Job Description:

Location: Remote, but commuting distance to an RMI office is preferred.

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 Overview:

Third Derivative is seeking an Investment and Fund Partnerships Principal to join our team. Founded by RMI and New Energy Nexus, 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 125 startups addressing climate challenges across all major emissions sectors. Together, we are moving markets to achieve a brighter, more equitable climate future.

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

Position Overview:

The Investment and Fund Partnerships Principal will help find capital to support the growth of startups accepted for our accelerator program. 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 a ~$9M SPV that is used to offer each startup that is accepted for the program a $100k convertible note. The Investment and Fund Partnerships Principal will manage and expand these current operations while also thinking creatively about what else is needed. This might include other types of capital (e.g., project finance, debt) or more creative approaches to venture finance (e.g., impact oriented funds or crowdfunding).

Your responsibilities as the Investment and Fund Partnerships Principal include:

• Managing D3’s current SPV ($9M raised thus far across two vehicles) and LP relationships
• Exploring future D3 investment vehicle/fund ideas such as crowdfunding or a way to provide additional/larger investments for startups while the are in or graduating from the D3 cohort
• Fundraising for future investment vehicles/funds
• Coaching and advising startups in the D3 portfolio on their fundraising strategy
• Providing input into D3’s startup selection process and investment thesis development from an investor perspective.
• Working with other D3 teams to manage fund partner relationships and ensure impactful collaboration. Currently we work closely with 20 leading VC funds.
• Explore opportunities for D3 to work with other capital partners, including project finance and debt
• Collaboratively write blogs, articles, reports, and thought leadership that can improve access to capital for impactful climate innovation.
• As part of the Third Derivative leadership team, this Principal will help develop strategy and make decisions concerning new initiatives, partnerships, hiring, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in an applicable field such as science, engineering, finance, and/or business with focus on energy and sustainability
• Experience at or working closely with an early-stage venture capital or impact fund
• Outstanding communication skills for working effectively on teams and clearly communicating results and key takeaways.
• Strong creative problem-solving skills. Comfort working with uncertainty and unfamiliar disciplines
• Experience working among diverse groups with varying perspectives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with program related investments (PRI) or impact investing
• Experience with innovative fund structures
• Experience with project finance, venture debt, and other sources of capital for startups including non-dilutive funding
• People management experience
• Fundraising experience
• Entrepreneurship/startup experience
• Relevant network for finding or supporting climate technology innovation
• Prior experience focused on climate and sustainability is useful but not required

Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance  
• 403b retirement options (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  
• Commuter and wellness benefits  
• Casual work environment  

Third Derivative is a great place to gain broad exposure while also building some specific areas of expertise within climate technology innovation. We work with most talented and visionary entrepreneurs commercializing the most interesting and impactful innovations from around the world. We collaborate with leading VC funds, corporations, Universities, and Labs. This is a great place to expand from a technical or sustainability background while learning about finance and entrepreneurship or vice versa.

Location

This position will be remote. Although it is preferred but not required that this position will be located near one of RMI’s US offices.

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, new Principals based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid salary range of $140,000-$170,000. The role will have an additional 20% bonus target!

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 institution, or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:       

• Have a diverse 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.