Research Manager – Handicrafts Centre of Excellence

We’re looking for a dynamic and driven Research Manager to lead and shape the research and knowledge-building efforts at the Handicrafts Centre of Excellence at JECP. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is passionate about India’s traditional crafts, and eager to document, promote, and support the innovation and enterprise of rural artisans. You'll be working at the intersection of research, design, enterprise incubation, and cultural storytelling, building collaborations and crafting narratives that help position Eastern UP as a vibrant craft economy. Key Responsibilities Research & Documentation • Lead the research and documentation of traditional crafts and artisan clusters in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. • Create and contribute to digital archives, case studies, publications , and a craft digital library . • Establish partnerships with academic and research institutions to deepen the body of knowledge and generate new studies. Fundraising & Proposal Development • Support fundraising efforts through grant writing, donor proposals , and partnerships with national/international organisations. • Design research-informed proposals that help scale craft enterprises and programming. Programs & Knowledge Transfer • Help design and run programs under the Centre of Excellence , including workshops, capacity-building sessions, and mentorship models for artisan-led businesses. • Collaborate with other Centres of Excellence at JECP for cross-learning and shared impact. Partnerships & Collaborations • Build strong networks with designers, brands, design institutes, and skill trainers for collaborative product development and artisan training. • Facilitate connections between craft entrepreneurs and B2B/B2C markets , retail opportunities, and exhibitions. Storytelling & Visibility • Work closely on branding, content creation, and storytelling via social media and publications to highlight regional crafts and the Centre's impact. • Organise panel discussions, networking events , and roundtables with key players from the craft ecosystem. Who You Are • A curious mind with deep respect for India’s handmade heritage. • You have experience in research, social development, creative industries, or enterprise incubation . • Strong communication skills – both written and visual – with a knack for storytelling. • Experience working with artisans, rural communities, or creative entrepreneurs is a bonus. • Comfortable wearing multiple hats and managing projects from concept to execution. Perks of the Role • A chance to live and work at the grassroots, with real impact. • Be a part of a transformational movement to build Eastern UP’s rural economy. • Access to an expansive network of national and international partners, designers, and innovators . • Space to create, collaborate, and celebrate the craft ecosystem while building your leadership journey. How to Apply Email your resume, a short statement of interest, and any relevant work samples (research, writing, project briefs) to ashutosh@jagriti.org and narangidevi@jagriti.org with the subject line: Application – Research Manager, Handicrafts CoE . Show more Show less