Financial Modeler Senior Associate

Do you love solving challenging problems, thinking in numbers, and working on teams? Do you also have the self-motivation, curiosity, creativity, and ability to persuade others toward meaningful results? Are you passionate about the clean energy transition? If yes, then join our growing team!   

RMI is seeking a Senior Associate with financial modeling skills for our Carbon-Free Electricity Program.   

Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply! 

Program Overview 

RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) Program supports the rapid and equitable decarbonization of electricity systems globally to support modern, clean economies the world over. We work to facilitate the transition away from coal-powered generation; slow the rush toward gas generation and wisely manage existing gas infrastructure, allowing for decommissioning where prudent; speed the deployment of clean, distributed, and customer-centric energy solutions; and transition utilities to be climate-aligned in their business models and operations. We work closely with utilities, regulators, businesses, advocates, and customers to evolve grid institutions, policies, regulations, business models, and processes in support of the transition to a clean energy future. We employ a unique combination of research, consulting, and collaboration to support individuals and organizations to innovate and implement transformative energy solutions.   

Position Overview    

In this role, you will support CFE’s efforts to accelerate clean energy solutions in the electricity sector. Over time your role could evolve to encompass electricity system transformation globally as well as explore energy equity, environmental justice, and health impacts of energy usage. In our work, we collaborate with the entire electricity sector. With utilities and state regulators, we work to improve business models so that incentives are aligned with creating a just, clean energy future. With businesses, we develop and share solutions that bring clean energy technologies to the grid at scale. With influential early adopters, we help to experiment with and implement new, transformative solutions. CFE’s Utility Transition Finance (UTF) initiative focuses on leveraging data and financial modeling insights to facilitate the clean energy transition in the electricity sector. 

In support of our growing work to decarbonize electricity systems in the U.S. and globally, we are specifically looking for Senior Associate candidates who can lead and contribute to data analytics, financial modeling, and research. You will work closely with the entire CFE team to develop and guide unique data-intensive analysis, with a particular focus on Excel- and Python-based financial modeling, to drive the team towards critical policy and market insights.  

As a Senior Associate, you are a creative problem solver who uses your quantitative, technical, and analytical abilities to conduct compelling research and assessment around vital energy issues. You will collaborate with team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions for our research questions and clients. You will be an independent contributor as well as managing projects and the contributions of other staff to their projects. 

CFE works in the US as well as globally and seeks individuals who can work on a range of projects. Specific experience and interest to support work in one geography will be discussed as part of the interview process. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Develop innovative ways to quantify the benefit of utility business transformation, including: 
• Building financial models to quantify the impact of policy changes 
• Developing data tools and platforms to facilitate robust analysis 
• Providing analysis to key industry institutions in support of proposed policy and regulatory decarbonization pathways 
• Locate, synthesize, and analyze data that allows RMI to shed new light on problems and devise creative solutions.   
• Develop hypotheses to guide work and propose new ways to assess problems.    
• Drive research efforts and support junior team members in developing advanced modeling skills. 
• With support from senior staff, structure and maintain compelling quantitative analysis and contribute to the development of presentations and written products that collectively bring new insights to the industry and partners.  
• Lead and contribute to data-driven efforts and publications; in particular, identify trends and communicate relevant insights in a clear and compelling manner.  
• Contribute publicly at conferences, share expertise in response to media requests, discuss our work with donors, and direct RMI research collaborations  
• Contribute to RMI teams through facilitating events and conversations with diverse electricity-sector stakeholders.    
• Travel up to 25%, including possible international travel once public health conditions allow.   

Required Skills 

• Advanced facility with developing financial models that utilize large data sets to derive insights about the utility industry and the energy transition.  
• Familiarity with electricity industry, including understanding of key trends and stakeholder landscape. Expertise in the following specific areas is preferred: 
• Utility regulation and associated legislative policy 
• Regulated utility business models 
• Utility-scale project finance models  
• Utility-financed project models 
• Extensive work or research experience working on utility finance 
• Ability to quickly digest complex finance and policy problems and translate them into modeling insights 
• Ability to help the team to convey the technical insights to the general audience who has little finance background 

Required Qualifications 

• Undergraduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, computer), business, finance, international development, public policy, economics, computer science, mathematics, physical and social sciences. 
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience in related fields, such as utility regulation, finance, or strategy; climate or energy advocacy; business; law; data analytics; geospatial analysis; programming; or other fields relevant to the decarbonization of electricity systems 
• Ability to design, create, and run Excel-based models; Python-based models a plus 
• Demonstrated track record in a project-based work environment 
• Proficiency in one or more coding languages (e.g., Python, R, VBA).    

Preferred Qualifications 

• Broad and deep expertise with energy, climate, and/or electricity industry 
• Experience in consulting, project management, or other related fields    
• Experience working with utilities, regional grid operators, regulators, DER service providers, and/or other NGOs in the electricity sector  
• Experience working directly with policymakers at federal, state, or city levels. 
• Graduate degree in one of the applicable fields noted above. 

Location    

We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.  

We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.  

We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process. 

Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined 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 Senior Associates based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $86,000-$105,000. 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, marital status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization, ensuring 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.    

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. 

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