Job
Description
Role - Senior Associate/ Manager, Founders Office Reports to: Founder, Indian School of Development Management About ISDM The Indian School of Development Management pioneers a transformative approach to management, envisioning a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable . Established in 2016, it serves as a foundational hub for cultivating a robust ecosystem and a cadre of skilled professionals dedicated to advancing social change globally. Driven by the conviction that the social sector plays a pivotal role in addressing humanitys most pressing challenges, the school operates on the premise that effective management is essential for achieving significant impact. By nurturing talent in Development Management tailored to the unique needs of the social sector, the school aims to catalyze sustainable socio-economic and ecological progress on a large scale. Recognizing the power of institutions to shape professional ecosystems, the school aims to establish itself as a beacon of excellence in higher education. Through this, it seeks to lay the groundwork for a thriving community of practitioners dedicated to driving positive change in society. Over the past seven years, the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) has garnered validation, support, and funding from esteemed individuals and organizations. While numerous programs worldwide aim to cultivate management capabilities for the social sector, they often reside within larger university ecosystems or business schools, where they may receive lesser attention compared to mainstream programs. ISDM stands out as the sole institution globally dedicated to fostering a comprehensive ecosystem for Development Management, focusing on pioneering work in critical areas. ISDMs initiatives encompass: Knowledge Creation: Establishing a Global Knowledge Hub to create, disseminate, and institutionalize contextual knowledge on building, leading, and managing social purpose organizations, networks, and platforms. Talent Nurturing: Offering the Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM) to attract and develop top-tier talent capable of addressing management challenges within the sector. Capacity Building: Providing Strategic Capacity Building programs to enhance individual and institutional capacities in development management, thereby fostering sustainable and scalable social impact. ISDM has successfully completed its Proof of Concept Phase and is now set for expansion over the next five years. Key achievements include high placement rates for PGP-DM graduates and plans for increased batch sizes, a new campus, international partnerships, and accreditation. The institute is also conducting research and establishing Centers of Excellence in various areas of social impact. Additionally, it offers programs for professionals and resources for grassroots organizations. Know more at www.isdm.org.in . ISDM invites individuals who share its vision to join in creating a dynamic, catalytic ecosystem and positioning India as a thought leader in Development Management, ultimately enabling sustainable social impact at scale. Job Description Reporting directly to the Founder, the Senior Associate provides executive support in a one-on- one working relationship. They serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external people on all matters pertaining to the Office of the Founder. They also serve as a liaison to the board of directors and senior management teams; organises and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts, and oversees special projects. This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate needs, think critically, and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. The ideal individual will have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organisational skills, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. Key Responsibility Areas Communications, Partnerships, and Outreach Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external people on all matters pertaining to the Founder, including those of a highly confidential or critical nature. Prioritise and determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response, exercising judgment to reflect Founder s style and organisation policy. Ensure that the Founders biodata is kept updated and responds to requests for materials regarding the Founder and the organisation in general. Edits and completes first drafts for written communications to external stakeholders. Administrative tasks Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks that facilitate the Founder s ability to effectively lead the Organization, including: assisting with special projects; designing and producing complex documents, reports, and presentations; collecting and preparing information for meetings with staff and outside parties; composing and preparing correspondence; maintaining contact lists Strategic Initiatives Work with the different team in coordinating the Founders outreach activities. Follows up on contacts made by the Founder and supports the cultivation of ongoing relationships. Edits all, and creates acknowledgment letters from the Founder to donors and partners. Evaluate and assist in developing office policies and procedures for improved workflow and anticipate future needs as organization grows. Board Support and Liaison Act as a liaison and provide support to the Board of Directors. Arrange and handle all logistics for Board meetings and events: schedule meetings; draft agendas; develop, compile, and distribute presentation materials; and record meeting minutes on behalf of Board Secretary. Educational Qualifications and Experience Required The candidate should have a Master s degree in Management or Business Administration 6-8 years of work experience. Significant executive support experience, including supporting C-level executives. Non-profit board experience is highly preferred Strong organisational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritise multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service Experience and interest in internal and external communications Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms Highly motivated individual with an ability to take initiative and work independently Comfortable working with ambiguity and adapting to the latest market trends Ability to provide strategic inputs through experience and research Project Management, Research, and Analytical skills Excellent written and oral communication and presentation-making skills Ability to present and influence at a range of seniority levels Adaptable to changing team needs and the organisational environment. Experience working effectively in a team environment A high degree of professionalism in dealing with diverse groups of people, including Board members, senior executives, staff, community leaders, donors, and funded partners. ISDM is an equal opportunity organisation with a particular emphasis on affirmative action. The culture of the organisation is one of professionalism while also one that greatly values relationships.
