Associate/Senior Associate - Cement and Concrete Sector Initiative

Are you passionate about developing innovative solutions to the climate crisis and supercharging the decarbonization of the cement sector? Are you interested in being a foundational member of a quickly growing team at RMI? If yes, then join our growing team!

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!

RMI’s Climate Aligned Industries’ Program is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join our Cement and Concrete Sector Initiative. This new initiative seeks to support the decarbonization of the cement sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through both research and demonstration, the Cement and Concrete Sector initiative will initially focus on creating a market for low-carbon cement, decarbonizing the fuel supply, spurring innovation in meta cement, and exploring material substitution strategies

Position Overview 

As an Associate or Senior Associate, you are a creative problem solver who uses your analytical skills and abilities to conduct compelling research and facilitate a range of stakeholders and partners seeking to develop solutions that accelerate the decarbonization of the cement sector. In this position, you will be an independent contributor and work closely with colleagues on projects under the direction of more senior staff. You will develop expertise around the cement/concrete sector decarbonization pathways and solutions and will provide subject-matter support on this topic both within RMI and across RMI’s broad range of collaborators. You will report initially to the Manager for the Climate Aligned Industries Program.

Your responsibilities as an Associate include:   

• Conducting research and analysis to understand the landscape of cement sector decarbonization pathways
• Building a network of relationships across the private and public cement and concrete sector, which includes engaging with external experts and attending conferences
• Contributing original thinking and thought leadership materials to help shape the direction of a new initiative
• Conducting country-level and plant level analysis within the Cement sector
• Supporting research on green public procurement standards for low-carbon materials
• Synthesizing analysis and recommendations into clear and compelling presentations and written reports
• Supporting the preparation of proposals, pitch decks, grant reports and other donor-facing materials
• Publishing articles, reports, and thought leadership collaterals on the research
• Supporting communications efforts (e.g., through blogs, podcasts, and other digital content)

Your responsibilities as a Senior Associate include the above, and:  

• Structure and guide the work of more junior team members
• Facilitate discussions and activities during workshops with external stakeholders
• Provide content and analytical expertise at the initiative level
• Contribute to conferences, share expertise in response to media requests, discuss our work with donors, and direct RMI research collaborations

 RMIers bring a variety of skillsets, and we welcome candidates with diverse educational and work backgrounds. We will carefully review each application to determine the appropriate starting position level (Associate or Senior Associate), and this will be communicated during the interview process.   

 Minimum Qualifications:  

• Undergraduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, energy, environment), business (marketing, finance, international), material science, physical chemistry or environmental science, finance, international development, public policy, economics, architecture, sustainability, physical and social sciences
• 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Familiarity with climate change issues and concrete sector
• Ability and willingness to engage with technical material, and provide qualitative and quantitative evaluation of existing initiatives 
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Ideal candidates will have relevant work experience within the cement sector and would have worked on decarbonization projects; At the Associate level, 2-4 years of cumulative work experience. At the Senior Associate level, 3-6 years of cumulative work experience.
• Analytical skills for processing and analyzing data and building quantitative models
• Understanding of CCS/CCUS technology and of the various cement sector processes  
• Ability to listen actively, be diplomatic, and share knowledge and information well  
• Experience of working with a variety of stakeholders in partnership projects and of having worked in countries like India/China/US
• Willingness to plunge into unfamiliar disciplines and take risks by exploring and testing new ideas  
• Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives and/or facilitating challenging conversations   
• Demonstrated initiative and accomplishment in previous work  

Location 

This position will be remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, it is preferred but not required that this position will be located near one of RMI’s U.S. locations: New York, NY; Washington, DC, Boulder, CO; Basalt, CO; Oakland, CA or Houston, TX. 

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined in Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S.-based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply. 

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. Typically, new Associates based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $70,000-$82,000 and Senior Associates at $79,000-$93,000. 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 institution, or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:        

• Have a diverse 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.

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.