Fundraising & Partnerships Associate

About the Role:

The Fundraising & Partnerships Associate will be responsible for driving fundraising and building strategic partnerships to support the mission and growth of Transitions Research. The Associate will play a critical role in securing and stewarding funding from a diverse set of partners, including philanthropic foundations, corporate CSR arms, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), and donor networks or intermediaries.

This role requires a dynamic, relationship-driven individual with strong communication skills and a deep understanding of the social impact funding landscape in India. The Fundraising & Partnerships Associate will proactively identify and cultivate donor relationships, develop compelling engagement strategies, and collaborate closely with programme and leadership teams to align donor priorities with the organisation’s work.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and sector standards.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Lead and execute a fundraising and engagement strategy for philanthropy, CSR, and HNI donors aligned with the organisation’s vision.
• Identify, research, and map donors (philanthropic, CSR, HNIs, and intermediaries) whose priorities align with Transitions Research’s thematic areas and projects.
• Maintain and regularly update a structured donor database, tracking engagement, proposals, reporting deadlines, and relationship history.
• Build and manage strong, long-term relationships with donors and partners, ensuring consistent communication and strategic alignment.
• Craft customised engagement materials, including concept notes, proposals, pitch decks, and progress reports, in collaboration with programme and communications teams.
• Develop stewardship strategies to deepen donor engagement and ensure accountability through timely updates and reporting.
• Represent Transitions Research at relevant convenings, funder events, and sectoral platforms to build visibility and network connections.
• Monitor emerging trends in the climate, technology and social sector development funding ecosystem, and identify opportunities for new partnerships and collaborations.
• Collaborate with leadership to evolve a long-term strategy for sustainable, values-aligned fundraising.
• Willingness to travel as needed for meetings, events, and donor engagements.

Skills and Experience:

• 4+ years of specific experience in fundraising or donor advising, with a track record in engaging senior executives and decision-makers.
• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding funds from diverse donor types, including CSR, philanthropy, and HNIs.
• Strong relationship-building and convening skills to engage external partners and contribute to a growing ecosystem of funders and collaborators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a persuasive and strategic approach tailored to varied audiences.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to read between the lines and translate donor and institutional priorities into actionable plans.
• Background in climate action, the non-profit sector, donor advisory, or impact investing is desirable.
• Adaptable and self-motivated in a dynamic, evolving funding environment, with a positive and solutions-oriented mindset.

Timeline:

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Due to the small capacity of our team, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply:

Please share your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and motivation for the role (max. 1000 words) to careers@transitionsresearch.org with the subject line: “Fundraising & Partnerships Associate”.