Finance Lead – Carbon-Free Buildings

Are you an experienced people leader with intense curiosity and drive? Are you willing to explore and test new ideas? Do you have an exceptional ability to structure and oversee analytic and strategic problem solving? Can you create impact through influence? If yes, then consider join ing our growing team!  

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!  

Program& Project Overview : 

RMI is seeking exceptional candidates to fill a  building finance–focused Manager position within RMI’s Carbon-Free Buildings Program. Our Buildings Program seeks to eliminate greenhouse gas  (GHG)  emissions from U.S. residential and commercial buildings by 2045 through a range of tactical market engagements, policy advocacy, thought leadership, and demonstration projects focused on maximizing the adoption of efficiency, electrification, grid interactivity, and low embodied carbon materials. 

Specifically, this individual will lead the RMI Carbon – Free Buildings team ’s finance work by:

• Working with industry stakeholders including lenders, technical experts, CDFIs, developers, and research partners to ensure equitable financing solutions are available to deploy energy solutions at scale across the buildings sector .
• Leading efforts to deploy financing strategies and applicable incentives for both new construction and existing building retrofit projects, with a strong focus on housing finance.
• Supporting research initiatives to identify which properties are most in need of efficiency and resilience upgrades and how local, state, and federal financing tools can aid in lowering upfront consumer costs.
• Exploring new and innovative financing mechanisms that meet constantly shifting market demands and support deployment of emergent solutions .

Position Overviewand Responsibilities:

Our Managers  are creative project leaders who mentor and manage team members to craft visionary-yet-practical solutions for the energy transition. As a Manager at RMI, you will be a primary project manager and work closely with and under the direction of RMI’s Principals and Managing Directors to design and execute projects. Specific responsibilities will evolve over time as needed to support the institute’s goals and will likely include managing junior staff in research and analysis projects , external engagement, and facilitating collaborative multi-stakeholder convenings.   

Primary job functions: 

• Lead and o versee finance-related projects and initiatives within the Carbon-Free Buildings Program .
• Develop cutting-edge research analyses to inform industry decision-making around building finance.
• Manage relationships and engagements with external partners and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior staff members and oversee teams that number from 2 to  15+  contributors ( both internal and external).
• Represent RMI as an industry expert at key conferences and other public speaking events.  
• Regularly contribute to and lead external interviews, videos, blog postings , and publications to share project insights.  
• Develop funding strategies with RMI’s Development Team to ensure program funding is sustained.

Required Qualifications:

• At least 5+ years of direct professional experience in real estate and/or construction finance.
• Deep understanding of construction and housing finance, including equity investment s , mortgage lending frameworks , and secondary markets .
• 3+ year s of professional experience leading teams and mentoring junior staff .
• Experience working directly with large lenders, CDFIs, and government entities to drive forward meaningful initiatives and impact across the real estate market.
• Experience de veloping and managing complex analytical models .
• A strong drive to advance equitable building decarbonization, especially across historically marginalized and underserved communities
• Experience designing and facilitating workshops and events for industry stakeholders and experts.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills  
• E ntrepreneurial, with e xcellent time management, organization, and drive  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in sustainability, environment, finance, economics, engineering, or energy-related discipline.
• Experience with building science, building energy systems, design, engineering, or similar technical field.
• Background working directly with senior-level stakeholders from the finance and building s /construction sectors , or other areas, especially relating to energy/carbon goals. 
• Experience managing program grants and donor relationships.

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 performed 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 an 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. New Managers typically join at the minimum to mid salary range of $103,000 – $121,000. This position is also eligible to receive 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 

RMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.     

RMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.      

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. 

JOB CODE: 1000755