Program Manager - Knowledge

Job Title:

Program Manager, Knowledge at Accelerate Indian Philanthropy

About Accelerate Indian Philanthropy (AIP):

AIP was formed about three years ago with the objective of helping India's wealth creators with their philanthropic work and enable them to Give More, Give Sooner, and Give Better. The insight that led to this organization was that philanthropy can indeed make a difference to India's transformation; that philanthropists were keen to make this difference and finally that philanthropists themselves are in the best position to inspire other philanthropists. In this sense AIP was conceived off as a movement of philanthropists and for philanthropists.

The idea of AIP was conceived by Ashish Dhawan, Rohini Nilekani and Amit Chandra along with Vishal Tulsyan who joined them later as a Core Founder. Today AIP has over 40 other Founders as well, who support the organization and enable us to do what we do. AIP Has its own advisory Board.

Our core philosophy and lens has always been to put philanthropists first and philanthropists always. We believe philanthropists themselves are in the best position to decide where and how to make their philanthropic investments. We do not push or sell any sector, organization or method of philanthropic investments.

AIP aims to achieve its objective through four workstreams primarily:

• Networking and convening:

  this is to enable sharing of philanthropy experiences and to help philanthropists influence and inspire other philanthropists

• Create and curate knowledge products:

  this includes Reports, Articles and other public goods, sector primers, case studies and Specific research requested by our members.

• Bespoke partnering:

  these are deep and purposeful engagements with philanthropists to advance their philanthropy by helping build/define perspective, purpose, process, portfolio, and performance.

• Thought Leadership:

  the attempt here is to further the cause of philanthropy through thought leadership, articles and opinion building to create an environment that facilitates ease of giving.

AIP has a small and extremely experienced team of 15 people across outreach and knowledge. As an organization, AIP is supported by Its core founders and founders who believe in AIPs mission and fund the organization. We are not intermediaries nor grant-makers and our members giving is done directly by them and not routed through us. AIP does not charge any fee and our work is completely pro-bono.

Position Summary:

We are looking to hire an exceptional Program Manager to join the team to work on building the organization's overall knowledge resources and strengthen philanthropist outreach and engagement by creating knowledge products in key sectors (health & nutrition, education, environment, etc.), sharing insights, and supporting in development, implementation, and evaluation of philanthropic portfolios. The candidate will also assist with maintaining and growing the existing network of philanthropists for AIP. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working in a start-up environment, enjoy building and scaling organizations, and care deeply about the impact sector. The Program Manager will provide intellectual and execution support on strategic projects aimed at unlocking catalytic philanthropic giving in India to solve key development challenges.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support outreach with knowledge and insight, using efficient research approach, methods, and tools
• Manage and deliver curation of knowledge products, including both primary and secondary research projects, speaking with experts and synthesizing data from multiple data points; indicative knowledge resources include sectoral reports, philanthropy case studies, and NGO profiles
• Maintain and grow the existing knowledge partnerships comprising SMEs, philanthropy affiliations, and NPO leaders for AIP, and initiate/participate in a wide range of interventions, not limited to proposals, events, and networking
• Create and maintain deep engagement with the philanthropists team members
• Aid the development and implementation of activities and programs to build the organizations bespoke partnering, knowledge production, networking and communication capabilities
• Help identify philanthropists, wealth managers, foundations, and other organizations that AIP could potentially partner with to achieve strategic priorities
• Take on diverse operational tasks to ensure organizational success

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Program Manager, Knowledge

• Masters degree in Economics or Management or Social Sciences from a top tier institution with a high degree of intellectual curiosity and sophistication
• 5 to 8 years of work experience in a challenging/high growth environment
• Entrepreneurial self-starter, passionate about philanthropy and strategic giving, and interested in solving complex social problems
• High intellectual vitality, the desire to continuously learn, read, and engage on a variety of topics. While the person may only have a basic understanding of philanthropic and social sector, we highly value the willingness to learn
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, planning and organizational skills with high attention to detail, accuracy, professionalism, and deadlines
• Strong communication, writing, interpersonal, and stakeholder-facing skills including great presentation and facilitation skills
• Ability to do research and distil important concepts in a structured, concise, yet comprehensive manner
• Drive to excel in every aspect of work with high level of innovation and strong perseverance
• Ability to take initiative and develop solutions quickly and effectively
• Ability to understand and consider organizational culture and change
• Ability to function and interact in a professional level capacity to sustain the mission, culture and best interests of the organization
• Ability to adapt and exhibit confidence in a highly evolving, agile, and fast paced work environment
• High level of discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive materials and issues
• Operating style suited to working in a small-organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued
• Broad and strategic mindset, creative aptitude, and effective use of independent judgment

What we have to offer:

• A contemporary approach to benefits, with competitive remuneration (pay scales as a function of employee skills and experience they bring), flexibility, and balance (work-life) keeping in mind optimized mental and physical health
• Belonging to a talent pool that strives to incorporate diversity in thinking, research approach, and problem-solving. Building knowledge with a broader mission and purpose towards making a difference and an impact on society
• A career path that begins by inculcating a sense of ownership to handle projects that help develop skills on the job, with mentorship and support, and open and constructive feedback
• Scope to collaborate with practitioners across TCFs portfolio of 12 mission-driven organizations, working at the system-level to move the needle on complex issues and create an impact at scale
• Avenues to observe interactions with Indian philanthropists on one side and NGOs on the other, to gain depth and breadth of knowledge in strategic giving and development work
• Commitment to building a work culture that respects and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. Roles and responsibilities that are aligned with the environment, sustainability, and social accountability of the organization towards the community and the nation