Manager, Fertilizer & Ammonia - Climate-Aligned Industries

Do you love solving challenging problems, driving systemic change and leading transformative collaborations and multi-party coalitions? Are you passionate about helping industrial players to make a tangible impact to address climate change? Are you knowledgeable about industrial decarbonization in heavy industries? Do you have business development and/or strategy experience in hydrogen? If yes, then join our growing team!  

Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply! 

Program Overview 

The Climate Aligned Industries Program (CAI) at RMI is focused on decarbonizing the heavy industries, implementing market mechanisms, and supporting policy implementation to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. Our mission is to shape green hydrogen (GH2) (and its derivatives) markets and flagship projects by providing thought leadership, convening GH2 champions, and collaborating with key corporate stakeholders within specific sectors and Geographies. As part of this engagement, we are focused on the role of fertilizer and decarbonizing production pathways. This is an area with significant innovation and represents a critical space for food security development around the world.  

Position Overview 

We are looking for a Manager who will lead major work streams around the emerging fertilizer and agricultural transition. The Manager will lead a team primarily focused on: 

• Developing and delivering roadmap perspectives on fertilizer manufacturing decarbonization 

• Creating a clear perspective on the formation of coalition groups in the mid-west farming eco-system, and managing the convening of these groups 

• Working with Sub-grantees on delivering an agreed and aligned scope of work 

• Working with the team to develop the deep insights around fertilizer choice and user landscape 

• Accelerating transition to green fertilizer and developing long-term strategy for deeper agricultural decarbonization 

As a Manager, you will be a team leader and program manager in a very entrepreneurial setting – willing to roll up your sleeves to do research and create presentations, but also able operate at a high-level with executives both within and outside of RMI. You must be an adept communicator and feel comfortable building relationships with senior managers from industry and civil society organizations, as well as regional governments and regulators. 

You will become accustomed to working under tight deadlines, including meeting or exceeding targets under changing circumstances and uncertainty (e.g., organizational changes, functional complexities, political and regulatory changes, aligninginterests within diverse group of external players, etc.). 

You will report to the Principal of the Ammonia, Fertilizer and Infrastructure team within CAI program and work closely with other RMI leadership. Previous experience working in the agricultural sector desired.  

The primary responsibilities for this position include: 

• Lead execution, with external partners, of ambitious work plans in existing workstreams 

• Work with the team to develop thought leadership and lead modelling efforts and drive insights that help shift the narrative around sustainable agriculture 

• Continue to build coalitions focused on fertilizer decarbonization, with industry, state policy makers, civil society, and farming groups 

• Develop strategy of shaping local markets 

• Develop platforms for message engagement and delivery 

• Develop workplans together with partners focused on accelerating decarbonized pathway adoption 

• Support grant and fee-for-service proposal development and execution. 

• Manage multiple project budgets and support monthly financial forecasting for the Ammonia, Fertilizer, and Infrastructure team. 

• Manage a team of 2-4 associates, provide professional mentorship, structure and work product management 

• Participate in business and donor development activities in the emerging fertilizer decarbonization and fertilizer use transition spaces  

• Traveling (some, mostly within North America and within the State of California) for stakeholder meetings. Anticipated 10-20% of time. 

• As part of the CAI leadership team, support overall program strategy, team health, and growth. 

• Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Commitment to working in close collaboration with partners in industry and civil society to achieve net-zero goals 

• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience focused on energy transition 

• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience focused on related sectors (agri-food, fertilizer, hydrogen supply chain) 

• Bachelor’s degree required (in an applicable field such as engineering,  economics,  business, finance, law, or physical and social sciences); advanced degree in a related field is a plus 

• Highly proficient strategic business/project development experience 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral 

• Excellent people and managerial skills 

• Experience managing multi-stakeholder processes including members with diverse viewpoints 

• A network of contacts in the energy industry and is a well-respected professional in the field 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Understanding of climate change science and related issues and policies, familiarity with global energy transition scenarios and pathways  

• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and business environment in the US for fertilizer and farming crops 

• Knowledge of hydrogen economy and cost structure of various competing technologies 

• Energy and financial/economic modelling skills are a plus 

• Direct experience in agriculture or fertilizer production 

• Strategic or management consulting experience 

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.    

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.   

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. The salary range for this role is $105,000-$129,000. You would also have an additional 10% bonus target! 

Benefits  

We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment):  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance 

• 403b retirement options (up to 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 

• Work from home and commuter allowance 

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 attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures 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.