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.

🎯 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

1

Highlight any experience with performance management redesign or implementation, especially in a remote or global context.

2

Showcase your understanding of RMI's mission and how talent strategies can support a fast-paced, mission-driven nonprofit.

3

Quantify your achievements in previous talent programs (e.g., improved engagement scores, reduced turnover).

4

Mention any experience with coaching or developing managers, as this role emphasizes enabling people leaders.

5

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.
Visit RMI's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach evolving RMI's performance management to foster a culture of continuous feedback?
2 Describe a time you implemented a workforce planning initiative in a global organization. What challenges did you face?
3 How do you ensure talent programs are equitable and inclusive across diverse geographies and cultures?
4 What metrics would you use to measure the success of talent programs, and how would you report them to leadership?
5 Given RMI's remote-first setup, how would you build a strong performance culture without in-person interactions?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ 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:

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!