Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Manager, Talent and Performance
at RMI
🏢 About RMI
RMI is a global nonprofit dedicated to transforming the global energy system from fossil fuels to clean, zero-carbon solutions by 2030. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that has a tangible impact on climate change, with a collaborative culture that values innovation and equity.
About This Role
This role is central to shaping RMI's people practices, focusing on performance management, talent programs, and workforce planning. You'll lead initiatives that directly impact employee growth and organizational effectiveness, ensuring RMI has the talent and culture to achieve its ambitious climate goals.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve collaborating with HR colleagues on talent program design, meeting with managers to discuss performance issues, analyzing workforce data to identify gaps, and developing training materials for performance reviews. You'll also spend time engaging with remote employees across different time zones to ensure programs are meeting their needs.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who RMI Is Looking For
- Proven experience in talent management, performance management, and workforce planning, ideally in a global, mission-driven organization.
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to design and implement talent programs that align with organizational goals.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to train and influence leaders at all levels.
- Data-driven mindset with experience using people analytics to inform decisions and measure program effectiveness.
📝 Tips for Applying to RMI
Highlight any experience with performance management redesign or implementation, especially in a remote or global context.
Showcase your understanding of RMI's mission and how talent strategies can support a fast-paced, mission-driven nonprofit.
Quantify your achievements in previous talent programs (e.g., improved engagement scores, reduced turnover).
Mention any experience with coaching or developing managers, as this role emphasizes enabling people leaders.
Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as 'performance culture,' 'workforce planning,' and 'succession.'
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine passion for RMI's mission of clean energy transformation and how your talent expertise can accelerate that mission.", "Describe a specific talent program you've led that had measurable impact, and connect it to the responsibilities of this role.", 'Emphasize your ability to build relationships and collaborate across global teams, which is critical for a remote-first organization.', 'Mention your strategic approach to talent management, showing you can align people practices with organizational goals.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read RMI's latest annual report and strategic plan to understand their 2030 goals and current initiatives.
- → Explore RMI's culture and values on their website, especially any content about their people and talent philosophy.
- → Look up recent news about RMI's programs and partnerships to understand the organization's impact and scale.
- → Check RMI's LinkedIn page and employee reviews on Glassdoor to get a sense of the internal culture and common challenges.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on HR processes without connecting them to business or mission outcomes.
- Avoid a generic cover letter that doesn't mention RMI's specific mission or recent initiatives.
- Don't underestimate the importance of remote work experience; be ready to discuss how you've managed remote teams or programs.
📅 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!