Program Operations Lead – Carbon Free Electricity

Job Description: Program Operations Lead, Carbon-Free Electricity Job Description Are you a program management professional who takes initiative, is flexible, and enjoys working in a results-driven, team environment? Are you able to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administration, and organizational skills? Do you have experience streamlining systems and processes for programs and people? If yes, then join our team! Individuals of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply! Program Overview RMI’s Carbon-Free Electricity (CFE) Program supports the rapid and equitable decarbonization of electricity systems to support modern, clean economies the world over. We work to facilitate the transition away from coal-powered generation, slow the expansion of gas-fired generation, and wisely manage existing gas infrastructure, allowing for decommissioning were prudent. We also work to speed the deployment of clean, distributed, and customer-centric energy solutions; expand transmission networks to accommodate the growth of carbon-free electricity resources; and transition utilities to be climate-aligned in their business models and operations. We work closely with utilities, regulators, businesses, advocates, and customers to evolve grid institutions, policies, regulations, business models, and processes in support of the transition to a clean energy future. We employ a unique combination of research, consulting, and collaboration to support individuals and organizations to innovate and implement transformative energy solutions.

Position Overview

Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) is seeking a Program Operations Lead (POL) with exceptional organizational and communication skills to facilitate successful execution of all operations enabling maximum impact and return on investment. The POL plays a key role in ensuring that the knowledge developed by the program is effectively managed and communicated to relevant parties. The POL drives efficiency across operations and supports successful execution by monitoring and reporting on progress, resource usage and performance to objectives. This individual also ensures program budgets and progress are reported to staff and funders, and that the program coordinates and collaborates with key stakeholders to drive change.

This position has matrixed reporting, with a solid line to the Program Operations Manager under Strategic Operations and dotted line to the Managing Director of Carbon-Free Electricity. They will also work closely with other senior staff in the execution of CFE Program workstreams. The Program Operations Lead (POL) will help create a high-performance working environment and maximize our programmatic impact, where both the POL and colleagues can realize professional growth and success.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Budget management and financial reporting:

• Support and advise the annual budget creation process and CFE maintain program budget by reforecasting within Adaptive.
• Manage program budget tracking and synthesize insights from budgeting tools to advise program leaders and project managers with data-backed recommendations.
• Manage the monitoring project balances and drawdowns according to project funding agreement requirements.
• Maintain a high-level view of the funding pipeline and give feedback to leadership on future funding gaps.
• Act as a liaison and coordinate with RMI’s FP&A and Development teams to ensure program budgets and pipelines are accurate, correct budget templates and rates are used in proposals.

People:

• Partner with RMI’s People team with facilitating the hiring process, including coordinating job postings, resume reviews, and sometimes interviews.
• Partner with program team and People team to facilitate new hire onboarding.
• Support team members in participating in relevant trainings and utilizing their learning and development budgets.
• Facilitate team events and retreats.

Procurement And Contracting:

• Plan, organize, and execute internal program-related events.
• Manage invoices, current contracts, creation of new contracts and relationships with current and future program contractors, including in-country team members.
• Submit vendor bills correctly and in a timely manner.
• Facilitate and advise CFE project staff on procurement processes with the support from RMI’s procurement office.

Project Management:

• Monitor team members utilization in project management software, and advise project managers and program leaders on capacity.
• Maintain project structures (including budget and project-specific data) and create new projects when needed in project management software.
• Provide consultative support to Project Managers in reviewing and approving timesheets and expense reports for the program.
• Maintain the program’s SharePoint homepages and file structure.
• Track RMI-standard performance indicators and compile useful summaries for program leadership.

Internal (intra-institute) / Cross-functional Coordination:

• Partner with Cross-functional departments and program leaders on the implementation of RMI-wide system and process improvements.
• Serve as liaison between CFE and RMI’s cross-functional departments, with a focus on efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support Metrics & Evaluation, corporate engagement, and equity leads in developing templates, processes, and SharePoint structures.
• Facilitate internal coordination with other programs and operations on shared resources, providing frequent updates to leadership.
• Drive intra-institute coordination efforts in partnership with the Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation Manager and the Program Managing Director, proactively making recommendations on best practices and procedures.

Other/ Miscellaneous:

Additional responsibilities, as required

Qualifications:

• 5 years of progressively responsible administrative, finance, operations, project management or related experience
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven organization skills and flexibility when it comes to balancing priorities
• Strong team and interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently
• Proficient budgeting, finance, and project management skills
• Ability to effectively multitask and navigate ambiguity
• Strong verbal and written communications skills
• Experience working with complex budgets and funders
• Ability to manage stakeholder relationships
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills
• Good judgment and strong decision-making ability
• Attention to detail and exceptional accuracy
• Grant and proposal writing and management

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.

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. The salary range for this position is $70,000 – $86,000. You would also have an additional 5% bonus target!

Benefits:

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 403b Retirement Options (5% match immediately)
• Generous PTO
• Learning & Development opportunities
• Parental leave
• Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Commuter and Wellness Benefits

Diversity:

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future for all.

We Strive For a Level Of Diversity That Reflects The Communities We Serve. Achieving This—regardless Of Ability, Race, Ethnicity, Ancestry, Age, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Veteran Status, Socioeconomic Class, Educational Attainment Or Other Social Identities—is Critical To The Success Of Each RMIer And Collectively As An Organization. This Ensures That We:

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.
• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.
• 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.

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