Job Description:
Position Overview
RMI seeks a dynamic Development Officer to join its individual and family philanthropy team. This role is responsible for securing leadership gifts ($100K+) from individuals and family offices in support of building a sustainable future powered by affordable, resilient, clean energy. A central focus will be on high-priority fundraising initiatives, including RMI’s Global Research Agenda, the U.S. A Way Forward plan, the Acceleration Fund, and unrestricted giving. It involves managing all aspects of donors’ and prospects’ engagement with the Institute, leading to sustained support. The position reports to the Development Director, Individual Giving.
We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply.
Responsibilities
Proactively manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125 major ($25k+) and leadership ($100k+) donors with a focus on the Western U.S. Develop and execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies, engaging peers and senior leadership as needed to generate $5M in philanthropic revenue annually.
Prioritize fundraising for RMI’s Global Research Agenda, U.S. A Way Forward plan, the Acceleration Fund, and unrestricted giving by aligning donors’ interests with RMI’s most impactful work.
Represent RMI in meetings and events, traveling regularly to identify, cultivate, and deepen relationships with funders.
Leverage internal networks and external partnerships to map relationships and build pathways to engagement with ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
Lead cross-functional engagement teams, ensuring clear communication of roles and responsibilities across executive, program, and volunteer leadership.
Partner with program teams to create compelling funding proposals and stewardship reports, translating technical details into clear, engaging language with outcomes-focused narratives.
Maintain high-quality donor data in CRM (Salesforce), document all interactions, ensure data integrity, and provide accurate financial projections.
Actively contribute to the development team’s strategic goals by attending staff meetings, joining task forces, and liaising with program colleagues.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree
5+ years of experience in non-profit development, with a proven record of successfully soliciting gifts of $100K+.
Demonstrated success in building, cultivating, and soliciting a pipeline of new donors.
Skilled in managing and tracking a portfolio of 100+ prospects and donors.
Proven ability to work successfully with executives and senior leaders in fast-paced environments.
Direct experience in the environment, climate, energy, or related fields (required).
Experience with legacy and planned giving (preferred).
Willingness and ability to travel 25-35% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of RMI’s mission and objectives and 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 associated agencies.
Able to navigate and understand a complicated funding environment with the flexibility to change course quickly, with a positive attitude
Location
We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. Please note that there is a preference for this role to be based out of California, with possible travel up 25-35% of the time.
We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.
We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.
Compensation
At RMI, we prioritize fairness in our pay practices. Salaries are determined based on a mix of experience, market benchmarks, and internal equity across similar roles. The salary range of this position is $96,000-$119,000. New hires typically start toward the lower end of the range, depending on experience and alignment with the role’s scope. In addition to base salary, this position includes an annual bonus target of 10% and eligibility for merit-based increases, which are tied to both individual and organizational performance.
Benefits
We offer an array of benefits including:
Medical, dental, vision insurance
403b retirement match with immediate vesting
Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability
Optional voluntary life, AD&D and accident plans
Health savings or flexible spending accounts
Fertility and hormonal health support
Mental health and wellness support
Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave)
Generous paid time off and sick leave
Paid sabbatical leave
Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography
Work from home and home technology allowances
Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget)
Potential for bonuses and merit increases
Discount marketplace (gym memberships, pet insurance, etc.)
Hybrid / remote work options
Team retreats and geographic meetups
Rewards and recognition programs
Diversity
We know that the diversity of our teams makes us stronger as an organization, and RMI is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity as outlined in U.S. federal law. We prohibit discrimination against applicants, interns, and employees on the basis of any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: age (40 and over), race, color, sex, pregnancy (including lactation, childbirth, or related medical conditions), religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender expression/identity, uniformed service member status, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other applicable status protected by applicable law.
RMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.