[Hiring] Senior Associate, Clean Energy Planning - Carbon-Free Electricity Program @Rocky Mountain Institute

Role Description

Are you a changemaker passionate about shaping how electricity systems evolve to meet growing demand with clean energy? Do you enjoy working at the intersection of technical analysis, regulatory processes, and stakeholder engagement? If so, this role may be for you.

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate to contribute to and lead work at the intersection of utility planning, large load integration, and regulatory engagement. This role will support efforts to improve planning practices, scale demand flexibility, and develop innovative solutions for new electricity demand to be met with clean, cost-effective resources.

A successful candidate will bring a strong foundation in utility integrated resource planning and regulatory processes, along with the ability to manage projects and engage diverse stakeholders. You will work closely with regulators, advocates, utilities, and large energy users to provide technical assistance, facilitate dialogue, and develop actionable insights.

This role is well-suited for someone who is both analytically rigorous and externally oriented, with an interest in facilitating conversations and advancing real-world change. Examples of projects you may contribute to include:

• Developing approaches that utilities and system operators can use to better plan under uncertainty and optimize investments to avoid lock-in and stranded assets.
• Supporting an electricity regulator to develop a framework for integrating large loads into the grid while maximizing system benefits and protecting customers from cost shifts.
• Designing and facilitating a workshop with hyperscalers and utilities to develop a novel clean procurement or regulatory strategy.
• Co-authoring thought leadership products on solutions to emerging power sector challenges and priorities.

This role will report to a Manager on the Carbon-Free Electricity Program.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in an applicable field such as engineering (power systems, mechanical, electrical, civil), economics, computer science, or mathematics.
• 4+ years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as utility regulation, utility strategy, climate or energy advocacy, policy, law, or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems.
• Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment and of significant work products (e.g., consulting deliverables, peer-reviewed publications, etc.) on topics relevant to this role.
• Excellent time management, organization, entrepreneurship, and drive.
• Familiarity with the electricity industry, including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape.
• Expertise in one or more of the following specific areas is preferred:
• Utility resource planning practices and regulatory processes;
• Integration of large loads including data centers into the grid, including large load tariffs, clean energy sourcing, or load forecasting;
• Distributed energy resources, virtual power plants, demand flexibility, or battery energy storage.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across diverse teams and perspectives.

Requirements

• Direct experience working with utilities, regulators, consumer advocates, or other electricity sector stakeholders.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following:
• Integrated resource planning (IRP) or distribution system planning;
• Large load integration (e.g., data centers, electrification);
• Demand flexibility, load management, demand-side resources, or battery energy storage;
• Regulatory proceedings or policy development processes;
• Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, or stakeholder processes.
• Experience leading projects that include quantitative analysis, including familiarity with capacity expansion and production cost modeling, battery storage modeling, or valuation of distributed energy resources.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to streamline research, analysis, and workflows.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance.
• 403b retirement match with immediate vesting.
• Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability.
• Optional voluntary life, AD&D and accident plans.
• Health savings or flexible spending accounts.
• Fertility and hormonal health support.
• Mental health and wellness support.
• Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave).
• Generous paid time off and sick leave.
• Paid sabbatical leave.
• Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography.
• Work from home and home technology allowances.
• Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget).
• Potential for bonuses and merit increases.
• Discount marketplace (gym memberships, pet insurance, etc.).
• Hybrid / remote work options.
• Team retreats and geographic meetups.
• Rewards and recognition programs.