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Development/ Operations Associate, Akanksha Education Fund
Overview
At Akanksha, we strive to provide children from low-income communities with the knowledge, skills and values so they can lead empowered lives and maximize their potential. Akanksha runs a network of 27 innovative schools in partnership with local municipal corporations (public-private partnership schools) to provide free high-quality education to children from low-income communities in Pune, Mumbai & Nagpur. We currently serve 13,000 + students and 4,600 alumni.
A sneak peek into our D. N. Nagar School – YouTube:
Akanksha Education Fund (AEF), established over 25 years ago, is a 501(c)(3) publicly supported not-for-profit organization in the U.S. that supports initiatives to improve access to high quality education for children from low income communities in India. AEF leverages the generous donations of individuals, foundations and corporations in the U.S. who see education as the key factor in ending the cycle of poverty and promoting healthy democracies. AEF has raised and granted millions to The Akanksha Foundation (a registered Indian charity), which currently operates 26 best-in-class schools for under-resourced children in the Indian cities of Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. www.akankshafund.org to learn more.
Our work allows us to support many of the UN’s Sustainable Development goals (No poverty, Good health and well-being, Quality education, Gender equality) and we want to partner with individuals, foundations and businesses who are aligned with this mission.
Here is what sets us apart –
Akanksha provides a holistic learning experience that encompasses academic learning using digital tools, socio-emotional well-being, and helps every child achieve their full potential.
Akanksha enrolls students in kindergarten and tracks them until the time they graduate college and begin to work – nurturing a 20-year partnership with the student and family.
Our schools are free to attend with a lottery-based admission process to ensure equitable access to an Akanksha education for ALL children irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds.
We receive 2.1 times the number of applications every year versus the number of seats available.
95% of our alumni continue college post their graduation from Akanksha schools versus the State average of 68%. (source: Educational Statistics at a Glance, MHRD, Government of India, 2018)
Akanksha’s parent engagement program involves the parents as partners in the learning journey of their children. Parents are part of the School Management Committee (SMC) and wholeheartedly participate in the functioning of the school.
Key Statistics:
100% of our students complete high school
96% enroll in higher education
74% of our alumni are employed full time
Top industries employing our students include banking, finance and accounting, hospitality, IT/telecom, NGO sector
80% of working alumni are continuing higher education – graduate or postgraduate studies
12 students are studying in undergraduate colleges in US on full ride scholarships
Job Description
Akanksha Education Fund is seeking an individual passionate about education for the underserved, an interest in international development, strong project management, event planning and communication skills.
We are recruiting a Development/Operations Associate to play a critical support role on the team as we build awareness, fundraise and create effective educational and research partnerships.
The position will report to the Executive Director and will have the opportunity to work closely with our Development team, Board, staff and volunteers. The role will be remote with a preference for presence in New York, New Jersey or Texas. Work may involve domestic travel. The role will also have occasional evening ..schedules for events, calls with colleagues in India or meetings based on needs.
Specific Responsibilities
Operations Support:
Collaborate with third-party legal and accounting firms and act as liaison between members of the Board to complete all state filling as required by the US tax regulations.
Take timely action to coordinate all tax related matters to ensure submission before the due date. Responsible for record keeping of all Tax -related documentations.
Participate and coordinate operations driven projects and change initiatives.
Provide support in managing various committees of the Board, as needed.
Development Support:
Support the Development director during fundraising campaigns at global, national or local level.
Collaborate with the India and US team to assist in grants management and reporting.
Actively interact with The Akanksha Foundation team in India to maintain a deep understanding of our work and collaborate on grant making, programs and fundraising activities.
Responsible for managing the Donor stewardship program and coordinating with donor stewardship committee
Program Support:
Engage in Alumni network support with timely check-ins with all the alumni in the US, and assistance with the Host Family program
Collaborate with the team to support and grow the Young Professionals Network.
Opportunity to help develop and manage our Youth engagement program
Communications Support:
Support Communications team with content for social media and/or other email communications
Admin Support:
Partner with colleagues to support work on US/India Partnerships.
Assist in donor database management.
Required Skills and Competencies
– Bachelors’ degree required at a minimum
– Exceptional organization and project management skills
– Experience in volunteerism, community engagement, event support
– Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
– Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications required
– Motivated self-starter who can think creatively
– Ability to work effectively in a results-oriented team environment, actively track and meet established deadlines
-Strong team player with deep desire to succeed in a collaborative setting working with colleagues in US and India
– Comfortable with working in ambiguous or fluid settings due to a fast paced and ever changing environment, efficient multi-tasker and ability to prioritize urgent projects or tasks as needed
– A “roll up your sleeves” approach and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as required
How to Apply
Email a cover letter describing your qualifications and relevant experience, a resume and
salary requirements to info@akankshafund.org
Compensation
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and benefits.
AEF is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds with a passion for international development and education to apply for positions within our organization.
Regional Development Officer, West Coast/Midwest Region
Akanksha Education Fund is seeking an individual passionate about education for the underserved, interested in international development, has demonstrated fundraising or business development experience at a non profit or corporation and is a self-starter with an entrepreneurial drive.
We are recruiting a Regional Development Officer to build and steward a donor base of individuals, corporations and foundations in the West/MidWest US to become passionate supporters of Akanksha’s mission. The position will report to the Executive Director and will also work closely with our Board, staff, volunteers and young professionals. The role will be remote however preference for location in the West/Midwest US. Work may involve regional travel with occasional evening schedules for events, India calls or meetings based on need. Specific Responsibilities- Identify prospective new institutional or individual donors to establish Akanksha’s presence in new geographies.
- Cultivate and take ownership of a portfolio of donors (corporates, individuals, foundations) with the aim to establish long-term relationships and encourage multi-year grantmaking.
- Collaborate with colleagues to design and implement stewardship and retention strategies for donors as well as maintaining proper data management and administration.
- Plan and execute various cultivation and fundraising events with individuals or corporations in conjunction with colleagues, Board and volunteers.
- Manage or collaborate on fundraising campaigns at global, national or local level.
- Represent AEF in local philanthropic circles, including Corporate and Foundation focused events.
- Manage our Young Professional Network and help them strategize their growth and engagement plans.
- Manage assigned Board Committees and quarterly reporting to Board on updates.
- Actively interact with The Akanksha Foundation team in India to maintain a deep understanding of our work and collaborate on grant making, programs and fundraising activities.
- Minimum of 5 years experience in non-profit development, business development, relationship management or fundraising required.
- Bachelors’ degree required at a minimum, with knowledge and experience in a related area such as Business, Education, Non Profit management, Marketing and Communications, Fundraising.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and relationship management experience.
- Avid networker, preferably with an established social and professional network.
- Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of Bloomerang/donor management databases preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications required.
- Motivated self-starter who can think critically and solve challenges creatively.
- Ability to work effectively in a results-oriented team environment and meet established deadlines.
- Strong team player with deep desire to succeed in a collaborative setting working with colleagues in US and India
- Able to work with minimal supervision as well as part of a team.
- Comfortable with working in ambiguous or fluid settings due to a fast paced and ever changing environment, efficient multi-tasker and ability to prioritize urgent projects or tasks as needed.
- A “roll up your sleeves” approach and willingness to take on additional responsibilities as required.