Director – Programs & Partnerships
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka (with frequent travel across program locations)
Organization: Kalike Foundation (Associate Organization of Tata Trusts)
About Kalike Foundation
Kalike Foundation is committed to improving learning outcomes and strengthening community development systems through innovative, evidence-based interventions. Working across education, early childhood development, library transformation, community engagement, and livelihoods, Kalike partners with governments, communities, and institutions to create sustainable impact.
As we expand our footprint and deepen our impact across geographies, we are seeking a visionary and execution-oriented leader to join us as Director – Programs & Partnerships.
Position Summary
The Director – Programs & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth leadership across all programmatic interventions of the organization. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the incumbent will drive program quality, scale, partnerships, innovation, governance, and impact measurement while ensuring alignment with Kalike's mission and long-term organizational goals.
This position serves as a critical leadership role and forms part of the organization's succession pipeline for future executive leadership responsibilities.
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Strategy & Growth
- Develop and drive the overall program strategy aligned with organizational vision and impact goals.
- Lead the design, innovation, and scaling of program models across geographies.
- Identify emerging sectoral needs and develop future-ready interventions.
- Promote knowledge management and institutionalize best practices across programs.
Program Implementation & Operational Excellence
- Oversee end-to-end program implementation across multiple states and districts.
- Establish and strengthen systems, processes, SOPs, and quality assurance frameworks.
- Ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality program delivery.
- Provide strategic and operational support to regional and state program teams.
Governance & Compliance
- Build strong governance structures and accountability mechanisms for program delivery.
- Monitor program risks and ensure compliance with donor, legal, and organizational requirements.
- Lead internal reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Partnerships & Resource Mobilization
- Develop and nurture strategic relationships with donors, CSR partners, foundations, government departments, and ecosystem stakeholders.
- Lead partnership development and contribute to fundraising efforts.
- Strengthen donor engagement through effective communication and impact storytelling.
- Identify new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and funding.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
- Strengthen organizational monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.
- Develop data-driven reporting and decision-making mechanisms.
- Ensure quality impact measurement frameworks and outcome tracking.
- Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Financial Management
- Oversee program budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.
- Ensure effective utilization of funds and compliance with donor commitments.
- Collaborate closely with Finance teams on budgeting, forecasting, and financial governance.
Team Leadership & Capability Building
- Build strong leadership pipelines across program verticals.
- Mentor and develop senior program leaders and second-line managers.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
- Drive employee engagement and a high-performance culture.
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director.
- Contribute to organizational growth, transformation, and sustainability initiatives.
- Represent the organization in key external forums, networks, and stakeholder engagements.
Eligibility Criteria
Education
- Master's degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Public Policy, Education, Management, Rural Development, or a related discipline.
- Additional qualifications in leadership, project management, public policy, or business administration will be an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 15–20 years of progressively responsible experience in the development sector, education, community development, livelihoods, public systems, or related domains.
- At least 8–10 years in senior leadership roles managing large-scale programs and multi-state teams.
- Demonstrated experience in donor management, strategic partnerships, and organizational growth.
- Proven track record in leading high-performing teams and scaling social impact initiatives.
Required CompetenciesStrategic & Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinking and systems perspective.
- Strong organizational leadership and stewardship.
- Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Ability to manage complexity and drive results.
Functional Competencies
- Program design and scale strategy.
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL).
- Partnership development and fundraising.
- Financial and budget management.
- Governance and operational excellence.
- Data analytics and impact measurement.
Behavioural Competencies
- High ownership and accountability.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Collaborative leadership style.
- Problem-solving and execution focus.
- Adaptability and resilience.
- Innovation mindset with practical application.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to influence large-scale social impact initiatives.
- Leadership role within a growing organization associated with Tata Trusts.
- Collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
- Opportunity to shape organizational strategy and future growth.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may share their updated resume along with a cover letter highlighting their leadership experience, program management expertise, and partnership-building achievements.
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Application for Director – Programs & Partnerships
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Job Types: Part-time, Contractual / Temporary
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: ₹200,000.00 - ₹350,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
