Application Guide

How to Apply for Partnership Development Officer (Europe)

at RMI

🏢 About RMI

RMI is a unique non-profit organization focused exclusively on accelerating the global energy transition to a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. Unlike many environmental groups, RMI combines deep technical expertise with practical, market-based solutions, working directly with governments, businesses, and communities to transform energy systems at scale. Someone might want to work here to be at the forefront of climate action with an organization that has a proven track record of impact and a specific, ambitious deadline for systemic change.

About This Role

This Partnership Development Officer role involves developing and managing relationships with European public sector funders (multilateral and bilateral) to secure six-figure+ agreements and influence policy, directly fueling RMI's programs. You'll create and execute a Europe-specific funding strategy aligned with program teams, making you a critical revenue driver for initiatives like industrial decarbonization and grid modernization. Your success directly translates to scaling RMI's impact across Europe's energy transition.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing European policy updates and funding alerts, followed by a virtual meeting with a program team in the US to align on a proposal for a German ministry. Your afternoon could involve drafting a cultivation plan for a key contact at the European Investment Bank, then hopping on a call with a potential partner in Brussels to discuss collaborative opportunities around grid modernization. The role blends strategic planning, deep research, and active relationship management—all from a remote setup.

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🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For

  • Has 7+ years of proven experience securing major funding (six-figure agreements) from European public sector entities like the European Commission, national governments (e.g., UK, Germany, France), or development banks (EIB, EBRD).
  • Possesses deep, hands-on expertise (5+ years) in European energy transition topics, specifically industrial decarbonization, energy efficiency, or grid modernization, allowing them to speak credibly with funders.
  • Is a strategic thinker who can develop a holistic European public sector strategy that aligns funding opportunities with RMI's programmatic goals, not just chase individual grants.
  • Is a skilled relationship manager comfortable cultivating long-term partnerships with senior officials in multilateral and bilateral institutions, understanding their priorities and decision-making processes.

📝 Tips for Applying to RMI

1

Quantify your partnership and revenue achievements specifically with European public sector funders. Instead of 'secured funding,' write 'secured a €500,000 agreement from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action for a grid modernization project.'

2

Tailor your resume to highlight energy transition experience relevant to Europe. Mention specific projects, policies (e.g., EU Green Deal, Fit for 55), or technologies you've worked on that align with RMI's focus areas like industrial decarbonization.

3

Demonstrate your strategic approach by briefly outlining in your cover letter how you would map the European public sector funding landscape (key institutions, current priorities) to identify initial targets for RMI.

4

Show you understand RMI's model by referencing a specific RMI program or report (e.g., their work on 'Industrial Decarbonization' or 'Energy Transition Academy') and how public sector funding could accelerate it in Europe.

5

Given the remote UK location, explicitly state your right to work in the UK and your experience collaborating effectively in remote, international teams across time zones.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Open with a clear statement of your proven ability to secure six-figure+ funding from European public sector institutions, naming specific entities if possible.', "Bridge your energy transition expertise directly to RMI's work, showing you understand their technical focus areas and can discuss them knowledgeably with funders.", "Articulate a strategic thought: briefly suggest one European public sector opportunity (e.g., a specific EU funding instrument or national initiative) you believe aligns with RMI's goals and why.", "Express a genuine passion for RMI's mission-driven, deadline-oriented approach to achieving a zero-carbon future by 2030."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Deep dive into RMI's specific programs active in or relevant to Europe, such as the 'Industrial Decarbonization' initiative or 'Urban Transformation' work, to understand their technical content.
  • → Research recent RMI publications, statements, or appearances by leadership regarding the European energy transition to grasp their strategic stance and priorities.
  • → Map key European public sector funding entities relevant to energy (e.g., European Commission DGs, UK DESNZ, German BMWK, EIB) and their current funding priorities/calls for proposals.
  • → Understand RMI's organizational structure and culture by exploring their website's 'About Us' and 'Careers' sections, noting their emphasis on collaboration, impact, and the 2030 goal.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 "Walk us through your most complex partnership deal with a European public sector funder. What was your strategy, how did you navigate their processes, and what was the outcome (specific revenue/influence)?"
2 "How would you develop a cultivation strategy for a qualified prospect like the European Commission's DG ENER? What steps would you take in the first 90 days?"
3 "Based on your knowledge of the European energy landscape, which public funding stream or policy (e.g., Innovation Fund, Just Transition Fund) presents the biggest near-term opportunity for RMI's programs, and why?"
4 "Describe a time you had to align partnership or fundraising goals with the technical priorities of program teams. How did you ensure synergy?"
5 "How do you measure success beyond revenue? What 'influence' metrics would you track for public sector partnerships in this role?"
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't specifically mention European public sector fundraising or energy transition experience; this role is highly specialized.
  • Focusing only on private sector or philanthropic fundraising experience without clearly translating those skills to the distinct processes and politics of multilateral/bilateral public institutions.
  • Demonstrating a transactional view of partnerships (just 'getting the grant') rather than a strategic view of building long-term influence and alignment with RMI's programmatic goals.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to RMI!

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