Principal - Breakthrough Technology

Are you a seasoned people leader with experience driving an equitable clean energy transition? Do you enjoy plunging into unfamiliar disciplines and testing new ideas? Are you a collaborative and strong team player who can also be a respected change agent from within? Do you have a passion for RMI’s mission? If yes, then join our growing team!

Program Overview

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), only 10 out of 46 clean energy sectors are making enough progress to limit warming to 2° C. Capital investments into clean energy assets needs to grow from current levels to $2 – 3 trillion per year throughout the coming 30 years to move critical technologies up the S-curve of market penetration. RMI’s Breakthrough Technology Program has a mission to accelerate the deployment of climate-critical technologies across sectors, globally, we engage in markets close to disruption to create initial pull for initial large-scale pilot projects (~$10 bn capex and above) that can open up the local market opportunity as well as bring down the cost of technology to be more competitive in other markets.

Position Overview

In this role, you would be a part of the senior staff within the Breakthrough Technology program, reporting to Thomas Koch Blank. You will manage the Green Hydrogen Catapult, and co-manage the overall program with the leadership team. Additionally, you would be a senior representative along with the members of the Green Hydrogen Catapult, as well as with donors and other clients, and would be accountable for the performance of the initiative. Along with the Managing Director, you would be a primary external RMI representative, and are able to build deep and meaningful relationships.

You will have significant responsibility for managing the team, including conducting performance reviews, acting as a career advisor, and coordinating staffing decisions. You have primary responsibility for managing, guiding, and developing junior staff and teaming with managers to provide mentorship and coaching.

As a successful candidate, you will have an advanced level of knowledge and skill and are often a recognized expert in specific areas. You can also be conversant in all RMI’s subject areas and are building the ability to think across initiatives/practices.

Application Deadline: August 26th, 2021

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support RMI’s Green Hydrogen Catapult team to ensure progress, delivery of committed end products, in a largely virtual environment with team members across both the US and Europe.
• Manage members and member pipeline, including, but not limited to, preparing and following up on steering committee meetings, drafting and iterating legal documents (proposals, LOIs, MOUs, charters, etc.)
• Lead, with support from other Principals and Managing Directors, negotiations with individual members and the collective group, ensuring progress under uncertainty.
• Manage several subcontractors with different contributions to the team.
• Lead research teams and partner with collaborators to develop, pilot, and scale successful solutions to the world’s toughest energy challenges.
• Define a compelling strategy to accelerate the adoption of distributed clean energy solutions together with fellow Principals and Managing Directors.
• Shape and deliver strategy program elements, coordinating small teams to deliver objectives. Oversight of teams includes some “roll-up your sleeves” work in nearly all projects, driving thought-leadership and execution through charismatic example.
• Perform business development, including philanthropic fundraising support, government grant management, and direct company fee-for-service project development.
• Develop and enhance RMI’s public reputation through regular publication, speaking, and external engagement on key topics critical to program success.
• Support in developing RMI’s institute-wide strategy on hydrogen
• Collaborate with Managing Directors to identify and develop project work.
• Manage existing and proposed future (partial) program budgets.
• Support development of team members and Institute through active involvement in leadership activities.
• Effectively communicate activities internally at RMI, including close coordination with other RMI electricity practice Principals and other staff.
• Support Managing Directors in interactions with RMI board.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree
• 10+ years of additional relevant experience in an applicable field
• 3+ years as a team manager
• Experience leading high performing teams in a project-based work environment
• Experience with the clean energy transition, climate change, environmental justice, or related topics
• Proven ability to drive and lead complex work streams through analytically supported narrative
• Significant experience in business-oriented decision making and deep understanding of corporate value drivers
• Ability to travel 10-20% (once public health conditions allow)
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• A graduate degree
• Experience managing junior team members through coaching and mentorship, and managing performance reviews
• Experience managing complex and diverse groups, paired with the ability to lead and navigate challenging conversations
• Work experience from energy commodity markets or from the renewable / hydrogen supply chains

Location

The position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, this role will be based out of one of our offices in Oakland, CA, Washington, D.C., New York City, Boulder, or Basalt, Colorado, with some preference towards the East Coast offices to simplify collaboration with European staff. This will be discussed further throughout the interview process.

Compensation

The salary range for the position is $121,000 - $163,000, with the target range being about $125,000-$150,000. This is dependent upon experience that will be discussed and vetted through the interview process. This position also includes an additional 20% bonus target.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 403b Retirement Options (5% match immediately)
• Generous PTO and sick leave
• Learning & Development opportunities (including unlimited LinkedIn Learning access)
• Parental leave
• Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Commuter and Wellness Benefits

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.

RMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

About RMI

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.