Senior Associate - US Program, Green Industrial Strategy

Job Description:

Program Overview:

The US Program works to accelerate the US transition to a climate-aligned future. The US Program collaboratively develops RMI’s overall US strategy by establishing clear priorities while working to integrate, elevate, and fill gaps among US-focused work across RMI’s programs. The US Program works with government, industry, and civil society across all economic sectors to accelerate US decarbonization. Within the US Program, four teams work jointly to impact change at the federal, regional, state, and local levels. Combined, our program harnesses technical analysis, outreach, informed advocacy, and communications to secure bold policies and achieve our climate goals.

Position Overview:

The Senior Associate for the Green Industrial Strategy project at RMI will lead efforts to advance industrial strategy at the federal level by engaging in policy advocacy, conducting economic analysis, and building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. This role requires staying current on policy developments, analyzing their implications, and advocating for strategies that align the energy transition with economic growth goals. The Senior Associate will engage in bipartisan networking and represent RMI’s objectives through nonpartisan, effective communication, tailoring messages for diverse audiences to bridge divides across sectors and political affiliations. Ideal candidates will excel in written, verbal, and digital communication, translating complex policy and economic insights into impactful messaging that advances sustainable industrial practices and supports a low-carbon economy.

Key Responsibilities 

• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on U.S. and global climate policies with a focus on industrial strategy, competitiveness, geopolitics, and national security. 

• Draft high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and presentations for diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public. 

• Track and analyze emerging trends in climate policy, green technologies, and industrial development. 

• Support the design and execution of projects, ensuring timely delivery of deliverables across multiple workstreams with varying deadlines. 

• Collaborate with RMI colleagues and external partners to identify innovative solutions and policy interventions that accelerate clean energy deployment and economic resilience. 

• Contribute to stakeholder engagement efforts, including workshops, roundtables, and briefings with government and industry leaders. 

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international relations, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 

• 3-5 years of professional experience in policymaking, research, or a related field, preferably with a focus on climate or industrial strategy. 

• Strong knowledge of U.S. and global trends in climate policy, industrial competitiveness, geopolitics, and national security. 

• Demonstrated technical and quantitative skills, including proficiency in economic modeling, data analysis, or related methodologies. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights. 

• Proactive, curious, and hard-working, with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

• A team-oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and stakeholders. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working with government agencies, think tanks, or international organizations on industrial or climate policy. 

• Familiarity with green technologies and their role in decarbonization (e.g., hydrogen, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy supply chains). 

• Demonstrated ability to navigate cross-cultural and geopolitical considerations in policymaking. 

Location:

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.

Compensation:

RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary range of this position is $84,000-$103,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!   

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:     

• Medical, dental, vision insurance    

• 403b retirement options (5% match immediately)    

• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability    

• Professional and personal development (including LinkedIn Learning access)    

• Generous paid time off   

• Parental leave    

• Commuter and wellness benefits    

• Casual work environment   

Diversity:

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.     

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:   

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.   

• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.   

• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.        

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.