Development Officer, US Government Funding

About RMI

We are hiring an energetic, mission-focused professional with proven experience working with US government funding agencies to provide to cultivate, secure and support RMI’s U.S. government grant funding. The individual in the position must have high attention to detail, experience working directly on or in a support role as needed to secure and steward major relationships with U.S. federal, state, and city entities, and be willing and able to contribute to both donor strategies and serve as an internal thought partner for the internal due diligence required to make sure RMI meets the requirements of U.S. grants.

The Manager will be responsible for the management of a portfolio of primarily current and prospective U.S. government opportunities at the federal, state, and city level. This includes working with programmatic staff to support their fundraising strategy, building and leveraging key relationships and contacts within and outside of the organization’s network, and providing the project management and ensuring high quality content for proposals. This position is an integral part of the RMI Development team and will work closely with all programs in the institute focused on the US energy transition.

Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!

A successful candidate will have experience building practice areas for U.S. federal funding, and a successful track record of securing related grants.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance individual and organizational relationships that result in grant or investment contributions for Rocky Mountain Institute to develop and scale our programs.
• Support the development team and program leadership to understand the qualifications required and work with core operating units to develop systems and controls to manage restricted funding according to donor requirements.
• Research funding opportunities, key milestones and dates, and manage the inquiry process with partnership teams.
• Develop proposals with internal and external teams.
• Project manage US Department of Energy and other federal and state funding proposals and requirements. Determine monitoring and evaluation criteria and build capacity among core operating units.
• Work with development, finance, and other core operating units to ensure policies and procedures are in place to qualify for U.S. government funding;
• Create compelling proposals, cultivate new prospects, and steward existing donors.
• Use Salesforce database to document moves management process and provide accurate relationship status and financial projections for portfolio.
• Work collaboratively with RMI program teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of RMI’s work and build strong working relationships with program leaders.
• Interpret proposal technical and operational requirements and engage key players to ensure compliance.
• Support the development team in preparing communications and materials, designing meeting content, and coordinating activities with program colleagues.
• Serve as an active member of the Development Team and perform other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental field, public administration, international relations, or related field.
• A minimum of 3 years work experience in the cultivation, securing, and negotiating of U.S. government awards
• Knowledge of funding streams and operations within U.S. federal, state, and city systems;
• Experience in fundraising and/or proposal development;
• Understanding of results and evaluation frameworks for U.S. funding awards;
• Proven organization skills and flexibility when it comes to balancing priorities
• Experience working successfully in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong team and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently
• Excellent writing and editing skills for the key stakeholders.

Additional Qualifications:

• Preexisting relationships with funders and influencers within the U.S. government system would be a plus.
• Experience with Salesforce
• Proactive attitude and the ability to anticipate need, with good judgment and strong decision-making ability
• Excellent and intuitive writing and editing skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software skills

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. 

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 Officers based in the U.S. join at the minimum to mid-salary range of $81,000 - $109,000. 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.