Application Guide
How to Apply for Manager, U.S. Federal Policy (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Program
at RMI
🏢 About RMI
RMI is a unique non-profit organization that combines rigorous analysis with practical implementation to transform global energy systems toward a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. Unlike traditional think tanks, RMI operates with an entrepreneurial, results-driven approach, working directly with governments, businesses, and communities to accelerate decarbonization. Someone might want to work here to be at the forefront of climate policy with an organization that values both deep technical expertise and real-world impact.
About This Role
This role involves directly engaging with federal policymakers in Washington, D.C. to shape and implement policies that accelerate industrial decarbonization, modernize the electric grid, and strengthen U.S. manufacturing and critical mineral supply chains. It's impactful because you'll be managing key projects and coalitions that translate RMI's research into concrete federal policy actions, directly influencing the U.S. pathway to a zero-carbon economy by 2030.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve morning briefings on federal regulatory developments, followed by drafting policy recommendations for agency meetings, coordinating with coalition partners on joint advocacy efforts, and analyzing new research on industrial decarbonization to inform strategy. You'd likely spend afternoons in virtual or in-person meetings with federal officials, industry representatives, or NGO partners, then conclude by preparing project updates that connect daily activities to RMI's broader 2030 impact goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For
- Has 3-5 years of hands-on experience navigating the federal administrative process, including drafting or analyzing Executive Orders and participating in rulemaking proceedings at agencies like DOE, EPA, or FERC
- Demonstrates proven ability to build and manage multi-stakeholder coalitions across industry, government, and NGOs to advance complex policy objectives
- Possesses a track record of developing clear, structured policy strategies with measurable outcomes, not just theoretical frameworks
- Shows entrepreneurial drive with specific examples of initiating and leading policy-focused projects from conception to implementation
📝 Tips for Applying to RMI
Quantify your federal policy experience by specifying which Executive Orders or administrative proceedings you've worked on (e.g., 'Contributed to EO 14057 implementation' or 'Participated in FERC Docket No. RM21-17')
Highlight any direct relationships with Congressional staff, agency officials, or industry representatives relevant to industrial decarbonization or grid modernization
Demonstrate knowledge of RMI's specific federal policy work by referencing recent reports like 'The US Industrial Transformation' or 'The Economic Case for Clean Energy Manufacturing'
Show how you've managed competing priorities by describing a specific project where you balanced coalition management, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement simultaneously
Tailor your resume to emphasize outcomes from your policy work (e.g., 'Resulted in $X million in federal funding' or 'Influenced Y regulatory decision') rather than just listing responsibilities
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience with the federal administrative process and examples of how you've navigated Executive Orders or rulemakings", 'Demonstrated ability to build and manage coalitions across diverse stakeholders to achieve policy breakthroughs', 'Your strategic approach to industrial decarbonization policy, showing how you connect grid modernization, manufacturing, and critical minerals into a coherent strategy', "Why RMI's unique 2030 timeline and implementation-focused approach aligns with your professional goals and methodology"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → RMI's recent federal policy publications and testimony, particularly on industrial decarbonization and the Inflation Reduction Act implementation
- → The specific teams and leaders in RMI's U.S. Program and their current federal policy initiatives
- → RMI's unique 'applied' approach versus traditional think tanks - study their project case studies showing implementation
- → Recent federal actions on industrial decarbonization, grid modernization, and critical minerals that align with RMI's 2030 goals
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic policy experience without specific examples of federal administrative process work (Executive Orders, rulemakings, etc.)
- Focusing only on legislative (Congressional) experience without demonstrating understanding of executive branch policy implementation
- Presenting theoretical policy ideas without showing how you've translated analysis into actionable strategies with measurable outcomes
📅 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!