Manager Communications & Development, Pune

Role: Manager – Communications & Development, Pune
Experience: 5+ Years
Salary: 7-10 LPA

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About the Role:

The Manager – Communications & Development will serve as the strategic anchor and team lead for the Communications function. This role goes beyond execution and focuses on strengthening systems, processes, and strategic thinking within the team.

The role reports to the Director/Associate Director: Organisation Development and Communications.

The Manager will lead a team of Senior Associates and Associates, elevate performance standards, and ensure that all communications reflect a strong systems-change narrative within the public education ecosystem. The role will work closely with the fundraising team and support other internal functions (programs, partnerships, leadership) to ensure alignment in messaging and organisational priorities.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Branding and Ecosystem Positioning (30%)

• Lead the implementation and evolution of a long-term communications strategy
• Build a compelling narrative that connects with key stakeholder
• Revamp and manage the organisation's website and digital presence
• Translate strategy into annual and quarterly communication plans
• Strengthen positioning across the education ecosystem (government, CSR, funders, NGOs, media)
• Identify key policy moments and visibility opportunities
• Oversee analytics (social media, website, newsletters) to refine messaging
• Ensure adherence to brand guidelines across teams
• Build media relationships and secure thought leadership opportunities
• Position leadership in external forums (webinars, panels, podcasts, etc.)

2. Team Leadership, Structure & Performance Management (30%)

• Lead and manage a team of Communications Associates and Senior Associates (prior team handling experience is mandatory)
• Build structured workflows for planning, review, and approvals
• Introduce performance dashboards and track KRAs
• Conduct regular 1:1s focused on feedback and development
• Review all communication outputs for quality and alignment
• Design internal learning initiatives (writing, storytelling, media training, etc.)
• Identify skill gaps and build targeted development plans
• Foster a culture of feedback, iteration, and high standards
• Ensure timely delivery and balanced workload distribution
• Support performance reviews with structured inputs

3. Innovation (10%)

• Introduce new content formats (data storytelling, videos, policy explainers, etc.)
• Benchmark against leading organisations
• Pilot new storytelling and branding initiatives annually
• Strengthen narrative quality and consistency
• Develop systems to measure communication impact beyond vanity metrics

4. Branding & Event Strategy (30%)

• Lead communications for key organisational events (conferences, launches, webinars)
• Ensure high-quality documentation (videos, reports, photo essays)
• Oversee production of:
  - Annual Reports
  - Research Reports
  - Case Studies
  - Articles & Opinion Pieces
  - Infographics and Briefs
• Support leadership with speeches and thought leadership content
• Identify awards, fellowships, and visibility opportunities
• Ensure alignment of all external communication with organisational strategy

Education & Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in communications (education/development sector preferred)
• Mandatory experience in leading and managing teams
• Strong understanding of India's education ecosystem (policy, government, donors, NGOs)
• Experience working cross-functionally with programs, fundraising, and leadership teams
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to provide constructive feedback
• Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
• Proficiency in digital tools, analytics, and performance tracking
• Ability to work in dynamic, evolving environments
• High ownership and accountability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Functional knowledge of Marathi (preferred)
• Strong presentation and data-handling skills (Microsoft & Google Suite)

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Hiring Note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis. This job is first posted on March 17, 2026 on Ground Zero

For any questions, ping us on WhatsApp chat: +91-8058331557