Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Associate, Utility Regulatory Solutions - Carbon-Free Buildings Program
at RMI
🏢 About RMI
RMI is a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming global energy systems for a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. Their work is highly influential, collaborating with industry, regulators, and advocates to drive systemic change. Joining RMI means contributing to impactful, data-driven solutions that address the climate crisis.
About This Role
This role focuses on reforming natural gas utility regulation to accelerate building decarbonization. You'll lead research, engage with regulators, and produce compelling publications that shape policy. Your work will directly influence how utilities transition away from fossil fuels, making a tangible impact on emissions reduction.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing a gas utility's rate case filing, drafting a policy brief on performance metrics, and meeting with advocacy partners to align on regulatory strategy. You'll also review data on building electrification trends and prepare slides for a presentation to a state commission. Collaboration with the Carbon-Free Buildings team and external stakeholders is constant.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For
- Has at least 4 years of experience in utility regulation, energy policy, or related fields, with specific expertise in gas utility policy, ratemaking, or performance-based regulation.
- Deeply familiar with the U.S. utility industry landscape, including key stakeholders, trends, and regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent writer and communicator, able to distill complex regulatory topics into clear, persuasive products for diverse audiences.
- Strong project management skills, with experience leading research projects, managing timelines, and engaging stakeholders to deliver high-quality outputs.
📝 Tips for Applying to RMI
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with gas utility regulation, building decarbonization, or performance-based ratemaking—use keywords from the job description.
In your cover letter, mention a specific regulatory reform you admire and how your background aligns with advancing it at RMI.
Include examples of written products (e.g., reports, policy briefs) that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex regulatory issues clearly.
Showcase any experience engaging with regulators or advocacy groups, as stakeholder engagement is a core responsibility.
Research RMI's Carbon-Free Buildings program and reference recent publications or initiatives in your application to show genuine interest.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for building decarbonization and understanding of the urgency to transform gas utility regulation.', 'Specific examples of your experience with utility regulatory analysis, such as rate case interventions or performance metrics design.', 'Your ability to translate technical regulatory concepts into compelling narratives for policymakers and the public.', 'How your project management skills ensure timely, high-quality deliverables in a collaborative environment.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read RMI's recent reports on gas utility regulation and building decarbonization, such as 'The Future of Gas' or 'Carbon-Free Buildings' publications.
- → Familiarize yourself with key regulatory bodies like state public utility commissions and their ongoing proceedings related to gas transition.
- → Research RMI's approach to performance-based regulation and how it differs from traditional cost-of-service ratemaking.
- → Look into RMI's partnerships with organizations like the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and their impact.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention RMI or the specific focus on gas utility regulation and building decarbonization.
- Overemphasizing renewable energy without connecting it to the unique challenges of gas utility transition and regulatory reform.
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the regulatory process—avoid vague statements about 'clean energy' without specifics on ratemaking or policy mechanisms.
📅 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!