Assistant Director

Role & responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Shape the 3-5 year strategy with the Executive Director and turn it into annual plans, budgets and targets.
• Drive organizational growth by expanding MVS India's annual turnover, project portfolio and team.
• Decide where we grow next themes, geographies and partnership models.
• Stand in for the Executive Director when required and prepare papers for the Governing Board.

Programme Operations & Quality

• Ensure all programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
• Conduct monthly reviews of progress, expenditure and risks, and take timely corrective action where projects fall behind.
• Build a learning culture through M&E and visit project sites regularly.

Team Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor and hold accountable all Heads of Department through clear goals, KPIs and regular reviews.
• Resolve cross-functional issues and build strong coordination so all departments work towards shared goals.
• Lead senior hiring and succession planning, and uphold MVS India's safeguarding policies.
• Draw on a strong development-sector network to identify and refer suitable candidates for key roles as MVS India grows.

Partnerships, Donor Relations & Resource Mobilisation

• Oversee Resource Mobilisation & Grant Management strategy, pipeline and major proposals.
• Build senior relationships with CSR Heads, CXOs, foundations and government; lead high-value negotiations.
• Represent MVS India at CSR, philanthropic and government platforms.

Finance, Compliance & Governance

• Review budgets with Finance and monitor utilisation against donor agreements.
• Ensure compliance with Section 135 and the CSR Rules, 12A/80G, statutory filings and donor requirements.
• Strengthen systems, policies and risk management, and report regularly to the ED and Board

Qualifications & Experience :-

• Postgraduate degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Rural Management, Public Policy, Management or a related field.
• 15+ years in the development sector, with at least 7 years at Director, Deputy Director or senior HOD level.
• Proven fundraising record, with an established network of CSR, foundation and institutional donors.
• Proven record of leading large multi-sector programmes and senior teams across districts or states.
• Exposure to CSR, institutional grants and government programmes, with sound knowledge of the CSR Rules.
• Experience in Board governance, audits and due diligence; fluent in English and Hindi; willing to travel.

Key Competencies :-

• Grounded leadership leads by example.
• Strategic and practical vision with execution.
• Sound judgement decides or escalates wisely.
• Empathy and fairness treats people with dignity.
• Clear communicator with boards and communities.
• Integrity transparent and ethical.
• Strong network CSR, donors and development sector.
• Digital tools working knowledge is an advantage

Expected Behaviours :-

Leadership

• Owns results and never passes blame to the team.
• Sets clear expectations and gives honest feedback.
• Stays calm in a crisis and gives the team direction.
• Is fair, consistent and follows through.

Adaptability

• Adjusts plans quickly when donor, policy or field conditions change.
• Handles uncertainty and competing priorities with focus.
• Moves easily between Board rooms and field visits.
• Learns from setbacks and helps the team bounce back.

Openness to Change

• Welcomes new ideas, digital tools and ways of working.
• Listens to the team, partners and communities before deciding.
• Questions old habits while respecting what already works.
• Leads change with care, bringing people along