Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Manager, Individual Major Gifts (California, USA)
at RMI
🏢 About RMI
RMI is a unique non-profit organization singularly focused on transforming global energy systems to achieve a clean, zero-carbon future by 2030. Unlike many think tanks, RMI operates with a practical, solutions-oriented approach, working directly with businesses, governments, and communities to implement systemic change. Someone would want to work here to be at the forefront of the climate fight, translating ambitious goals into tangible, funded projects that accelerate the clean energy transition.
About This Role
This Senior Manager role is the linchpin for securing principal gifts (mid-six to seven figures) from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to fuel RMI's high-impact priorities. It involves deeply understanding both donor philanthropic goals and RMI's specific clean energy programs to create powerful alignment, requiring strategic relationship-building and collaboration with senior leadership. The role's impact is direct and measurable, with a target of generating at least $5M annually to fund critical work in the climate and energy space.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve virtual meetings with donors across the country to discuss their philanthropic goals, followed by internal strategy sessions with RMI's program leads to deeply understand funding needs for specific initiatives like green hydrogen or grid modernization. The role balances high-level portfolio review and travel planning for upcoming cultivation trips with the detailed work of crafting personalized proposals and correspondence for top prospects.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For
- A seasoned fundraiser with a documented track record of personally closing major gifts of $100,000+, not just managing a team that did so.
- Has substantive knowledge or professional experience in climate, energy, or environmental sectors, allowing them to speak fluently and passionately about RMI's technical work with donors.
- Possesses proven experience in building a pipeline from identification through cultivation to solicitation and stewardship, specifically with ultra-high-net-worth individuals or family offices.
- Has hands-on experience with legacy and planned giving strategies, understanding how to integrate these into conversations about transformational philanthropy.
📝 Tips for Applying to RMI
Quantify your fundraising achievements precisely. Instead of 'managed a large portfolio,' state 'Managed a portfolio of 110 HNWIs, securing $6.2M in new gifts in 2023, including three seven-figure commitments.'
Explicitly connect your past sector experience to RMI's mission. Highlight any work in renewables, energy efficiency, climate policy, or sustainable finance to demonstrate you can be a credible ambassador.
Tailor your resume to show progression in gift size. Clearly list the largest gifts you've personally solicited and closed, ensuring at least one exceeds $100k to meet the stated requirement.
Research and mention a specific RMI program or initiative (e.g., their work on industrial decarbonization, the Carbon-Free Buildings initiative) to show genuine interest and understanding of where philanthropic dollars go.
If you have planned giving experience, highlight it prominently with a specific example, as this is a 'strongly preferred' qualification that could differentiate you.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Open with a compelling statement that connects your passion for systemic climate solutions with RMI's unique, implementation-focused model.", "Detail one specific example of cultivating and closing a major gift ($100k+), outlining your strategy, how you aligned the donor's interests with the organization's work, and the outcome.", "Explain your understanding of the clean energy landscape and how your background enables you to articulate RMI's complex work to potential donors convincingly.", 'Express your understanding of the remote, travel-intensive nature of the role and your readiness to manage a national portfolio from California, building relationships virtually and in-person.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Deep dive into RMI's specific programs and "Impact Ventures" on their website to understand their current funding priorities and theory of change.
- → Review RMI's annual report and news section to understand their recent major accomplishments, partnerships, and public stance on key energy issues.
- → Research key RMI leadership (e.g., CEO, other senior managers) to understand their backgrounds and public statements on philanthropy and the energy transition.
- → Look into the philanthropic landscape for climate giving, identifying other major funders and trends to understand the competitive and collaborative environment.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't mention RMI, climate, or energy, treating this as just any major gifts role.
- Failing to provide concrete, quantifiable examples of personally solicited and closed major gifts (especially at the $100k+ level).
- Demonstrating a transactional view of fundraising rather than a relationship-based, mission-alignment approach suited to principal gift work.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!