Job Description:
Role: Program Lead – CSR Engagements (Mumbai)
About SCALE
SCALE enables funders, nonprofi ts, and government leaders to collectively create systemic impact. Anchored in the belief that lasting, population-level change depends on transformed public systems, SCALE's mission is to galvanise domestic capital toward high-potential systemic solutions which leverage the government, and build the capabilities of the organisations driving them.
We partner with CSRs, foundations, and family philanthropies to shape and deploy capital toward systemic solutions. This includes designing systemic investment roadmaps, curating high-potential opportunities, and supporting end-to-end execution. We also work closely with System Support Organisations (SSOs), a specialised cadre of nonprofi ts who work on bridging on-ground implementation and policy design and government leaders to build the ecosystem required for systems change
Position Summary
India's CSR ecosystem is at an inflection point, evolving from programmatic funding toward systemic, long-term impact. This role sits at the heart of that shift.
The Program Lead – CSR Engagements will build and manage relationships with CSRs—identifying partners, shaping their strategic orientation toward systems change, and supporting them in deploying capital effectively.
You will be part of a small, high-ownership team, and the scope of the role will evolve based on the individual's initiative and strengths. Beyond core responsibilities, you will be expected to step in across team priorities—contributing to internal problem-solving, building new processes, and strengthening the organisation as a whole.
Key Responsibilities
1. Build and manage CSR Partnerships
- Research, identify and build relationships with prospective CSR partners across sectors
- Engage mid- to senior-level stakeholders to position systemic approaches
- Diagnose partner context—strategy, appetite for systemic work, and internal constraints and co-create tailored pathways (e.g., strategy shifts, new initiatives, ecosystem partnerships)
- Identify when infl uence requires broader stakeholders (e.g., board members, peer funders, ecosystem leaders) and design targeted interventions
2. Execution & Program Development
- Translate strategy into clear project plans, and execution pathways
- Drive initiatives hands-on—through fi eld immersion, partner coordination etc.
- Develop and refi ne CSR-facing materials (briefs, decks, updates, knowledge products) 1
- Ensure consistent follow-through, tracking, and course correction
3. Team Contribution to External Representation
- Research and stay up-to-date on relevant initiatives and news in the ecosystem
- Represent SCALE in external forums, meetings, and convenings
- Contribute beyond core role to support broader team priorities—this may include communications,, refi ning internal processes, and other emerging needs
- Work closely with team members across functions, stepping in proactively to unblock workstreams and drive collective outcomes
- Take initiative to identify gaps and opportunities within the organisation, and help build solutions from the ground up
Requisites
Experience
- 8–10 years of experience in strategy consulting, philanthropy, or similar client-facing roles
- Experience working with senior stakeholders and navigating multi-stakeholder environments
- Familiarity with India's CSR/philanthropy landscape; prior fundraising or partnership-building experience is preferred
- Exposure to one or more sectors such as education, health, livelihoods etc. is a plus
Skills
- Ability to break down ambiguous problems and design practical, context-specifi c solutions
- Ability to move from idea to action with speed and rigour
- Comfort managing diverse actors across levels, with clarity and follow-through
- Strong written and verbal communication: Clear, concise, and compelling across formats (decks, notes, workshops, conversations)
- Ability to manage multiple parallel workstreams without losing detail or momentum
Mindsets
- High ownership and ability to drive work forward without heavy structure or oversight
- Comfort with ambiguity and fast paced environment
- Equally comfortable shaping strategy and getting into execution details
- Curious, refl ective, and able to rapidly build understanding across sectors and, stakeholders
Location: Mumbai, with travel to team central location (Delhi) and other locations (Bangalore, Hyderabad etc) as required.
Reporting: Chief Executive Officer, SCALE 2