About the role:
The State Head will lead and drive Lighthouse operations across Odisha and ensure achievement of agency, skilling, and livelihood targets in line with the MoUs signed with donor and Government partners. The role will be responsible for establishing the Lighthouse Program as a best-in-class youth development initiative that enables youth from underserved communities to access formal employment and self-employment opportunities.
The State Head will build systems, processes, and teams that foster a culture of learning, inclusion, safety, and youth agency across all Lighthouse centres. The role also involves strategic stakeholder management with Government bodies, donors, corporates, NGOs, political representatives, volunteers, and ecosystem partners.
The ideal candidate is passionate about youth empowerment and community transformation, possesses strong operational and leadership capabilities, and has experience managing multi-centre programs and diverse stakeholders within the social impact ecosystem.
Your role in supplementing the Organisational goals:
- Program & Centre Management
- Independently lead Lighthouse Centres across the state to enable thousands of youth from nearby communities to access formal jobs and self-employment opportunities.
- Ensure effective implementation of the Lighthouse Foundation program to help youth build long-term agency and self-reliance.
- Develop and maintain safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environments across all centres.
- Drive timely execution and high-quality outcomes across all stages of the program lifecycle: Community outreach, Youth mobilization, Learning and engagement, Skilling and placements and Alumni engagement
- Build systems and operational processes to ensure program efficiency, scalability, and quality delivery.
- Stakeholder & Government Relations
- Build and maintain strong relationships with ward-level and state-level stakeholders.
- Liaise with Government officials (Corporators, Ward Officers, PMC personnel, district/state authorities), Political representatives and local influencers, NGOs and community-based organizations, Corporate partners and employers, Donors and funding partners, Volunteers and citizen groups
- Collaborate with stakeholders for mobilization support, placements, volunteering initiatives, advocacy, and ecosystem partnerships.
- Represent the organization in external forums, review meetings, donor visits, and strategic discussions.
- Partnerships & Ecosystem Development
- Identify and develop partnerships with skilling agencies, placement organizations, employers, and livelihood ecosystem partners.
- Build strong employer networks to improve placement and self-employment opportunities for youth.
- Support fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership development initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with existing organizational programs such as GOYN and LH Kiran.
- Brand Building & Advocacy
- Lead centre-specific and state-level brand-building initiatives and community events.
- Strengthen the organization’s visibility and advocacy efforts within the local economy and stakeholder ecosystem.
- Team Leadership & Culture Building
- Lead, mentor, and motivate large teams across multiple centres toward performance excellence and impact.
- Build a high-performance culture rooted in Integrity, Courage, Empathy, and Inclusion. Ensure strong collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning within teams.
- Support hiring, capability building, performance management, and team development initiatives.
- Strategy, Innovation & Problem Solving
- Identify creative and innovative solutions to strengthen program implementation and youth engagement. Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence across centres.
- Anticipate challenges and proactively develop strategies to ensure program success and sustainability.
Eligibility:
- MSW or Post-Graduation in Social Work, Development Studies, Management, Education, or related fields preferred.
- 10+ years of experience, preferably in community development, skilling, livelihoods, education, or NGO program management.
- Experience working with urban communities and multi-stakeholder environments preferred.
- Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management.
What are we looking for:
Core Skills
- Strong community engagement and relationship-building abilities
- Program management and execution excellence
- Stakeholder management and networking skills
- Team leadership and people management
- Strong communication and public speaking skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to work independently in dynamic community environments
Technical & Functional Skills
- Knowledge of youth skilling, employability, and livelihood ecosystems
- Understanding of government systems and grassroots engagement
- Experience in partnerships and placements
- Proficiency in MS Office / Google Workspace
Preferred Attributes
- High ownership and execution mindset
- Empathetic and youth-centric approach
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
- Adaptable, resilient, and solution-oriented
- Passion for social impact and community transformation
Does it sound exciting?
If yes, then share your CV with us by mentioning the designation in the subject line at [email protected]
Pay: ₹1,000,000.00 - ₹1,300,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
