Principal, Carbon Markets

Are you a passionate leader invested in making the world a better place? Do you love solving challenging problems, thinking analytically, and working in groups? Are you passionate about developing innovative solutions to the climate crisis? Are you interested in being a foundational member of a quickly growing team and diverse team at RMI? If yes, then this is the role for you!

We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply!

Your Impact

You’ll be part of RMI’s Climate Intelligence Program (CIP) leading the Carbon Markets Initiative. This new initiative seeks to improve the transparency, efficiency, and quality of the voluntary carbon market, ultimately accelerating progress towards a 50 percent cut in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Through both research and demonstration, the Carbon Markets Initiative is examining how various technologies (e.g., remote sensing, machine learning, distributed ledger technologies) can accelerate the differentiated supply of high-quality carbon credits. Over the coming year, our work will expand to cover other dimensions of the voluntary carbon market, including the use of offsets across various industries. Regardless of your background or level of experience, you will have the opportunity to help bring about change in the world that you might not find anywhere else in your career.

This role will report to Josh Henretig, the Managing Director of Climate Intelligence.

Major Roles And Responsibilities

• Define and deliver a compelling strategy for improving the quality, transparency, and efficiency of the voluntary carbon market.
• Oversee a team of six people which include managers, senior associates, and associates (with the opportunity to grow this team dependent on additional funding).
• Establish and maintain relationships with carbon markets leaders across the NGO, government, corporate, and financial sectors.
• Lead and contribute to research efforts and publications, including by managing the research and analytical activities of junior staff.
• Develop and oversee demonstration projects that help translate research/analysis into scaled market interventions that have the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) at least 50% by 2030
• Collaborate with RMI’s Development Team to develop funding strategies, secure additional funding, and ensure timely delivery to donors.
• Collaborate with RMI’s Influence Team to shape and deliver a marketing strategy for the Carbon Markets Initiative.
• Provide expertise on the carbon markets, both internally and externally.
• Identify and deliver on opportunities to collaborate with other RMI programs, including RMI’s Carbon Dioxide Removal Initiative, the Center for Climate-Aligned Finance, the Global South Program, Carbon Free-Electricity, Climate-Aligned Industries, and the Supply Chains Initiative.
• Develop and enhance RMI’s public reputation through regular publication, speaking, and external engagement on key topics in the carbon markets
• Support development of team members and of RMI at large, through active involvement in management activities such as coaching and serving as a career advisor to colleagues. 
• Support Managing Directors in interactions with RMI board. 

Core Skills And Experiences

• Master’s level degree in sustainability, economics, finance, business, engineering, or environmental science OR equivalent acquisition of on-the-job expertise
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience
• Experience guiding high performing teams in a project-based work environment  
• Direct experience in carbon markets, the clean energy transition, environmental justice, and related topics  
• Experience managing junior team members including providing coaching and mentorship, and managing performance reviews  
• Broad contacts across relevant professional networks, including private sector, government, and NGOs 
• International (i.e., outside of US) work experience
• Ability to travel 1 – 2 times per quarter
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills  
• Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives and/or facilitating challenging conversations

Desired Skills And Experiences

• Background working directly with senior-level stakeholders in the carbon markets and climate finance sectors
• Extensive networks in the voluntary carbon markets, including with project developers, standards and registries, brokers and exchanges, and buyers
• Experience managing grant-driven and donor-driven projects
• Experience with group facilitation and workshop design

We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you feel you meet 100% of the qualifications. The top candidates will bring their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds from a variety of industries along with many but not necessarily all the skills listed above. We offer professional learning and training opportunities to help you develop the skills you may not have had the opportunity to cultivate yet.

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 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 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, a new Principal joins at the minimum to mid salary range of $139,000 – $169,000. You would also have an additional 20% 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
• 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.

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.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.