Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Associate, Building Electrification Policy - Carbon-Free Buildings Program

at RMI

🏢 About RMI

RMI is a mission-driven nonprofit revolutionizing global energy systems for a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. Its Carbon-Free Buildings program is at the forefront of policy and market transformation, offering a collaborative, remote-first environment where your work directly influences climate action.

About This Role

As a Senior Associate, you'll drive building electrification policy in key U.S. states through research, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Your work will shape regulations and utility programs, accelerating the transition to all-electric buildings and reducing emissions.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a team standup to discuss progress on a state-level policy campaign, followed by analyzing utility filing comments on building electrification. Afternoon could involve a stakeholder call with regulators and advocates, then drafting a policy brief on heat pump incentives, wrapping up with project timeline updates.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For

  • 4-6 years in energy/climate policy, utility regulation, or building decarbonization with a track record of influencing policy outcomes.
  • Proven project management skills: ability to lead complex workstreams, manage timelines, and coordinate diverse contributors.
  • Strong analytical and research skills, with experience synthesizing data into actionable policy recommendations.
  • Excellent communicator who can build relationships with policymakers, regulators, utilities, and advocates across political spectrums.

📝 Tips for Applying to RMI

1

Highlight specific policy victories or projects where you advanced building electrification or utility reform, quantifying impact where possible.

2

Tailor your resume to showcase project leadership and stakeholder management, not just subject matter expertise.

3

In your cover letter, mention which RMI reports or initiatives you've read and how your experience aligns with their approach.

4

Demonstrate familiarity with key states RMI targets (e.g., Colorado, California, New York) and their building decarbonization policies.

5

Use the application to show you understand RMI's collaborative, nonpartisan ethos—avoid overly partisan language.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with building electrification policy, utility regulation, or related fields, with concrete examples.', "How you've led projects from design to execution, including managing stakeholders and timelines.", 'Your ability to build relationships across sectors (government, utilities, advocates) to drive policy change.', "Alignment with RMI's mission and your specific interest in their Carbon-Free Buildings program."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read RMI's latest reports on building electrification (e.g., 'The Economics of Electrifying Buildings' or 'Building Decarbonization Policy Playbook').
  • → Understand RMI's theory of change: how they use analysis, convening, and advocacy to shift markets.
  • → Review the policy landscape in priority states like Colorado, California, New York, and Illinois.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key utility regulatory concepts (e.g., rate design, integrated resource planning, avoided cost).
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you influenced a utility or regulatory decision on building electrification.
2 How would you approach building consensus among diverse stakeholders with conflicting interests?
3 What are the biggest barriers to building electrification in the U.S., and how would you prioritize addressing them?
4 Walk us through how you would design a research project on utility rate design for heat pumps.
5 How do you stay current on state-level energy policy, and which states are you most familiar with?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing RMI's specific work or mission.
  • Overemphasizing technical building science without linking it to policy or stakeholder engagement.
  • Using overly ambitious or unrealistic claims about what you can achieve without evidence.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to RMI!

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