Corporate Development Officer

RMI is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, and collaborative fundraising and engagement professional to join us as a Corporate Development Officer/Account Manager and help grow our work with the private sector in this decisive decade. 

The Corporate Development Officer/ Account Manager is responsible for the development and management of a portfolio of current and new corporate philanthropy funders and key corporate engagement accounts, as well as supporting programmatic initiatives and their fundraising and engagement strategies. This includes working with programmatic staff to build fundraising strategies and their case for support, while also building and leveraging key relationships and contacts within and outside of the organization’s network. This position will sit on our Corporate Philanthropy vertical and will be a member of both the Development and Corporate Engagement teams. This position will report to the Senior Director of Development.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

External Relationship Management 

• Advance complex corporate relationships that result in large philanthropic contributions and impact-focused engagements for RMI through personal visits, email correspondence, phone and video meetings, and presentations with corporate prospects and partners.  
• Identify, qualify, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 50-75 new and existing corporate philanthropy prospects (with capacity to make gifts from $25,000 to $1,000,000+).   
• Represent RMI at events, when safe and appropriate, to expand the organization’s network and cultivate new prospects.   
• Preparing communications and materials, designing meeting content, planning events, and coordinating activities with program colleagues.  
• Provide high-quality experience for corporate donors with grant management, engagement, reporting, and stewardship.    

Proposal Development & Content Expertise 

• Work with the program teams and senior leadership to cultivate new prospects, create compelling proposals, and steward existing corporate partners.    
• Gain and maintain a comprehensive understanding of RMI’s program portfolio, providing valuable insights and feedback on program strategy, and build strong working relationships with program leaders. 
• Translate highly technical information into accessible written and verbal communication to highlight the unique value of investment in RMI, and encourage corporations and sustainability leaders to support and engage with key RMI programs and initiatives. 
• Curate corporate partnership offerings toward high-impact projects that advance corporate emissions reduction efforts and advance climate action within key high-emitting sectors.  

Strategy, Research & Operational Quality 

• Gather research and data, identify and assess prospects, and develop engagement and cultivation strategies designed to realize the current and future philanthropic giving and climate impact potential of corporate prospects. Use Salesforce database to document real-time relationship management processes and provide accurate relationship status and financial projections for portfolio.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams, such as Legal, Accounting, and Finance to successfully manage corporate relationships.  
• Collaborate with various Development verticals (Foundations, Individuals, Government Funding) to leverage new and existing donor relationships and advance fundraising opportunities.  
• Serve as an active member of the Development and Corporate Engagement teams; support the implementation of the teams’ short- and long-term objectives; attend staff meetings, serve on special task forces, participate in relevant-program meetings, and understand and contribute to RMI’s Development and Corporate Engagement strategies and overall mission
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS   

Minimum Education & Experience   

• Bachelor’s Degree.   
• A minimum of 5 years’ work experience in non-profit development, with a track record of successful solicitation of corporate philanthropic gifts.   
• Experience working with corporate partners and sustainability teams 
• Experience working successfully with non-profit leadership and high-level corporate executives in a fast-paced environment.      
• Knowledge of sustainability, CSR, and ESG and/or experience working in environment, climate, or energy field strongly desired.  
• International experience desired but not required.   
• During peak periods, the ability to travel up to 50% of the time (post-COVID) 

General   

• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for RMI’s mission and objectives as well as the principles and practices of non-profit organizations.   
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.   
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with RMI staff, Board members, community groups, and other partners.
• Able to navigate and understand a complex environment with the flexibility to change course quickly with a positive attitude.

Location 

This position will remain remote until it is safe to return to one of our offices in New York City, Washington D.C., Oakland, CA, Basalt or Boulder, CO. This will be discussed further throughout the interview process.  

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 Development Officers based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid-salary range of $79,000- $93,000. You would also have an additional 10% bonus target!

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 that promotes work-life balance    

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.    

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.

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