Director - STEM

ABOUT THE WORK

This role contributes to advancing access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for students across India. The position focuses on strengthening program quality, and enabling equitable participation in STEM pathways.

Approximate Allocation of Time

• 25% Program strategy & delivery: Manage complex operational challenges while ensuring strong learning outcomes.
• 25% Fundraising & partnerships: Engage with CSR leaders, foundations, and government stakeholders to build long-term relationships.
• 25% Team leadership: Lead and develop a distributed, mission-driven team.
• 15% Government relations: Represent the organisation with state education departments and ensure effective partnership execution.
• 10% Thought leadership & sector engagement: Contribute to policy discussions, research, and advocacy within STEM education.

This role is not limited to program oversight; it is a strategic leadership position involving growth, delivery, partnerships, and sector influence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Fundraising & Partnership Development

• Build and nurture relationships with CSR leaders to align strategic priorities.
• Navigate funding landscapes, cultivate relationships with program officers, and guide proposal development.
• Structure and manage multi-year government collaborations with significant financial commitments.
• Explore innovative, sustainable funding mechanisms.

2. Government Relations & Systems Change

• Develop strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders in state education departments. 
• Represent the organization on committees and forums, advocating for STEM education priorities.
• Manage cross-functional partnerships with multiple governmental and educational bodies.

3. Program Strategy & Delivery

• Ensure programs consistently deliver measurable learning outcomes across diverse contexts.
• Design scalable execution models that maintain quality as operations expand.
• Create data-driven feedback systems for continuous improvement.
• Oversee budgeting and ensure responsible, impact-focused resource allocation.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• 10-15 years of experience in education, development, or the corporate sector, including 5-7 years in senior leadership.
• Proven leadership of large-scale programs.
• Prior experience in fundraising.
• Experience working with state education departments or other major government partnerships.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical problem-solving ability and comfort with complexity.
• Proficiency in writing compelling proposals and partnership pitches.
• Strong business & financial acumen for strategic decision-making.
• Deep commitment to educational equity and expanding STEM opportunities.
• Intellectual honesty, adaptability, and comfort working in ambiguous or dynamic environments.
• Resilience in navigating operational, governmental, and funding-related challenges.