Senior Manager, Individual Major Gifts (California)

Rocky Mountain Institute

6d•Remote

About The Position

Position Overview RMI seeks a dynamic Senior Manager based in California to join its team focused on individual and family philanthropy. This role is responsible for securing leadership gifts of $100K+ from individuals and family offices in support of building a sustainable future powered by affordable, resilient, clean energy. The position advances RMI’s highest-priority initiatives, including RMI’s Global Research Agenda the Acceleration Fund, legacy giving, and unrestricted giving through strategic, end-to-end donor engagement that drives sustained philanthropic support. The position reports to the Development Director, Individual Giving.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
7+ years of experience in non-profit development, with a proven record of successfully soliciting gifts of $100K or more.
Demonstrated success in building, cultivating, and soliciting a pipeline of both new and repeat donors.
Demonstrated ability to strategically manage and track a portfolio of prospects and donors.
Strong record of effective partnership with executives and senior leaders in fast-paced, data-driven environments.
Experience in the environment, climate, energy, or related fields required.
Willingness and ability to travel, primarily in California 25-35% of the time.
General Knowledge of RMI’s mission and objectives and the principles and practices of non-profit organizations.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with RMI staff, Board members, community groups, and other associated agencies.
Able to navigate and understand a complicated funding environment with the flexibility to change course quickly, with a positive attitude

Nice To Haves

Proven experience with legacy and planned giving strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-125-high-net-worth individuals and family offices, prioritizing principal gifts of mid-six and seven figures.
Execute tailored cultivation and solicitation strategies with senior leadership to generate at least $5M in philanthropic revenue annually.
Align prospects’ philanthropic goals with RMI’s high-impact priorities for the clean energy transition.
Represent RMI in meetings and events, traveling regularly to identify, cultivate, and deepen relationships with funders.
Leverage internal networks and external partnerships to map relationships and create strategic pathways to engagement with -high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
Provide strategic leadership to cross-functional engagement teams, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities across executive, program, and volunteer leadership.
Partner with program teams to develop compelling funding proposals and stewardship reports, translating technical details into clear, outcomes-driven narratives.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor data in Salesforce, documenting all interactions to ensure data integrity and provide accurate financial projections.
Contribute actively to the development team’s strategic goals through participation in staff meetings, task forces, and ongoing collaboration with program colleagues.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance
403b retirement match with immediate vesting
Group life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability
Optional voluntary life, AD&D and accident plans
Health savings or flexible spending accounts
Fertility and hormonal health support
Mental health and wellness support
Comprehensive leaves of absence (including generous parental leave)
Generous paid time off and sick leave
Paid sabbatical leave
Regional holidays with at least one extended break in each geography
Work from home and home technology allowances
Learning & development opportunities (LinkedIn Learning and an annual individual professional development budget)
Potential for bonuses and merit increases
Discount marketplace (gym memberships, pet insurance, etc.)
Hybrid / remote work options
Team retreats and geographic meetups
Rewards and recognition programs