​Director of Philanthropy – New Initiatives and Partnerships

RMI is seeking a Director of Philanthropy – New Initiatives and Partnerships to develop the fundraising strategy and support the execution of the fundraising for new RMI Initiatives and programmatic partnerships with top global organizations.  This position is a new position in RMI’s development team to help accelerate the launch fundraising initiatives, while supporting RMI’s donor-focused relationship management model, which provides a organization-wide account management for prospects and donors, versus a siloed approach by program or initiative.  This approach has led to a 5-fold increase in philanthropic revenue over the last five years. 

As key leader in RMI’s development team, you will directly and indirectly guide the development of fundraising initiatives involving relationships across both internal and external stakeholders.  

Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!

Key Responsibilities:   

Strategic Fundraising Initiative Planning and Implementation: 

• To address the urgency of the climate crisis and the need for collaborative fundraising, you will build successful fundraising strategies for new initiatives within RMI, and in partnership with other global NGOs.   
• You will develop - with RMI development, marketing, program, and external partner resources - the materials and strategies required for fundraising, including cases for support, qualified prospects lists, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. 
• You will build upon and improve RMIs current systems to efficiently deliver on partnership obligations, with a mission-first, servant-leader approach.  
• Using your knowledge of the energy and climate funding landscape, as well as new funding prospects, you will engage with RMI’s broader development team, programmatic NGO partners, influencers and others to integrate new initiatives into current funders portfolios as possible and develop new donors for expanded programming. 

Partner and Project Management  

• You will spearhead RMI’s strategy around engaging partners around philanthropy, developing performance targets and milestones for periodic review and revision, tracking progress, pursuing corrective actions, and identifying and recruiting appropriate resources as necessary.    
• Assesses external organizational needs and develop processes using RMI’s current tools and systems for each of RMI’s philanthropic partnerships 
• Formalize partnerships:  
  • When appropriate, work with RMI’s finance, legal and program teams to formalize partnerships using MOUs, LOIs or appropriate sub-grant/contracting relationships.  

Relationship Management and Solicitation:  

• Facilitate productive and expanding relationships between RMI and key organizational partners at the appropriate levels within each organization.  
• Be a successful fundraiser for gifts $1M and higher, while also comfortable supporting others in making those solicitations. 
• Identify “white space” programs or initiatives that address specific market gaps, leveraging relationship networks to support rapid traction against goals.        

Minimum Qualifications    

• Bachelors degree and at least 10 years of professional experience.     
• Experience working successfully with top level Executives. 
• Experience developing and executing fundraising initiatives in a fast-paced environment. 
• Experience working in environment, climate or energy field strongly desired.  
• Knowledge of funders, NGOs, government entities, and other organizations working in climate, energy, and environment globally. 
• Excellent presentation and verbal communication skills, in speeches and one-on-one meetings    
• Strong writing skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into compelling, concise messages.   
• Operationally efficient leader, adept at managing and building systems and processes to support execution. 
• Proven fundraising or business development experience raising $5M+ annually.    

Additional Skills and Abilities    

• Knowledge of RMI’s mission and objectives as well as the principles and practices of non-profit organizations. 
• Intense curiosity and creativity.   
• Willingness to take risks by looking across boundaries and exploring and testing new ideas and connections.   
• Demonstrated ability to envision, develop and lead emerging opportunities.   
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with RMI staff, Board members, community groups and other associated agencies. 
• Able to navigate and understand a complicated funding environment with the flexibility to change course quickly with a positive attitude 
• Highly collaborative and fun team player.   
• The ability to create impact through influence.   
• Willingness to plunge into unfamiliar disciplines.   
• A passion for making the world better.       

Location:     

This position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, it is expected that these roles be located at one of our offices in New York City, Oakland, CA, Washington D.C., Basalt, CO, or Boulder, CO. This will be discussed further throughout 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 Development Directors based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid-salary range of $134,000- $157,000. You would also have an additional 20% 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 for all.    

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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