Associate – Third Derivative

Job Description CMPI Associate – Third Derivative Program Overview Are you passionate about harnessing innovative technologies, business models, and catalytic capital to fight climate change? Do you love solving challenging problems, thinking in numbers, and working in groups? Are you interested in being a part of a team that is quickly growing and is laser-focused about making the world a better place? If yes, then join our growing team!

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!

Third Derivative is seeking an Associate, Clean Mobile Power to join our team. A program of RMI, Third Derivative (D3) is accelerating the rate of climate innovation through our inclusive ecosystem approach, which rapidly finds, funds, and scales climate tech globally.

By uniting and aligning committed investors, large corporates, and market and policy experts with the world’s most promising climate tech startups, D3 bridges finance and resource gaps to increase speed to market. Our flexible and highly curated accelerator program enables startups to focus on their unique needs and opportunities.

Today D3’s collaborative ecosystem includes $4T market cap of corporate partners, $7B AUM of investor partners (across five continents), and over 160 startups addressing climate challenges across all major emissions sectors. Together, we are moving markets to achieve a brighter, more equitable climate future.

Third Derivative works closely with 20 leading VC partner funds and a wide network of additional investors. Thus far, our 20 partners have invested over $50M into D3 startups for a total of $600M raised. Third Derivative has also raised $10M in two investment vehicles that are used to offer each startup that is accepted for the program a $100k convertible note.

Now, our high-performance team of climate enthusiasts is growing, and we’re seeking a highly motivated Associate to join us in our mission.

Position Overview

The Associate, Clean Mobile Power will help to execute the Clean Mobile Power Initiative, launched with Netflix and Disney in June 2023. The associate will provide support to D3’s Clean Mobile Power Cohort companies, as well as initiative-wide operations and delivery.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Support Clean Mobile Power Cohort companies by meeting with them monthly, alongside the Program Manager, and fulfilling ongoing servicing requests
• Provide cohort-specific startup servicing in partnership with D3’s Accelerator team
• Support the development and execution of cohort-specific programming and educational resources
• Support with in-person technology testing days, alongside cohort companies, studio partners, and supplier members
• Conduct research and develop thought leadership, including, but not limited to, a decarbonization roadmap, blogs, and market-focused training/ education materials
• Collaborate cross-functionally within D3/RMI, cohort startups, and our project partners
• Create innovative problem-solving approaches to drive project insights
• Provide quantitative analysis and modeling activities to guide initiative insights and implementation
• Synthesize recommendations into clear and compelling presentations and written reports
• Engage with external experts, stakeholders, and partners via phone interviews, conferences, in-person meetings, and respond to outreach requests
• Support with the organization of workshops, stakeholder meetings, and other events

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with 2+ years of relevant work experience OR graduate degree in an applicable field such as engineering, environmental studies, finance, and/or business with a focus on energy and/or sustainability
• Outstanding communication skills for working effectively on teams, clearly communicating results and key takeaways, and excellent writing capabilities
• Strong data-driven decision-making and creative problem-solving skills. Comfort working with uncertainty and unfamiliar disciplines.
• Ability to design, create, and run Excel-based models
• Ability to create clear, structured, and illustrative PowerPoint presentations
• A high degree of professionalism, thoughtfulness, and respect across interpersonal interactions, specifically with project partners and cohort companies
• Strong attention to detail and effective task management
• Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the power or clean energy sector, specifically with distributed energy resource (DER) technologies
• Experience at or working closely with an accelerator or investment firm
• Experience at or working closely with the entertainment industry, specifically film and television
• Entrepreneurship/startup experience
• Experience in a consulting role working with corporate clients

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.

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 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. The salary range for this position is $70,939 to $87,433. You would also have an additional 5% 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

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!

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.

Education

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.