium-sized projects. 

Required skills: 

• Familiarity with the electricity industry, including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape. Expertise in the following specific areas: Utility ratemaking and cost recovery / Economic and financial issues facing regulated utilities including topics like COE, ROE, capital structure, and utility accounting / Experience working with commissions and/or intervenors, including consumer advocates, on the above issues in contested proceedings

Required Qualifications: 

• At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as utility regulation, utility strategy, climate or energy advocacy, consumer advocacy, policy, law, or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems

• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive

• Track record managing medium to large interdisciplinary teams on project-based work

• Experience writing expert testimony and responding to discovery

• Demonstrated ability to successfully mentor and train mid-career staff on technical topics

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Direct experience working in electric utility industry and with electric regulatory agencies. 

• Broad and deep expertise with issues related to energy affordability

• Experience working with utilities, regional grid operators, regulators, consumer advocates, community-based organizations and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector. 

• Experience working directly with policymakers at federal, state, or city levels

• Demonstrated application of expertise in one or more of the following areas: Regulatory process design to support inclusive and collaborative decision making / Approaches to support affordability and equitable outcomes, including low-income rates, disconnection reforms, and payment assistance programs

• Deep understanding of the totality of the ratemaking process

• Track record of successful people management

• Certified Rate of Return Analyst (CRRA) or willingness to take the SURFA CRRA exam within the first 12 months of employment.

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).

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

Transforming global energy systems for a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030.