Fundraising Associate - Pune
Location: Pune, India (occasional travel)
Experience: 6–8 years | Type: Full-time
Salary: As per industry standards
About VigyanShaala
VigyanShaala is a multiple award-winning organization whose work is internationally recognized by the Echoing Green Fellowship, G20, Department of Science and Technology India, NITI Aayog, IIM Bangalore, and Centre for Global Equality, Cambridge, UK, Falling Walls Berlin, Nature Award for Inspiring Women in STEM London. VigyanShaala’s founders, board, mentors, and supporters are alumni of the top 0.1% of Global Universities, working to create deep meaningful systemic changes at scale. We aspire to be the leading execution and policy-oriented STEM non-profit in India within the next 5 years.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to create a better world through science and we are on a mission to enable the innovators of tomorrow to achieve their dreams by bringing science, technology, and learning to their doorstep today. Our flagship She-for-STEM initiative is scaling with international presence and is an internationally award-winning initiative. Here we are nurturing Undergraduate Women in STEM towards global possibilities. In our deeper intervention of Rural STEM Champions Program we build community labs in remote areas, primarily in the Himalayas, and nurture bright STEM undergraduates from marginalized backgrounds as Community Champions. Join us in shaping the next revolution in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
About the Role
This is a Full Time Opportunity based in Pune. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Fundraising Associate to lead our efforts in securing diverse and sustainable funding for our programs. This role will be responsible for managing the complete fundraising cycle from research and prospecting to proposal development, donor stewardship, and reporting. You will work closely with the leadership team to align fundraising strategies with program needs and long-term growth plans.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy & Planning
- Co-develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy covering corporate CSR, foundations, HNIs, institutional donors, and individual giving.
- Maintain a robust fundraising pipeline and track progress against targets.
- Identify new funding trends, CSR focus areas, and grant opportunities aligned to VigyanShaala’s mission.
2. Donor Prospecting & Relationship Building
- Research and qualify prospective donors, including corporates, foundations, and HNIs.
- Build and nurture long-term relationships with donors through regular updates, impact stories, and engagement opportunities.
- Represent VigyanShaala at donor meetings, CSR forums, and sector events.
3. Proposal Development & Grant Management
- Write compelling proposals, concept notes, and grant applications tailored to donor priorities.
- Collaborate with program teams to develop accurate budgets, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
- Manage donor agreements and ensure timely, compliant grant reporting.
4. Campaigns & Events
- Plan and execute digital and offline fundraising campaigns to grow individual donations and recurring giving.
- Organize donor cultivation events, site visits, and networking sessions.
- Support leadership in preparing for high-value donor pitches and presentations.
5. Reporting & Analytics
- Maintain donor CRM/database with accurate and updated records.
- Track key fundraising KPIs (conversion rates, donor retention, average gift size) and present regular reports to leadership.
- Share learnings to refine strategies and improve performance.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with the Communications team to create high-quality fundraising materials (impact reports, videos, case studies).
- Coordinate with the Partnerships team to leverage corporate relationships for funding opportunities.
Requirements
- 6–8 years of professional experience, with at least 3 years in fundraising, business development, or partnerships in the nonprofit/CSR/education sector.
- Proven track record in securing corporate CSR funding or institutional grants.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives.
- Strong relationship management skills and the ability to engage with senior stakeholders.
- Proficiency in using donor CRMs, fundraising trackers, and presentation tools.
- Highly organized, target-oriented, and adaptable.
- Passion for STEM education and creating equitable opportunities for women.
Reporting: The position will directly report to the CEO, Dr. Darshana Joshi. Functional reporting on certain tasks might rest with programmatic heads or Lead Program and Curriculum Development.
What we offer:
- Creativity and autonomy of a start-up environment with exciting stakeholders located globally.
- Inspiring colleagues with an opportunity to build processes from ground up.
- Access to a Global network that is driven to create opportunities in STEM for the most marginalized.
- You will be a growth partner, someone who will grow with the organization by constantly enhancing your own skills and competencies.
- An emerging social start-up venture with a dynamic working environment and tremendous scope for personal and professional growth.
- Our products shift regularly based on customer feedback, hence change happens fast and you will have a say on pivoting products quickly. Your work will create change right in front of you.
How to Apply:
For Applying to the position please Apply here through this form and upload your Cover Letter, CV, Motivation, LinkedIn Profile and work-sample if any:
For understanding our organisation and the work we do, please go through our VigyanShaala Information Pack: VigyanShaala_Information_Pack
If you have any opinions or other queries please email to: hr@vigyanshaala.com