Program Operations Manager - Carbon-Free Buildings

Are you an experienced people leader with a passion for energy transformation?  Are you a self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills? If yes, then join our Program Services Team!  

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply! 

Position Overview   

RMI is seeking a Program Operations Manager with exceptional organizational and communication skills. In this role, you will work closely with key stakeholders across all levels of the organization to drive strategy and implementation. Be an integral partner to Program Leadership, including supporting leadership in strategy, measurement and evaluation and organizational support.  

This individual will report directly to the Program Managing Director and the Senior Manager of Program Operations. Responsiveness to business priorities is critical along with an eye for continuous improvement and supporting a quickly scaling company.  

RMI decarbonizes energy systems through rapid, market-based change in the world’s most critical geographies to align with a 1.5°C future and address the climate crisis. We work with businesses, policymakers, communities, and other organizations to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% by 2030.  

Key Responsibilities:  

Program Operations Leadership and Team Oversight 

• Oversee Program Operations Leads (POLs) (embedded point person for operational activities such as budgeting, procurement processes, hiring)  

• Provide ongoing guidance and support for Program Operation Leads, Program Assistants and the overall team, and related Portfolio of Programs or Initiatives 

• Be an integral partner to Program Leadership in terms of supporting strategy, measurement and evaluation and organizational support. 

• Develop a program operation matrix in conjunction with program team and Senior Manager of Program Operations 

• Lead and grow the team while empowering people to act with autonomy 

• Use continuous improvement methods to identify ways to optimize program effectiveness, efficiency and quality. 

• Foster a culture of feedback that promotes personal and professional growth and development 

• Work with the Senior Manager of Program Operations and other Program Operations leaders to make sure work is effectively managed to ensure timely responses and prioritization as required 

• Work collaboratively across all RMI Programs and Departments 

Portfolio Optimization and Coordination 

• Collaborate with the broader Program Operations and Services Leadership Team with a mindset of continuous processes improvement, innovation, informed decision making, and seamless global communication 

• Partner with Program team and Senior Manager of Program Operations for developing mechanisms for project monitoring and on continuous improvement efforts, metrics and reporting, training, and relationship management  

• Develop, Identify, optimize, and implement best practices and standards for core Program Operations Lead activities (such as budgeting and reporting, staffing, hiring, and people management, procurement and contracting) in collaboration with key stakeholders. 

• Partner with Senior Manager of Program Operations and Program Services Process and Project Manager to ensure program operational and administrative processes are documented correctly and accessible  

• Be the point of escalation and support adjudication when there are challenges or inconsistencies across  programs or initiatives 

• Strategically coordinate and supervise organizational processes across the portfolio, such as strategy and budget reviews  

• Support program leadership in the execution of an M&E reporting framework for the program and individual teams 

• Coordinate with RMI teams to ensure projects meet the strategic, financial, and technical objectives of our partners

Program and Operations Responsibilities (all may not be applicable for each portfolio)  

• Guide and Support Program Operations Lead (POL) responsibilities and direct work for Program Assistants for assigned Program 

• Work with Program Operations Lead to ensure program budget management and grant reporting activities are aligned with RMI processes 

•  Support, Guide, and lead POLs in managing procurement, facilitating contracting and management of contractors to meet program delivery needs,  

• Work with and support regional management connected with program goals and objectives as needed 

• Support, and guide POLs in managing vendor and consultant contracts, and invoice processes.  

• Guide to the development of program materials including but not limited to, preparation of presentations, project documentation, funding proposals and other documents required for successful project development 

• Additional responsibilities to support Program success, as required

Minimum Qualifications   

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience  

• At least 5 years of direct relevant experience 

• At least 2 years’ experience managing and overseeing staff 

• Experience in managing multiple multi-million-dollar budgets  

• International and cross-cultural experience highly desired  

• Clear, strategic thinker with a wide range of Operations strategies that you can employ or manage to achieve goals.  

• Proven ability to provide leadership, mentorship and build an internal culture  

• Able to sustain focus on key priorities in a demanding environment of growth and change, while being responsive and nimble when needed and appropriate.  

• Can thrive in ambiguous situations and operate effectively, even when the way forward is not clear  

• Must exhibit superb verbal and written communication skills with a high degree of comfort interpreting results and communicating insights effectively  

• Good judgment and strong decision-making ability 

• Strong ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, with senior staff in various organizations, companies, and governments
  

Additional Qualifications   

• Passion for the mission of RMI  

• Strong team and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently

• Ability to perform duties in a collaborative, unstructured working environment, strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills, strong analytical and quantitative skills and strong problem-solving skills required 

• Extreme attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work product 

• Experience working with national stakeholders and clean energy vendors 

• Experience with project financial reporting 

• Experience in renewable energy project development 

• Demonstrated capability to present to audiences in a variety of cultural and institutional settings. 

Location      

• This position will remain remote through the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the COVID-19 situation improves, it is preferred that candidates will live near one of RMI’s U.S. locations.  

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 Operations Managers join at the minimum to mid salary range of $79,000-$93,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!   

Benefits    

We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment): 

• 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    

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.