Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Associate, Clean Energy Planning - Carbon-Free Electricity Program

at RMI

🏢 About RMI

RMI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming global energy systems for a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. They are known for their rigorous research, collaborative approach, and focus on practical solutions that drive systemic change. Working at RMI means joining a mission-driven team of experts committed to tackling the climate crisis through innovation and impact.

About This Role

As a Senior Associate in the Carbon-Free Electricity Program, you will lead projects that shape utility planning and regulatory decisions to accelerate the transition to clean energy. You'll work on cutting-edge topics like integrated resource planning, demand flexibility, and large load integration, directly influencing how utilities and regulators adopt zero-carbon strategies.

💡 A Day in the Life

You'll start your day with a team stand-up to align on priorities across your projects, then dive into analyzing utility resource plans or drafting a report on demand flexibility. Afternoon might involve a virtual workshop with regulators and utility executives, followed by synthesizing feedback and planning next steps. You'll also have time for independent research and writing, with regular check-ins with your project lead.

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🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For

  • You have deep expertise in utility regulation or planning, with a proven track record of leading projects that integrate clean energy into grid planning.
  • You combine technical skills (e.g., modeling, data analysis) with strong communication abilities to translate complex findings into actionable recommendations for stakeholders.
  • You thrive in a fast-paced, remote environment, managing multiple workstreams independently while collaborating with diverse teams and external partners.
  • You are passionate about climate action and have 4+ years of experience in energy policy, utility strategy, or advocacy, ideally with an advanced degree in engineering, economics, or a related field.

📝 Tips for Applying to RMI

1

Highlight specific projects where you influenced utility planning or regulatory outcomes, including quantitative results and stakeholder engagement.

2

Showcase your ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, e.g., by providing examples of reports or presentations that drove decision-making.

3

Demonstrate experience with workshop design and facilitation, especially with diverse electricity sector stakeholders, by describing a specific convening you led.

4

Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as 'integrated resource planning', 'demand flexibility', and 'regulatory processes'.

5

Include a brief note on your remote work setup and how you stay productive and collaborative in a distributed team.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for RMI's mission to achieve a zero-carbon future by 2030 and how your background aligns with that urgency.", "Specific examples of your expertise in integrated resource planning or regulatory processes, and how you've used that to drive clean energy adoption.", 'Your ability to manage multiple projects independently, with concrete results from past work (e.g., research, technical assistance, or policy impact).', 'Your experience facilitating workshops or convenings that brought together utilities, regulators, and advocates to achieve consensus.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read RMI's Carbon-Free Electricity program page and recent reports (e.g., on integrated resource planning or demand flexibility).
  • → Familiarize yourself with RMI's approach to 'Electrification + Decarbonization' and their work with utilities like Xcel Energy or Duke Energy.
  • → Understand RMI's organizational structure and how the Senior Associate role fits into project teams and the broader mission.
  • → Review RMI's blog posts or news articles about their impact on utility regulation and clean energy policy.
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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's resource plan to include more clean energy. What challenges did you face?
2 How do you approach designing a workshop for stakeholders with conflicting interests? Give an example.
3 What is your experience with demand flexibility and how can it support grid decarbonization?
4 How do you prioritize and manage multiple workstreams in a remote, project-based environment?
5 What do you think is the biggest barrier to achieving a zero-carbon electricity system by 2030, and how would you address it?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference RMI's specific mission or the Carbon-Free Electricity Program.
  • Focusing too much on academic achievements without demonstrating practical, real-world impact in utility or regulatory settings.
  • Underestimating the importance of workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills; provide concrete examples of these.

📅 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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