Job Description:
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Development Officer-Foundations is responsible for the development and management of a portfolio of current and potential major donors – primarily foundations. This includes working with programmatic staff to build the fundraising strategy and the case for support while building and leveraging key relationships and contacts within and outside of the organization’s network. The Development Officer - Foundations will be a key contributor to the development team and will be essential to the achievement of the organization’s fundraising goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Advance foundation relationships that result in large philanthropic contributions for RMI through strategic engagement, personal in-person and virtual visits, email correspondence, and telephone conversations with prospects and donors.
Identify, qualify, solicit and steward a portfolio of several dozen new and prospective foundation accounts capacity to make gifts (from $25,000 to $1,000,000 and more).
Provide a high-quality experience for funders and potential funders through education and engagement on RMI’s clean energy program portfolio.
Act as a fundraising partner to Senior Managers, Directors, and the Senior Director in support of managing major accounts.
Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to realize the current and lifetime giving potential of prospective funders.
Work collaboratively with program teams to gain a comprehensive understanding of RMI work and build strong working relationships with program leaders.
In partnership with program teams and grant writers, develop compelling proposals, concept notes, and stewardship reports that convey the impact of RMI’s work in easy-to-understand narratives.
Build and maintain strong working relationships with program and operations leaders; serve as a lead Development point of contact for 1-2 programs.
Use Salesforce database to document moves management process and provide accurate relationship status and financial projections for portfolio.
Review grant budgets to ensure that proposed deliverables align with program budgets.
Prepare meeting briefings, strategic planning for meeting goals and roles, and prepare communications and materials, designing meeting content, and coordinate activities with program and finance colleagues.
Serve as an active member of the development team; support the implementation of the development team’s short- and long-term objectives; engage with the development team by attending staff meetings, serving on special task forces, participating in development-program meetings, and understanding and contributing to development strategy and overall mission.
Perform other duties as required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree
5-10 years work experience in non-profit development and/or relationship management, with a track record of successful solicitation of philanthropic gifts.
At least 5 years' experience fundraising from foundations.
Track record of successfully raising at least 5-figure gifts from foundations.
Experience writing winning grant applications or proposals.
Experience working successfully with top level Executives in a fast-paced environment.
Experience working in environment, climate or energy field strongly desired.
International experience preferred but not required.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
GENERAL
Knowledge of RMI’s mission and objectives as well as the principles and practices of non-profit organizations.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with funding partners, 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
Ability to manage multiple complex and nuanced projects at the same time on deadline
Submitting a writing sample will be required as part of the hiring process.
Location
We are a remote-ready organization 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. This role can be located anywhere in the continental United States.
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). This role may be expected to travel for team events which occur approximately twice a year.
Compensation
RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary range for this position is $96,645-$119,000. You would also have an additional 10% bonus target!
To apply, you must provide a cover letter and resume.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package adjusted to regional norms, including (for U.S. employment):
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
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:
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.
RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.