Senior Associate, Building Electrification Policy - Carbon-Free Buildings Program

Job Description:

Are you passionate about advancing building decarbonization through policy change? Do you enjoy analyzing complex regulatory and legislative issues, building relationships with diverse stakeholders, and translating technical information into actionable recommendations? Are you motivated by creating real-world impact through policy and market transformation? If so, RMI invites you to join our growing Buildings team. 

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. 

Position Overview 

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate to support and advance building electrification policy across the Northeastern, Midwestern, and Western United States. The Senior Associate will contribute to the development and implementation of policies that accelerate the transition to clean, efficient, all-electric buildings. 

This role combines policy and data analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, and strategic problem-solving. The Senior Associate will lead discrete workstreams within larger initiatives, manage relationships with external partners, conduct research and analysis, and develop written products that inform policymakers, advocates, utilities, regulators, and industry leaders. 

Successful candidates will be comfortable navigating complex policy environments, managing multiple priorities, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to drive meaningful market and policy change. 

Program Overview 

RMI's Carbon-Free Buildings Program works to transform residential and commercial buildings to operate without fossil fuels. Our team develops and advances policies, market strategies, and technical solutions that reduce emissions while improving affordability, resilience, health, and economic outcomes. 

The Building Electrification Policy team works with state and local governments, utilities, regulators, advocates, and industry partners to design and implement policies that support building decarbonization. Areas of focus include utility regulation, appliance standards, energy efficiency, electrification incentives, codes and standards, finance, affordable housing, and equitable implementation strategies. 

Core Responsibilities 

Policy Research and Analysis 

• Conduct research and analysis on building electrification, utility regulation, energy policy, and decarbonization strategies.  

• Evaluate legislative, regulatory, and market opportunities developments affecting building decarbonization in priority states (West/Intermountain West or Eastern US).  

• Develop policy recommendations supported by quantitative and qualitative analysis.  

• Synthesize complex technical and policy information into clear findings and actionable recommendations.  

• Contribute to reports, policy briefs, regulatory comments, presentations, and other external-facing products.  

Project Management 

• Lead discrete projects and workstreams from design through execution.  

• Develop workplans, manage timelines, coordinate contributors, and ensure high-quality deliverables.  

• Support project budgeting, reporting, and partner communications.  

• Track project milestones and help ensure alignment with program objectives.  

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, utility regulators, advocates, utilities, industry representatives, and other partners.  

• Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, working groups, and conferences.  

• Support coalition-building efforts and collaborative policy development processes.  

• Represent RMI in external meetings and public forums.  

Strategy Development 

• Contribute to the development of policy strategies that advance building electrification in priority states and regions.  

• Identify emerging policy opportunities, risks, and trends.  

• Support program leadership in evaluating and prioritizing strategic opportunities.  

Thought Leadership and Communications 

• Develop presentations, articles, webinars, and other materials for external audiences.  

• Present research findings and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholder groups.  

• Support media engagement and public communications efforts as ap