Development Officer

Development Officer – Individual Major Gifts  

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. 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 warmly welcome applications from individuals of all diverse backgrounds and cultures!

RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Dynamically and proactively develop a portfolio of approximately 100-125 existing and prospective major ($25k+) and leadership ($100k+) donors with a focus on the Western U.S. Initiate and execute tailored cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation strategies, engaging peers, executive, and senior program leadership as needed to grow significant philanthropic revenue of $5M annually. 

• Align donors’ philanthropic interests and giving preferences with RMI’s work globally. With a priority on fundraising for RMI’s unrestricted support, including RMI’s Acceleration Fund, collaborate with program teams to create compelling funding proposals and stewardship reports, translating technical details into clear, engaging language with outcomes-focused investment with a priority on flexible funding for RMI. 

• Lead strategic engagement teams for assigned donors and prospects, ensuring clear communication of roles and responsibilities across executive, program, and volunteer leadership. 

• Maintain high-quality donor data in CRM (Salesforce), document interactions, and provide accurate, timely financial projections. 

• Collaborate effectively with executive and senior staff. 

• Travel to identify and cultivate new funders, leveraging current RMI donor and volunteer relationships and personal networks. 

• Actively contribute to the development team by supporting the strategic plan, attending staff meetings, participating in task forces, and liaising with program colleagues. 

QUALIFICATIONS   

Minimum Education & Experience   

• Bachelor’s Degree   

• 5+ years of work experience in non-profit development, with a track record of successful solicitation of major gifts and leadership gifts of $100K or greater.  

• Experience in cultivating and ultimately stewarding the development of a pipeline of new donors.   

• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with constituents.  

• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.  

• Experience working successfully with t Executives in a fast-paced environment.   

• Experience working in an environment, climate, or energy field is strongly desired.  

• Planned giving experience desired but not required.   

• Ability to travel 25-35% of the time   

General   

• 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 

Remote with a preference for California, with possible domestic travel up to 25-35% time. 

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 join at the minimum to mid salary range of $96,645 to $119,115.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 

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. 

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.