Development Operations Lead / Executive Assistant

Job Description:

Development  Operations Lead and Executive Assistant 

RMI is seeking a professional, self-motivated, and experienced candidate with exceptional project management, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills to provide high-level executive support for the Chief Development Officer and Development team.  The ideal candidate will manage competing priorities with a can-do attitude, high attention to detail, operate efficiently, and maintain a pleasant and professional demeanor under pressure.  The person must have a proven track record handling sensitive information, managing projects and schedules, facilitating meetings, and preparing executive level communications and presentations.  

This position reports to the Chief Development Officer.  

We highly encourage individuals of underrepresented groups to apply!

Key Responsibilities  

Development Executive Support (50%): 

Serves as a key member of the Development team. Excitement about fundraising and performing distinct development tasks will be an essential part of the job. Responsibilities include: 

Project Management: 

• Work across Development verticals and with other internal stakeholders.  

• Manage workflows and secure necessary approvals for materials (from external collateral to MOUs), 

• Sets realistic timelines across teams (including Senior staff) and ensuring deadlines are met, 

• Facilitate the smooth rollout of efficient internal workflows, including: 

• Play a key role in managing effective relationships with internal stakeholders, 

• Maintain relevant systems (Salesforce, Monday.com, SharePoint), to ensure high-quality and up-to-date data, 

• Enable transparent and timely communication across Development, Program and relevant operations teams, 

• Improve development systems and processes, as identified in the normal course of work.  

• Liaise between fundraising and finance team in managing proposals and reports within the donor portfolio of CDO 

Executive Operations: 

• CDO Operational Support: Create PowerPoint presentations, including basic analysis, for key audiences internally (Board of Directors, CEO, RMI Councils, Senior Leadership Team etc).  

• With Development Leadership team, prepare for and manage Development team meetings, including agenda and meeting management and notes, and follow up actions. 

Scheduling, Correspondence, and Travel Arrangements: 

• Maintain confidential and sensitive information. 

• Foster positive relationships while interacting with RMI staff and donors and represent the CDO and development team in a positive light through great follow-through skills and sound judgement. 

• Manage internal and external scheduling for CDO and other development leaders, often across multiple global time zones.  

• Coordinate with the CEO office, board of trustees liaison, and program team administrative teams to leverage executive travel globally for donor engagement.    

• Manage CDO travel arrangements and coordinate Development-related travel for other RMI leadership 

• Determine priority matters of attention for the CDO, redirect matters to staff to handle, or handle matters personally as appropriate. 

• Prepare and respond to a range of high-level written and verbal correspondence, briefings, and donor meeting materials. 

• Interest in building their skills in fundraising/development professionally. 

Customer Service and Event Support (15%) 

• Provide outstanding customer service for donor requests and questions through email and phone communications.   

• Event support as-needed, including onsite logistical support for donor-focused event 

• Work with CDO on logistics and facilitation of team retreat(s) 

Development Team Admin (35%) 

• Scheduling interviews for new staff and support onboarding for new Development Team hires. 

• Use Manage Monday.com and Sharepoint document organization for internal team folders and Development content accessible RMI-wide 

• Help plan and host Development Team engagement opportunities and team culture events (biweekly coffee hours, holiday parties, etc.) 

• Continually improve processes and support Development Team knowledge management. Champion an understanding all systems and processes. 

• Process expense reports for CDO and Senior Directors 

Technical and Tools Knowledge 

• Tools: Maintain a high level of knowledge of and facility with office tools and software including Salesforce, Office 365, Calendar functions, SharePoint, OneDrive, Excel, Word, Power Point and Macintosh. 

• Dependability. Can be counted on to assist with projects outside areas of primary responsibility.  

•  Flexibility. Able to handle unanticipated changes to schedules, plans and workloads; approaches difficult situations with a positive attitude.   

• Presentation. Exhibits a high level of professionalism in interaction with others. Communicates clearly and effectively verbally and in writing and has superior listening skills. Interacts with others in a professional manner. Represents RMI to the outside world, often by engaging with people at the highest levels in corporations, foundations, individual donors, government, and academic institutions.  

Minimum Qualifications:  

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

• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible administrative, operations, project management or related experience  

• Experience at nonprofit organizations   

• Experience in fundraising and/or proposal development   

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 

• Proven organizational skills and ability to balance competing priorities  

• Attention to detail and exceptional accuracy   

Additional Qualifications:  

• Interest in philanthropy, climate, and energy 

• Strong team and interpersonal skills, including proven ability to build effective relationships 

•  Ability to work independently and proactively, and anticipate needs and potential challenges 

• Must be well-organized, flexible and enjoy the administrative challenges of supporting executive level individuals  

• Ability to interact with staff at all levels, often under pressure, remaining positive, flexible, proactive, resourceful, efficient, and managing multiple demands  

• Able to manage several responsibilities at a time while ensuring accuracy and attention to detail  

• Ability to maintain professionalism and strict confidentiality at all times 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  

• Experience with Salesforce 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Calendar functions, Sharepoint, OneDrive, Excel, Powerpoint, Word and typical contact database software  

• Experience planning domestic and international travel   

• Ability to continually develop skills related to use of rapidly changing technology and communications best practices  

• Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set essential  

• Good judgment and excellent decision-making ability  

• Strong problem-solving skills 

 Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience working for a geographically dispersed organization 

• Experience working for a nonprofit 

• Experience working with fundraising database software 

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 Leads join at the minimum to mid salary range of $70,000-92,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!   

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 must be located in Boulder, Colorado and includes the ability to work a hybrid work schedule.

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.

Benefits     

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

• Medical, dental, vision insurance  
• 403b retirement options (up to 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   
• Work from home and commuter allowance

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:   

• 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.        

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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.