Manager, U.S. Federal Policy (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Program

Job Description:

Are you an experienced people leader with intense curiosity and drive? Are you willing to take risks by exploring and testing new ideas? Do you have the exceptional ability to structure and oversee analytic and strategic problem solving? Can you create impact through influence? If yes, then join our growing team!  

RMI (formerly Rocky Mountain Institute) is seeking a Manager in our U.S. federal policy team. The position will be focused on supporting policymakers, regulators and lawmakers in the U.S. Congress and the Federal government to develop and implement policies that deliver low cost, secure, resilient and clean power. Please note that this role has a strong preference for experience working with coalitions with varying perspectives, including center right groups and industry in the Washington, D.C. area. We work on grid and interconnection; critical minerals; industries including steel, cement, aviation, transportation; and enablers such as manufacturing, supply chains, economic development, finance, and methane management.

RMIers bring a variety of skillsets, and we welcome candidates with diverse educational and professional backgrounds.    

Program Overview:

The US Program works to accelerate the deployment of clean energy and drives strategies for an U.S. secure, abundant, and affordable energy system for all. We work closely with leaders in private industry, civil society, and policymakers at the municipal, state and Federal levels. The US Program collaboratively develops RMI’s overall US strategy by establishing clear priorities while working to integrate and elevate US-focused work across RMI’s programs. 

The US Program’s federal policy team works with policymakers in the executive and legislative branches to inform, develop, and implement federal clean energy policies. The Manager will lead a team of 2-3 Associates and Senior Associates to develop targeted analysis, distill insights from other RMI programs, build coalitions with external partners, develop public communications, and lead engagement with federal policymakers across government branches.

Position Overview:

Our managers are creative project leaders who guide and manage team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions. This person should be able to quickly engage with the RMI federal and will be responsible for advancing RMI goals across the federal government. This position:

• Has responsibility for managing RMI’s engagement in key coalitions focused on manufacturing, critical minerals and modernizing the electrical grid.

• Represents RMI in Washington DC working to advance bipartisan solutions.

• Works with Principals and Managing Directors to provide mentorship, professional development, and project reviews of more junior staff.

• Contributes to strategy-level conversations about how to move policy solutions in the federal government and has a network that can be used to advance solutions that covers the political spectrum.

Core Responsibilities:

Engage with federal policymakers to support the development and implementation of policies that accelerate industrial decarbonization

• Leverage RMI’s capabilities and expertise to provide technical assistance, facilitation services and other support to inform and accelerate effective policymaking by federal policymakers.

• Work with staff at federal agencies (e.g., Department of Energy) to provide advice on high-level government strategies (e.g., advanced transmission technologies, supply chain, and critical mineral strategies).

• Work with federal lawmakers and their staff to inform the development of (and build support for) new legislation, with an emphasis on policies that accelerate modernization of the grid, clean tech manufacturing and industrial innovation.

• Coach and motivate project team members on how to work with republicans and democrats on the hill and federal administrative staff. 

• Understands the legislative process including jurisdictional issues and can engage with republican and democratic staff. 

• Has experience with the administrative process, including Executive Orders and administrative proceedings. 

Manage projects and coalitions to yield breakthrough insights and results

• Lead RMI’s engagement with key coalitions (American Energy Opportunity coalition, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid coalition, and the Energy Innovation Table).

• With senior guidance, shape project strategies from inception to conclusion: determine change models, research methods, timelines, resource plans, communications plans, and stakeholder engagement.

• De