The posting
About ISDM
The Indian School of Development Management (ISDM) is a pioneering management school dedicated to strengthening leadership and management in social development work, producing the future CEOs and founders of impactful social purpose organisations. Since 2016, ISDM has worked across three strategic pillars: preparing talent, influencing practice, and building knowledge for Development Management.
With the rapid growth of India's economy and the rapid growth of development capital in the country, there is a huge opportunity to make a difference to over a billion people over the next couple of decades. However, this burgeoning development capital will need high-quality leadership and management talent to translate this possibility into real impact - talent that understands the complex nature of society and the complexities of driving social change, that can design interventions within these complexities, and that has the knowledge and skills to build and lead development organisations and translate their work into deep, sustained impact at scale.
Development Management needs to bring the head, heart, and hand together to engage with diverse communities, build on their agency, work with limited resources and divergent societal aspirations, and move towards a shared vision of a desirable society. India needs Development Management talent and capabilities across the Samaaj, Sarkaar, and Bazaar to translate this opportunity into reality on the ground, transforming the lives of over a billion people in the country, and eventually offering this discipline to countries across the Global South.
ISDM invites individuals who share its vision to join in creating a dynamic, catalytic ecosystem and positioning India as a thought leader in Development Management, ultimately enabling sustainable social impact at scale. Know more at www.isdm.org.in.
Job Description
The Senior Associate, Founder’s Office provides high-level executive and administrative support to the Founder and plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Founder’s Office. This position serves as a central coordination point for the Founder’s schedule, meetings, travel, and key priorities, while also supporting the leadership team in administrative coordination as needed.
This role requires exceptional organisational ability, discretion, sound judgment, and the capacity to manage multiple priorities seamlessly. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of handling sensitive matters with professionalism and confidentiality.
Key Responsibility Areas:
- Executive Support to the FounderManage the Founder’s calendar, appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements efficiently. Coordinate day-to-day administrative activities for the Founder’s Office to ensure smooth operations. Prepare correspondence, presentations, reports, meeting briefs, and other documentation on behalf of the Founder. Maintain confidential records, files, databases, and contact lists with discretion and accuracy. Track action items arising from meetings and ensure timely follow-up on commitments.
- Leadership Team CoordinationSupport members of the leadership team in scheduling meetings, coordinating calendars, and arranging travel logistics when required. Assist in organising leadership meetings, retreats, and planning sessions, ensuring seamless logistics and documentation. Coordinate meeting schedules across multiple stakeholders to ensure efficient time management.
- Meeting and Stakeholder ManagementOrganise and coordinate board meetings, leadership meetings, and strategic review sessions involving the Founder. Prepare agendas, compile and circulate meeting materials, and record minutes where required. Liaise with board members, senior leaders, partners, and external stakeholders on behalf of the Founder’s Office. Support logistics and preparation for external engagements, events, and speaking commitments involving the Founder.
- Administrative CoordinationWork closely with the administration team on travel bookings, hospitality arrangements, meeting logistics, and office requirements linked to the Founder’s Office. Support coordination of institutional events, including planning logistics, scheduling, and administrative arrangements for leadership participation and organisational requirements. Help streamline office processes to improve efficiency in executive office operations.
Educational & Experience Required:
- 4–7 years of relevant experience in executive assistance, executive secretarial, or senior administrative support roles, preferably supporting senior leadership.
- Prior experience in non profit, education, or social sector organisations is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong organisational and multitasking skills with excellent attention to detail.Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. High degree of confidentiality, discretion, and professional maturity. Ability to manage ambiguity and changing priorities effectively. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse senior stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, presentation tools, and digital collaboration platforms. Strong coordination, follow-through, and problem-solving capability. Ability to remain composed under pressure in fast-paced environments.
- Personal AttributesProactive and highly dependable. Resourceful and solution-oriented. Professional, composed, and adaptable. Collaborative with strong relationship-building skills. High integrity and sound judgment.
Remuneration for this role will be commensurate with qualifications & experience. To learn more about us and apply, check out isdm.org.in/careers.
ISDM is an equal-opportunity organization with a particular emphasis on affirmative action. The culture of the organization is one of professionalism while also one that greatly values relationships.
