Work that
transforms
the built environment.
At IMT, your work shapes how millions of people experience the buildings where they live, work, and learn. You will drive real change at the intersection of policy, business, and community.
See Open PositionsOrganizational Competencies
These competencies are identified by IMT leadership, and should be demonstrated by all employees.
Demonstrates Adaptability
Able to anticipate change, draw conclusions, make strong recommendations, and adapt to changing needs and conditions. Demonstrates ability to bring innovative solutions and work efficiently in a fast paced, rapidly developing environment.
Builds Collaborative Relationships
Builds relationships based on trust and respect. Includes people with diverse knowledge, skills, and experiences to achieve results. Encourages others and promotes the team.
Engages Others Through Clear Communication
Understands audience and tailors communication so that it is clear and relevant. Demonstrates ability to synthesize the key takeaways from projects and work and tailors to different audiences.
Develops Strong Professional Leadership Presence
Strong IMT representative through interpersonal skills, presence, gravitas, and networks. Thought leader in area(s) of expertise.
Strives for Excellence in Execution
Seeks ways to improve personal and organizational effectiveness. Applies project and budget management best practices. Provides a superior level of customer service.
Centers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Role and Approach
Prioritizes an environment where different lived experiences and backgrounds are valued. Fully participates in equity trainings and learning. Sets or supports IMT’s social equity strategies and goals through operations, project development, and interactions with IMT stakeholders.
Everything you need
to do your best work
We invest in our people because we know that supporting you is what enables us to have the biggest impact on buildings and communities.
Your Whole Self, Supported
Wellbeing is built into how we work. Time to recharge comes standard at IMT.
- Annual wellness week (fully off)
- Generous personal time off
- Mental health coverage included
Remote & Hybrid Options
Most roles are fully remote. For DC-area roles, a hybrid schedule gives you connection without a rigid commute.
- Remote-first by default
- DC office access available
- Tech setup provided (laptop, monitor, accessories)
35-Hour Work Week
Our standard week is 35 hours, not 40+. Sustainable work is not just a concept we apply to buildings.
- 35 hours standard across all staff
- Generous paid time off
- Flexible scheduling within your team
Comprehensive Insurance
Full coverage so you can focus on the work that matters.
- Medical insurance
- Dental & vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability
Retirement & IRA Matching
We match your IRA contributions because long-term thinking applies to your future too, not just the built environment.
Professional Development
Financial assistance to keep growing. Conferences, certifications, courses, and more tailored to your career goals.
Open Roles
About the Fellowship
Inspired by the legacy of IMT’s founding chair, Dr. David B. Goldstein, the Research Fellowship Program supports recent undergraduate students as they transition into the clean energy workforce. The program provides the Fellow with valuable leadership skills and experience in research and policy work focused on accelerating the decarbonization of buildings while benefitting communities, a foundational component to create jobs, reduce harmful pollution, and create healthier spaces in American cities.
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible Fellow applicants will:
- Demonstrate a commitment to IMT’s mission and vision
- Be no more than 1 year out of undergraduate
- Have the ability to work in the United States and commit to the entire fellowship. IMT is not offering work visa sponsorship at this time.
Skills / Qualifications / Experience
- A college degree by the time of employment
- An interest in the field of policy, energy, or sustainability
- Enthusiasm, dedication, and a drive to succeed
- Demonstrated problem-solving and research skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent writing and communications skills
- Ability to perform self-directed work and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines
Position Description
IMT is seeking a motivated Fellow that will engage with cities, communities, utilities, regulators and the commercial real estate market to help drive high-performing buildings. The Fellow will work closely with and contribute to project teams across the organization such as IMT’s Business Engagement, Policy, and Community Engagement teams. This includes research, writing, and program implementation help. The Fellow will have the opportunity to work on a variety of topics, and will collaborate closely with their supervisor to identify opportunities including new project development and publishing original materials. In addition, the Fellow will work with an internal advisor to design a fellowship project that they will present to IMT staff at the end of their term and seek opportunities for publication. The fellow will work in parallel with their supervisor to create a professional development plan, and receive training on project management, strategic communications, and other areas identified.
Primary Responsibilities
- Conduct research and analysis of topics that may include energy and housing affordability, workforce development, and economic development, in support of improving the performance of buildings
- Work closely with IMT’s program teams to support key project activities, while learning about IMT’s three core audiences and theory of change
- Surface opportunities for cross-team alignment and collaboration
- Engage with community organizations, companies, trade associations, and government agencies
- Create educational materials (articles, presentations, case studies) on building performance issues
- Work with industry partners (utilities, NGOs, trade associations and others) to coordinate research and policy development
- Contribute to program delivery to our partners (coordinating meetings, preparing agendas, creating memos, conducting outreach)
- Work with fellowship advisor to identify and design a fellowship project within the first month
- Work on other projects as assigned
Additional Responsibilities
Fellow will also attend:
- 2-day in-person orientation
- Annual staff retreat
About the Research Project
The David B. Goldstein Research Fellowship provides each Fellow with experience in research and policy work focused on accelerating the decarbonization of buildings while benefitting communities. The fellowship includes the completion of a substantial independent research project, with guidance and mentorship by senior IMT staff.
Why Write a Research Paper?
Research provides an essential basis for informed policy development, implementation, and improvement over time. Thoughtful writing and clear communication require rigorous thinking and enable other experts to sharpen the ideas with new information or perspectives. The fellow’s research will build core skills needed to conceptualize and conduct a long-term, original, and independent project. It will also help build relationships with other experts and provide an opportunity to present the results publicly.
Topic and Outcome
The Fellow has the option of drafting an original research paper or writing an in-depth case study on an innovative public policy, its design, passage, implementation, and lessons for the future. The topic can cover a wide range of IMT’s work, driving high-performing buildings with cities, communities, utilities, regulators and the commercial real estate market. The paper should demonstrate comprehensive awareness of what other scholars or relevant experts have said or learned about the topic.
Although this is not intended to be a published, peer-reviewed journal article, IMT will work with the fellow to identify publication opportunities. While there is not a fixed expectation regarding length, the fellow should discuss the appropriate length with their readers.
Support and Mentorship
The fellow is expected to conduct sustained, self-directed work with minimal oversight.
However, to start the fellow will work closely with a primary advisor from within IMT. This person will help the fellow identify and describe a topic, identify additional readers, and be the main point of contact for progress reports and other communication about the work, including assisting in balancing this research with other IMT project work and responsibilities.
The research paper will typically also have two other readers: one who is a senior employee at IMT with topical expertise, and one who will ideally be an expert outside of IMT. This outside reader can be someone from a partner organization or with expert knowledge and a previous academic or professional connection with the research fellow.
Process and Timeline
It is the fellow’s responsibility to stay in communication with readers and produce work in a timely fashion. The fellow and advisor will establish a regular schedule of meetings, drafts and progress reports, and coordination on the final date for submission and any oral presentations.
| Timing | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Initial meeting. The fellow and research advisor will meet to discuss potential topics, readers, and schedule. Topics will normally develop out of other work at IMT and a shared interest in key questions with IMT staff. |
| Month 2 | Initial topic description. This description should include a full statement of the topic, including a 3-5 page discussion of relevant research in the area, the importance of the project, and a preliminary list of references. |
| Month 3 | First chapter and progress report. This writing should be equivalent to a chapter of significant length, though the specifics may vary by year and by topic. It should include references if not specific citations. All three readers should also be confirmed by this date. |
| Month 5 | Second progress report. A rough draft of approximately 1/3 of the final expected paper should be complete by this date. Formal readers should provide written feedback within a week. |
| Month 7 | Preliminary draft. This draft should be a nearly complete preliminary version of the final paper, including citations, charts, and any illustrations. Readers should provide written comments within two weeks, and this draft should be shared also with the IMT Communications team for guidance and input. |
| Month 8 | Oral presentation. Once the preliminary draft is approved, the research fellow should schedule a date for a formal (online) presentation internal to IMT, and with potential outside invitees. This presentation is expected to be a short 15-20 minute presentation, with 20-30 minutes for discussion. |
| Month 9 | Final paper. The final paper is due at least two weeks after the oral presentation, with time to respond to any insights from the oral presentation, to confirm formatting and citations, and make any other final edits. The IMT Communications team will review and finalize for format and publication. |
About the Institute for Market Transformation
The Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) is a trusted, non-partisan nonprofit organization that works to ensure that everyone in the U.S. benefits from high-performing buildings in all facets of their lives. IMT bridges the intersection of business, government, and community priorities to spotlight business practices and advance public policy to improve U.S. buildings. We do this by co-creating and deploying public policy and business practices that drive widespread market action toward improving how we collectively build, design, and operate the spaces where people live, work, learn, connect, and play.
IMT is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion at the organizational level and through our programmatic approach. We have built partnerships with local organizations, cities, and businesses to address community needs around energy accessibility and affordability.
Headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C., we provide a vibrant, collaborative and flexible workplace that brings together diverse expertise. Each of our staff brings a unique perspective and background to the organization. We empower our staff to constantly learn while achieving ambitious goals, and have a great deal of fun along the way.
