Lead - Programs - Education & System Reform

Role: Lead - Programs (Education & System Reform)

Location: Mumbai | Travel across states

We are hiring a senior leader to drive large-scale program strategy and execution in the education sector. This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in public education systems, multi-state program management, and government stakeholder engagement.

The role will anchor program performance, strengthen frameworks, and ensure high-quality implementation across states, working closely with leadership, government bodies, and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead program design and strategy, aligning multi-state initiatives with organizational goals

- Drive coherence across programs such as teacher education, institutional strengthening, and data-driven education initiatives

- Provide strategic direction to operations teams and ensure strong execution across states

- Build and manage senior-level relationships with government stakeholders (SCERTs, DIETs, Samagra Shiksha, State Education Departments)

- Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and data systems to drive program improvement and decision-making

- Ensure operational excellence through SOPs, reviews, audits, and quality control mechanisms

- Collaborate with internal teams (academics, M&E, tech, HR, finance) for seamless program delivery

- Support partnerships, fundraising, donor engagement, and representation at national forums

- Lead and mentor senior program and operations teams, building strong leadership pipelines

Ideal Candidate

- 15-20 years of experience in education, public policy, development sector, or large-scale program management

- Strong experience in government liaisoning, especially with bodies like SCERT

- Background in academics, training, or facilitation

- Proven experience in team management and leading multi-state programs

- At least a few years of experience within the education sector is mandatory

- Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and leadership skills

- Master's degree in Education, Public Policy, Development Studies, Management, or related fields

- Willingness to travel extensively across states

Additional Preferences:

- Preferred age range: 40-45 years

- Looking for senior, mature leadership profiles

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to drive systemic change in education and work closely with government and ecosystem stakeholders at scale.