Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Drama School Mumbai (DSM)

About DSM / DSFM

Drama Schools Foundation Mumbai (DSFM)

Drama School Mumbai (DSM) is DSFM’s flagship institution and its beating heart.

Established in 2013, DSM has trained over 260 alumni, awarded nearly ₹2 crore in scholarships, and incubated more than 50 original productions that have reached classrooms, communities, and stages across the country. It is widely recognised for its ensemble-based pedagogy, its commitment to access and diversity, and its role in shaping a new generation of theatre-makers who link artistry with social purpose.

Zero Year (2025–26)

deliberate pause to redesign its systems, curriculum, and sustainability model for the decade

ahead.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Role Overview

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Academic Head

This role represents DSM’s dual commitment: to uphold the rigour of a school and the discipline of an institution. The CEO leads with integrity, fiscal responsibility, and cultural fluency — enabling the school to thrive as a civic and educational benchmark for theatre in India.

DSM Managing Council

Academic Head

Functional heads

Type: Full-time, three-year contract

Location: Mumbai (in-person

Working Style & Environment

leadership ecology

Key Responsibilities

1. Institutional Strategy & Financial Stewardship

● Lead DSM’s five-year institutional and financial strategy, aligning mission, operations, and growth.

● Oversee budgets, compliance, and fiscal planning with DSFM’s finance and audit teams; provide data-driven reports and consult on key decisions with the Managing Council.

● Secure long-term sustainability through tuition, partnerships, B2B initiatives, and DSFM-led fundraising commitments.

2. Enrollment, Marketing & Outreach

Lead national enrollment, brand visibility, and lead generation.

Oversee the full funnel from enquiry to admission, maintaining talent quality, diversity, and

access.

Integrate marketing, digital presence, achievements, and alumni stories into

communications and admissions campaigns.

Expand DSM’s footprint through regional outreach and feeder networks in colleges,

residencies, and creative industries.

3. Fundraising, Partnerships & Business Development

● Drive fundraising and partnership development across CSR, philanthropy, and institutional alliances.Build and steward donor and corporate relationships in line with DSFM’s strategy.

● Design and deliver earned-income initiatives—workshops, short courses, consulting, and B2B collaborations—consistent with DSM’s pedagogy.

● Represent DSM externally to funders, media, and sector partners as its principal executive voice.

4. Academic Partnership & Support

● Work with the Academic Head to uphold excellence in all programs.

● Align resources, scheduling, and staffing to protect academic rigour.

● Jointly design and run systems for academic quality assurance, student welfare, and feedback..

● Maintain consistent alignment between academic priorities and institutional strategy.

5. Finance, Operations & Human Resources

● Ensure fiscal discipline, compliance, and timely reporting across operations. Supervise the General Manager and functional managers in HR, finance, and administration.

● Foster a high-trust, performance-oriented culture with clear review cycles and professional growth systems.

● Oversee contracting, procurement, and governance processes aligned with DSFM standards.

Accountability

CEO

Enrollment health:

Public visibility:

Financial performance:

Academic alignment:

Operational discipline:

Fundraising outcomes:

Role Development and Growth

We aspire to retain an individual for a long and enduring career with the DSM.

integration and stabilisation

Years 2–3

Years 3–5

voice

Performance incentives

Non-cash recognition:

Performance & Reporting

The CEO establishes transparent monitoring systems and reports quarterly to the Managing Council.

Performance indicators include:

● Institutional financial health and fundraising delivery.

● Enrollment and access metrics.

● Operational compliance and HR discipline.

● Brand and partnership impact.

● Academic alignment and student outcomes.

The CEO provides annual strategic and financial reviews to the DSFM Board, ensuring donor stewardship and institutional accountability.

Compensation

External band:

Candidate Profile

Strategic and entrepreneurial leader with experience building mission-driven institutions in the arts, education, or creative sectors.

● Proven record in managing teams, budgets, and partnerships at scale.

● Financial and operational fluency, with demonstrated success in fundraising or business development.

● Deep respect for pedagogical integrity and ability to work collaboratively with creative and academic leaders.

● Systems-builder across HR, finance, compliance, and communications.

● Culturally fluent with artists, funders, and administrators alike.

● Experienced in leading institutional reset-to-growth phases.

Typically 12–20 years of experience in arts management, higher education, or related fields.

Interested candidates please share your Cv : resume@socialsynthesis.in