Special Projects Manager- Strategic Analysis and Engagement

Are you a seasoned people leader with experience driving clean energy and social change transitions? Do you enjoy plunging into unfamiliar disciplines and testing new ideas? Are you a collaborative and strong team player who can also be a respected change agent from within? Do you have a passion for RMI’s mission? If yes, then join our growing Strategic Analysis and Engagement (SAE) team! 

Program Overview  

The SAE group’s mission is to catalyze and coordinate cutting-edge thought leadership activities at the edges and intersections of RMI programs. We apply systems-thinking approaches to the interlocking behavioral, technoeconomic, and institutional factors that influence the pace and direction of the energy transition and help the organization develop an overall view on pathways to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. We collaborate with all of RMI’s 14 programs and RMI’s executive team to deliver on emergent, high-impact opportunities that provide new and scaled opportunities for impact. 

Position Overview   

RMI’s SAE group is seeking a Manager to lead special projects across RMI’s program portfolio, and to oversee a junior staff cohort program. In this role, you will work directly with RMI’s senior leaders to develop, scope, and execute high-impact projects that advance RMI’s overall mission and help create new opportunities and scaled impact for our program portfolio. These projects are often emergent and fast-paced and provide the opportunity to engage with our most critical external stakeholders and audiences, and RMI’s program leaders. Over time, there is an opportunity to transfer from special projects to a role within one of our individual programs, if desired. 

Key Responsibilities  

• Lead the scoping and execution of special projects at the program portfolio-level, working with RMI’s senior-most leaders  
• Scope and execute emergent, high-impact special projects relevant to individual programs, at the direction and in collaboration with program leadership 
• Manage and support 2-5 team members, and partner with HR to guide the on-boarding and training of a regularly refreshed cohort of 10 new associates to be deployed into RMI’s programs 

Minimum Qualifications  

• A graduate degree in a relevant field such as business administration, energy economics, public policy, etc, and 5+ years of relevant experience such as in management consulting, strategy development, etc. 
• A passion for and track record of coaching and leading high performing staff in a project-based work environment  
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships or partnerships to achieve shared objectives   
• Experience structuring and managing complex projects, paired with the ability to lead and navigate challenging conversations  
• Ability to work fluidly and effectively across corporate, government, philanthropic, and non-profit environments 
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills    

Preferred Qualifications  

• Proven ability to influence and catalyze change through the application of exceptional interpersonal, relationship building, and collaboration skills 
• Experience with and deep understanding of corporate strategy, decision-making, and influence strategies 
• Experience managing junior team members, including providing coaching and mentorship, and managing performance reviews  
• Experience leading projects that involve quantitative analysis  

Location  

The position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, we prefer that this role will be based out of one of our offices in Oakland, CA, Washington, D.C., New York City, Boulder, or Basalt, Colorado, but remote or hybrid work is a possibility that can be discussed through the interview 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. Typically, new Program Manager based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid-salary range of $103,000- $121,000. 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)   
• Generous PTO   
• Learning & Development opportunities   
• Parental leave   
• Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long-Term Disability   
• Commuter and Wellness Benefits   

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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