Fundraising Manager

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategy Development : Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to achieve the annual funding target of over $5M, with a focus on diversifying funding streams beyond existing donors.
• Relationship Management : Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with a diverse portfolio of philanthropic partners, including :
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) : Engage with corporate foundations and CSR teams to secure funding for specific projects and programs.
• Government Grants : Research, apply for, and manage grants from national and state government bodies in India and other key geographies.
• International Aid Agencies : Build and maintain relationships with bilateral aid organizations (e.g., USAID, FCDO, GIZ) to secure program funding.
• Multilateral Organizations : Pursue grant opportunities from global bodies like the World Bank, the United Nations, and other development banks.
• Private Foundations and High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) : Cultivate relationships with large international and domestic foundations and individual philanthropists aligned with Wadhwani AI's mission.
• Proposal and Reporting : Lead the end-to-end grant lifecycle, including drafting compelling proposals, concept notes, presentations, and detailed reports that showcase impact and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Pipeline Management : Proactively manage a robust fundraising pipeline, from initial outreach and needs assessment to proposal submission and final negotiation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with the leadership team, program managers, and research scientists to understand project needs, translate technical information into compelling narratives for a non-technical audience, and report on the impact of funded projects.
• Market Intelligence : Stay abreast of trends in global philanthropy, CSR regulations (especially in India), and funding priorities of key donors to identify new opportunities.
• Representation : Represent Wadhwani AI at key forums, conferences, and networking events to raise the organization's profile and expand its network of potential funders.
• Requirements
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, or Non-profit Management.
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in fundraising, business development, or partnerships, with a strong track record of securing significant institutional grants and corporate funding.
• Proven ability to raise over $5 million annually, or equivalent experience managing a portfolio of large institutional grants.
• Deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape, including CSR regulations in India (e.g., Section 135 of the Companies Act), international development funding, and multilateral grant processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals and presentations for a diverse audience.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• A strategic and results-oriented mindset, with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in the technology for social good or development sector is a significant plus.
• Proficiency in CRM software and other fundraising tools.

Benefits

Wadhwani AI - Full Time Employee Benefits (Not applicable for Intern or Contract Roles)

We care deeply about the well-being of our employees and their families. You will get an opportunity to take on roles beyond a defined job description. Take a look at our website www.wadhwaniai.org to learn more about our work on AI for Social Impact. These are just some of the reasons why working with us is more than just a job — it's a chance to grow, thrive and contribute to the society.

Skills Required

Market Intelligence, Relationship Management, pipeline management