As the Search Lead, you will build a strong recruitment ecosystem in your assigned geography by cultivating relationships, identifying strategic partners, and directly engaging promising entrepreneurs. You will serve as Watson Institute s on-the-ground connector, designing outreach strategies, hosting events, and ensuring high-quality applicants are consistently entering the pipeline.

Local Ecosystem Building:
Conduct thorough research and mapping to identify key organizations, universities, incubators, community groups, and influencers in the assigned geography who can connect you to promising entrepreneurs.
Partnership Development:
Build relationships with local nominators and organizations that can refer qualified candidates; attend their events, offer to present, and co-host info sessions (virtual or in-person).
Virtual In-Person Event Hosting:
Organize and lead virtual info sessions and recruitment events for the assigned geography; co-host events with local partners; present at community gatherings.
Direct Headhunting:
Proactively identify and reach out to highly promising entrepreneurs through LinkedIn, network referrals, and personalized engagement.
In-Person Presence:
Attend community events, pitch the Fellowship, and represent Watson Institute in your region.

Fellow Review (15% of time)

The Search Lead will support the full admissions process for the assigned region. From application review to candidate interviews, ensuring that each prospective Fellow is evaluated with care, consistency, and alignment with Watson Institute s mission. The Search lead will maintain an organized and responsive pipeline while guiding applicants through each stage.

Review and screen applications from the assigned geography.
Conduct preliminary interviews with prospective Fellows.
Manage the candidate pipeline in Salesforce for the assigned geography.
Maintain communication with applicants.

Data Management Analysis (7% of time)

Strong recruitment depends on accurate, timely data. The Search Lead will maintain organized records, monitor progress against benchmarks, and report on performance. These insights will help refine outreach strategies and guide weekly decision-making.

Report weekly on progress, challenges, and leads.
Track recruitment metrics for the assigned geography.

Collaboration Reporting Structure (12% of time)

The Search Lead will work independently day-to-day while staying closely aligned through structured communication pipelines and weekly touchpoints. These meetings ensure consistency across geographies and provide you with support, real-time feedback, and strategic guidance.

Weekly Team Meeting (1 hour):
Attend the Fellowship recruitment team meeting to share updates, coordinate across geographies, and align on strategy.
Weekly 1:1 (30-60 minutes):
Review the assigned geographys progress, troubleshoot challenges, and receive guidance on recruitment approach.
Total internal meeting commitment:
Approximately 2-3 hours per week.

Performance Benchmarks

The Search Leads performance will be evaluated weekly and monthly, with the specific benchmarks outlined in the contract. These benchmarks will be based on the following: partnerships established, outreach conducted, events hosted, applications generated, and interviews completed.

*New responsibilities may develop as the Search Lead position evolves.

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Search Lead, India (Contractor)

Experience & Salary

Skills Required

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Job Type

Job Description

Search Lead (Contractor Role) - Role

Geographic Recruitment Partnerships (66% of the time - of time)

Local Ecosystem Building:

Partnership Development:

Virtual In-Person Event Hosting:

Direct Headhunting:

In-Person Presence:

Fellow Review (15% of time)

Data Management Analysis (7% of time)

Collaboration Reporting Structure (12% of time)

Weekly Team Meeting (1 hour):

Weekly 1:1 (30-60 minutes):

Total internal meeting commitment:

Performance Benchmarks

More Jobs at Watson Institute