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., hyd