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!
Program Overview
The Climate Aligned Industries (CAI) Program at RMI is focused on accelerating decarbonization of key global industrial sectors that collectively make up 30% of global GHG emissions by driving innovation, working with industry leaders on strategic interventions, scaling market mechanisms and supporting policy implementation to limit global warming to 1.5°C and achieve cost parity for decarbonized solutions.
CAI program brings supports projects across all key heavy industry and transportation sectors (aviation, cement/concrete, chemicals, steel, and shipping) and has cross-cutting efforts on green hydrogen and CCUS projects globally, and Clean Industrial Hubs focus on California and Texas within the US.
This position is specific to the Cement and Concrete initiative which seeks to accelerate the decarbonization of the sector. We are seeking a high-performing manager to join our growing team.
Position Overview
The Manager of the Cement and Concrete Initiative is a key leadership role within RMI’s CAI Program. The successful candidate will play a critical role in leading RMI’s efforts to decarbonize the cement and concrete sector. Our Managers are people leaders who guide and manage team members to craft visionary yet practical solutions for our industry partners and research. The Manager will be
- Managing and guiding a team of professionals to provide mentorship, professional development, and project reviews of more junior staff.
- Managing projects from start to finish, including scoping, budgeting, execution, and evaluation. Oversee project budgets and timelines to ensure successful execution of the various projects
- Providing strategic advisory support to clients in the cement and concrete industry
- Conducting country-level and plant level analysis within the Cement sector
- Contributing original thinking and thought leadership materials to help shape the direction of a new initiative
- Building a network of relationships across the private and public cement and concrete sector, which includes engaging with external experts and attending conferences
- 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
- Utilizing analytical and modeling skills to assess the emissions impact of various decarbonization and sustainability levers for the cement and concrete industry.
- Contributing to strategy-level conversations about initiatives within the program as well as at the institute level.
- Developing expertise in one or more additional areas of cement sector decarbonization (CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage), Alternative fuels, SCMs (Supplementary Cementitious Materials))
- Representing RMI externally at key industry events and/or workshops globally
- Engaging with key stakeholders across the cement and concrete value chain, as well as media, including industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators to share key insights and views on accelerating decarbonization
- Develop external communications materials as needed to support the team’s strategies, including products such as blogs, op-eds, talking points, slide decks, and public speaking engagements.
- Contribute to conferences, share expertise in response to media requests, discuss our work with donors, and direct RMI research collaborations
- Manage and mentor staff, developing a cohesive, enthusiastic, supportive, and high-performing team culture
- Demonstrate organization-wide values, helping maintain a culture of impact, accountability, and entrepreneurship and commitment to equitable climate action.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
- At least 6 years of relevant work experience, including experience in the cement and concrete sector, sustainability, or decarbonization.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including experience managing a team and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and develop recommendations based on findings.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.
- Familiarity with the cement and concrete industry, including knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and relevant regulations.
- Passion for sustainability and decarbonization, and a strong commitment to RMI’s mission.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including technical experts, communications professionals, and policy advocates.
- Supporting the preparation of proposals, pitch decks, grant reports and other donor-facing materials
- Publishing articles, reports, and thought leadership collaterals on the research
- Contributing original thinking and thought leadership materials to help shape the direction of a new initiative
Preferred knowledge, skills, experience, and competencies:
- Prior experience with driving industrial decarbonization efforts in one or more industrial sectors including cement, steel or other metals/mining
- Strong technical knowledge of decarbonization technologies and practices in the cement and concrete industry (including an understanding of the CCS technologies); Subject matter expertise on cement sector decarbonization and deep understanding of the innovation landscape
- Demonstrate ability to perform techno-economic analysis and financial models in excel; Analytical skills for processing and analyzing data and building quantitative models
- Strong experience in project management, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Experience 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
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives and/or facilitating challenging conversations.
- Willingness to dive into new areas of work and to learn new subject matter and demonstrate initiative and accomplishment in previous work
- Experience with group facilitation and designing effective meetings
- Previous experience of working in a fast-paced, startup-like environment
- Good understanding of the policy landscape/incentives available within the US
- Ability to listen actively, be diplomatic, and share knowledge and information well
Location
We are a remote-ready organization 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 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). This role may be expected to travel for team events which occur approximately twice a year.
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. The salary range for this position is $103,000-$125,000. 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, Equity, and Inclusion
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.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.