Program Services, Program Operations Manager

Program Operations Manager, Program Services

Are you an experienced people leader with a passion for energy transformation? Are you a self-starter with strong time management and organizational skills? If yes, then join our growing team!

Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply!

RMI decarbonizes energy systems through rapid, market-based change in the world’s most critical geographies to align with a 1.5°C future and address the climate crisis. We work with businesses, policymakers, communities, and other organizations to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50% by 2030.

 

Position Overview 

RMI is seeking a Program Operations Manager with exceptional organizational, communications, and people management skills and experience. In this role, you will work closely with key stakeholders across all levels of the organization to drive strategy and implementation. This individual, on the Program Services (PS) Team, is responsible for supporting the Senior Manager of Program Operations in managing a growing cohort of Program Operations Leads (POLs) across the Institute, thought partnering with stakeholders within RMI on solutions-oriented strategy development and process improvements, and developing a framework for centralized operational support for programs.

The ideal candidate for this role will be an experienced people manager, collaborator, and facilitator with exceptional critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills. Responsiveness to operational priorities is critical along with an eye for continuous improvement and supporting a rapidly scaling global company. This individual will report directly to the Senior Manager of Program Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Operations Leadership and People Management

• Demonstrate mature and thoughtful leadership, as well as a dispassionate, objective demeanor and facilitation style.
• Directly manage and provide ongoing coaching and professional development of 5-8 Program Operations Leads (POLs) (embedded point person for operational activities such as budgeting and financial management, procurement processes, information management, etc.) across multiple programs.
• Support the Senior Manager, Program Operations in the day-to-day oversight and management of the Program Operations cohort.
• Partner and collaborate with other Program Operations Managers on standardizing and systematizing cross-program and Institute-wide processes, with a focus on global expansion.
• Foster a culture of constructive dialogue and feedback that promotes personal and professional growth and development.

Centralized Operational Training and Capacity Development

• Lead the development of a theoretical framework and actionable playbook with defined parameters and criteria for centralized operational support of programs, specifically during unique and outstanding labor periods.
• In consultation with the Senior Manager, Program Operations, other Program Operations Managers, the Systems and Process Trainer, and L&D, develop customizable training for Program Operation Lead and Manager roles, including organizing and refining already existing training materials, identifying gaps, and evolving a portfolio for ongoing training and professional development for the Program Operations cohort.
• Be an integral partner to PS team and Strategic Operations leadership in better understanding program needs, creative problem solving, and effectively socializing strategy and implementation processes across the Institute.
• Support the Senior Manager, Program Operations in the analysis and interpretation of data and programmatic trends, specifically through manipulation of data in Excel.
• Support the Senior Manager, Program Operations in acting as an operational consultant, strategic thought partner, and advisor to program leadership and support the cross-pollination of best practices across the broader Institute.
• In collaboration with relevant stakeholders across Programs, PS Team, and the Program Operations cohort, assess and determine urgent operational priorities for programs during unique and outstanding labor periods (e.g. employee absences/vacancies, acquisitions, spin offs, strategy and budget review periods, etc.).

Portfolio Optimization, Coordination, and Collaboration

• Act as a collaborator with the broader Program Operations cohort and PS Team with a mindset of continuous processes improvement, innovation, informed decision making, and seamless global communication.
• Support the Senior Manager, Program Operations in the methodological development, implementation, and socialization of a Program Operations Capacity Assessment to capture operational labor burden and needs Institute wide, as well as other data collection and analysis initiatives as needed.
• Partner with other Program Operations Managers to develop, identify, optimize, and implement best practices and standards for core POL activities (such as budgeting and reporting, staffing, hiring, and people management, procurement and contracting) in collaboration with other key stakeholders.
• Partner with the Senior Manager of Program Operations, PS Team, and relevant Program Teams to facilitate continuous improvement efforts across programs, especially with regards to project monitoring, metrics and reporting, training, and relationship management.
• Be the point of escalation and support adjudication when there are challenges or inconsistencies across programs.
• Provide broader partnership and collaboration support to Strategic Operations department leadership.

Minimum Qualifications  

• Good judgment and strong decision-making ability.
• Able to sustain focus on key priorities in a demanding environment of growth and change, while being responsive and nimble when needed and appropriate. 
• Must exhibit superior verbal and written communication skills with a high degree of comfort interpreting results and communicating insights effectively.
• At least 5 years of relevant direct experience.
• Strong ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, in writing and verbally, across all levels of seniority.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Graduate degree preferred.
• Can thrive in ambiguous situations and operate effectively, even when the way forward is not clear.
• At least 2 years direct experience managing and overseeing staff.
• Proven ability to provide leadership, mentorship and build an internal culture.
• Clear, strategic thinker with a wide range of Operations strategies that you can employ or manage to achieve goals. 
• International and cross-cultural experience highly desired. 

Additional Qualifications  

 

• Passion for the mission of RMI. 
• Strong team and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently. 
• Demonstrated capability to present to audiences in a variety of cultural and institutional settings.
• Experience developing and driving strategy or strategic frameworks within complex organizational environments.
• Extreme attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work products.
• Ability to perform duties in a collaborative, unstructured working environment, strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills, strong analytical and quantitative skills and strong problem-solving skills required.
• Experience working internationally or at other INGOs or international organizations preferred.

Location     

• We are a remote-ready company with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado, and Basalt, Colorado. This role can be located from anywhere in the continental United States.
• Important Note: As a U.S. federal contractor, RMI must comply with requirements outlined in Executive Order Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors. This Executive Order requires that all federal contractors and subcontractors mandate and verify that all U.S. based employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are based in the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination status as a condition of employment. You may request accommodation for medical or religious reasons. If you are based outside of the U.S., this requirement does not apply.  
• We provide you with the essential IT equipment plus a one-time home technology payment and a monthly work from home/commuter allowance to ensure you have a comfortable home office set up and necessary supplies.
• We love seeing each other in person! We occasionally gather for shared time together like retreats and learning experiences. Be ready to travel for occasional in-person meetings (and of course, we cover travel costs). Some roles may require more travel, which will be discussed during the hiring process.

Compensation   

• RMI compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our ranges may also be determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Typically, new Program Operations Managers join at the minimum to mid salary range of $84,000 - $102,000. You would also have an additional 10% bonus target!

Benefits     

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:     

• Flexible working hours
• Commuter and work from home stipends
• 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)    
• Generous paid time off and sick leave
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability    
• Professional and personal development
• Parental leave    
• Medical, dental, vision insurance    

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion      

At RMI, our mission is to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future for all. For this to happen, every single person needs to be a stakeholder in the energy transition. Recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve is critical to our success. We need the widest range of perspectives to understand the systems we are trying to change. That doesn’t just mean bringing a diverse team to the table; it also means working proactively to give all job seekers and employees equitable experiences. Visit our DEI page for more information on our DEI initiatives and commitments.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

About RMI 

RMI is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization of experts across disciplines working to accelerate the clean energy transition and improve lives. Since our founding in 1982 by Amory Lovins, RMI’s chairman emeritus, we continue to grow and have a global reach and reputation.

For 40 years, RMI has utilized our unique techno-economic expertise and whole-systems thinking to publish groundbreaking research and analysis. We bring together collaborations of rare reach, range, and expertise—creating unconventional partnerships and mobilizing action to drive change on the massive scale needed to combat the climate crisis.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.