Job Title : Program Manager AI Cohort
Location : Remote / Hybrid (Preferred : Bangalore)
Experience : 3 to 6 Years
About Action For India (AFI) :
Action For India (AFI) is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to scaling the impact of mission-driven social entrepreneurs in India. By connecting startups with mentors, investors, corporates, and policymakers, AFI strengthens the ecosystem for technology-driven social change.
AFIs flagship initiatives include the Silicon Valley Trek, the Social Entrepreneurs Advisory Program, and the AFI Annual Forum. AFI is registered as a Section 8 Company in India (with 80G, 12A, and FCRA certifications) and as a 501(c)(3) in the US, with global chapters in Silicon Valley and London.
About the Role Program Manager, AI Cohort :
We are seeking a dynamic Program Manager to design and lead AFIs AI-focused accelerator program, tailored to support social enterprises leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for impact.
This role sits at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and social change, requiring both program management expertise and a solid grasp of AI-driven innovation. You will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of the AI Cohort, from startup scouting and selection, to cohort design and execution, to stakeholder engagement and impact measurement.
Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience in startup accelerators / incubators, AI / ML-driven initiatives, or impact-focused innovation programs, with a strong ability to engage founders, mentors, and ecosystem partners.
Key Responsibilities :
1. Program Leadership & Execution :
- Design, implement, and manage the AI Cohort program end-to-end, including program structure, timelines, success metrics, and impact reporting.
- Drive AI / ML-specific curriculum design : workshops, mentoring sessions, and capability-building tailored to AI-driven social enterprises.
- Track cohort performance using measurable KPIs (funding raised, pilots executed, technology adoption, and impact delivered).
2. AI Startup Selection & Support :
Source, evaluate, and onboard high-potential AI startups across healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and climate action.Conduct due diligence on technical feasibility (AI / ML model maturity, scalability, data usage) and social impact potential.Provide structured support for product validation, go-to-market strategies, fundraising readiness, and impact measurement.3. AI Mentor & Expert Network Engagement :
Build and maintain a global network of AI / ML experts, data scientists, cloud solution architects, and domain advisors.Facilitate 1 : 1 mentorship and group learning sessions between experts and startups on topics such as AI ethics, bias mitigation, model deployment, and sector-specific applications.Develop partnerships with academic institutions, AI research labs, and corporate AI teams.4. AI-Focused Events & Content Creation :
Curate and execute AI-centric workshops, hackathons, demo days, and thought-leadership panels.Drive the creation of case studies, whitepapers, and impact reports that highlight AI-driven social innovation.Collaborate with the communications team to produce high-quality digital content showcasing cohort impact stories.5. Strategic Collaboration, Fundraising & AI Advocacy :
Work with leadership to secure program sponsorships and grants from corporates, foundations, and ecosystem partners.Develop proposals and manage budgets for the AI Cohort program.Represent AFI at conferences and forums, advocating for the responsible and inclusive adoption of AI in social sectors.Key Skills & Competencies :
Strong understanding of AI / ML concepts, frameworks, and deployment challenges (e.g., supervised / unsupervised learning, NLP, computer vision, responsible AI).Ability to evaluate technical feasibility, scalability, and ethical considerations of AI solutions.Proven track record in program management, startup acceleration, or innovation ecosystems.Strong network-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage AI researchers, VCs, corporates, and policy stakeholders.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proficiency in digital collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Trello, Asana, Slack).Preferred Qualifications :
Bachelors / Masters degree in Engineering, Technology, Business, or related fields. AI / ML certifications or coursework is a plus.3-6 years of professional experience in startup accelerators, venture capital, social enterprises, or tech-enabled impact programs.Familiarity with the Indian startup ecosystem, particularly in AI / ML, deep tech, or impact-focused ventures.Experience designing and executing AI / ML-focused programs, accelerators, or innovation challenges.(ref : hirist.tech)