Application Guide
How to Apply for Manager, Rates and Electrification - Carbon-Free Buildings Program
at RMI
🏢 About RMI
RMI is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming global energy systems for a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. With a focus on market-driven solutions and deep technical expertise, RMI works collaboratively with utilities, regulators, and communities to accelerate the transition. Working at RMI means being at the forefront of climate action, with a culture that values impact, innovation, and systemic change.
About This Role
As the Manager of Rates and Electrification within the Carbon-Free Buildings Program, you will lead RMI’s long-term rates workstream, shaping strategic goals and executing projects that drive equitable electrification and decarbonization. This role is critical in designing innovative rate structures that make electric buildings affordable and beneficial for all, directly influencing utility regulation and clean energy policy. Your work will bridge technical analysis with stakeholder engagement, translating complex rate design into actionable policy recommendations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a team stand-up to review progress on rate design models built in Python or Excel, followed by a stakeholder working session with utilities and regulators to discuss draft rate proposals. You might then analyze cost-of-service data to assess equity impacts, draft a memo synthesizing findings, and end the day by mentoring a junior analyst on rate case strategy.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For
- An expert in electric rate design with 6+ years of experience in utility regulation, building decarbonization, or clean energy policy, and a strong quantitative background in economics, engineering, or finance.
- A proven leader who has managed teams or projects, with skills in mentoring junior staff and facilitating collaborative stakeholder working sessions.
- Proficient in analytical tools like Python and Excel for rate analysis, and able to communicate technical findings clearly to diverse audiences.
- Passionate about equity and climate justice, with experience engaging utilities, regulators, and community groups to drive inclusive energy solutions.
📝 Tips for Applying to RMI
Highlight specific examples of rate design projects you have led, including the analytical methods (e.g., cost-of-service studies, rate impact analyses) and outcomes that advanced electrification.
Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with utility regulation, building electrification, and stakeholder engagement—avoid generic clean energy roles without regulatory focus.
In your cover letter, connect your work to RMI’s mission of achieving zero-carbon by 2030, and mention any familiarity with RMI’s publications or initiatives like the Carbon-Free Buildings program.
Demonstrate your quantitative skills by briefly describing Python or Excel models you have built for rate analysis; if possible, include a link to a GitHub repo or portfolio.
Research RMI’s current projects on electrification rates and mention how your expertise can address specific challenges they are tackling, such as time-of-use rates for heat pumps or EV tariffs.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your leadership experience in managing rate design projects and mentoring teams, aligning with RMI’s collaborative culture.', 'Showcase your ability to synthesize technical rate design concepts into actionable policy recommendations for diverse stakeholders.', 'Express your commitment to equity and your experience working with underserved communities to ensure affordable electrification.', 'Mention your familiarity with RMI’s approach to market transformation and how your work can contribute to their goal of systemic change.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings program page and recent reports on electrification rates, such as 'Building Electrification: How Utilities Can Lead'.
- → Familiarize yourself with RMI’s 'Rates and Regulation' work and key partners like the Building Decarbonization Coalition.
- → Understand the current state of EV and heat pump tariffs in leading states like California, New York, and Colorado.
- → Read about RMI’s equity framework and how they incorporate justice into energy policy.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn’t reference RMI’s specific projects or the role’s focus on rates and electrification.
- Overlooking the need for quantitative detail—avoid vague statements like 'I have experience with rate design' without examples of tools or analyses.
- Failing to demonstrate leadership and mentoring experience, as the role requires managing junior staff and facilitating working groups.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!