Job Announcement
PositionTitle: Lead, Partnerships and Communications
No. of Position: 01
Duty Station: Alwar, Rajasthan
Reporting to: Executive Director
Salary: As per NGO/non-profits standards
About Ibtada
Ibtada is a not-for-profit, non-governmental development organisation established in 1997. The name Ibtada, an Urdu word meaning “the beginning,” reflects the organisation’s commitment to enabling long-term, community-led change.
Ibtada works with rural poor households, with a strong focus on women from under-resourced and vulnerable communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and minority Muslim groups. The organisation focuses on strengthening institutions, expanding opportunities, and enabling sustainable development outcomes.
Ibtada’s work is anchored across four strategic thematic areas:
- Women’s Empowerment — Strengthening women-led institutions, advancing financial inclusion, improving livelihoods, and facilitating access to entitlements
- Climate-Resilient Livelihoods — Supporting adaptive, sustainable livelihood systems
- Girls’ Education & Empowerment — Expanding access, agency, and leadership opportunities for girls
- Education Systems Strengthening — Improving learning outcomes in government schools through systemic and community-driven approaches
Position: Lead, Partnerships and Communications
Ibtada is seeking a senior leader to build, steward, and scale strategic partnerships while shaping the organisation’s external narrative, positioning, and communications strategy. The Director / Head — Partnerships & Communications will play a critical leadership role in enabling Ibtada’s long-term growth, visibility, and influence within the philanthropic and development ecosystem.
This role is part of the senior leadership team and will work closely with the CEO and thematic leads to translate organisational strategy into strong partnerships, effective communication, and sustainable resource flows.
Role Purpose
To lead Ibtada’s partnerships and communications function by building long-term institutional relationships, strengthening organisational positioning, and developing compelling narratives that advance impact, visibility, and funding sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Partnerships & Resource Mobilisation
Lead the design and execution of a multi-year partnerships and fundraising strategy spanning CSR, national and international foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies, major donors, and strategic collaboratives. Build a diversified funding portfolio aligned with organisational priorities and growth ambitions.
2. Institutional Relationship
Develop and steward high-trust relationships with donors, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders. Position Ibtada as a credible implementation partner, learning partner, and thought contributor through strong engagement and evidence of impact.
3. Communications Strategy & Organisational Positioning
Lead the organisation’s communications strategy to strengthen visibility, credibility, and influence. Shape narratives that reflect program impact, learning, and community voice across donor communications, digital platforms, publications, and public engagement.
4. Ecosystem Positioning & Representation
Strengthen Ibtada’s presence across philanthropic, policy, and sector platforms. Represent the organisation in strategic forums, networks, and collaboratives to build partnerships, influence discourse, and unlock opportunities.
Profile — Ideal Candidate
- 8+ years of experience in partnerships, communications, fundraising, or development sector leadership roles
- Demonstrated track record of securing institutional funding and building strategic partnerships
- Strong experience of leading and managing organisational communications
- A good understanding of the Indian and global donor ecosystem (CSR, foundations, international funders, collaboratives)
- High credibility, professional maturity, and strong alignment with grassroots development values
Core Competencies
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
- Strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation
- Organisational communications and narrative building
- External positioning and ecosystem engagement
- Portfolio management and grant stewardship
Application Process
- Your CV, with three references, including name, designation, organisation, email and phone number.
- Statement of Suitability
- Details of current and expected salary.
Please note that applications without the above documents and details will not be considered.
Please mention Lead – Partnerships and Communications in your subject line of email