JD for Project Director

VACANCY: PROJECTS DIRECTORProjects Director – Bapu Trust for Research on Mind & Discourse Background

Bapu Trust for Research on Mind & Discourse is a Pune-based organisation working to advance the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons with psychosocial disabilities and other marginalised communities. Our work spans community mental health, disability inclusion, research, training, advocacy and capacity building, with partnerships across government, civil society, academic institutions and international networks. We are looking for an experienced Projects Director to provide strategic and operational leadership across Bapu Trust’s programmes, partnerships, fundraising and organisational development.

The Role

The Projects Director will lead and strengthen Bapu Trust’s programmes and partnerships, while helping the organisation plan for its next phase of growth and sustainability. The role involves working closely with senior teams, the Board, donors, government and other partners to ensure that programmes are strategically designed, effectively implemented, adequately resourced and aligned with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Strategic & Programme Leadership

• Provide strategic and entrepreneurial leadership across Bapu Trust’s research, services, training and advocacy programmes.
• Lead strategic planning, programme development, scale-up and organisational learning, ensuring programmes remain aligned with Bapu Trust’s vision and evolving needs.
• Develop and oversee projects, including implementation frameworks, budgets, outcomes and risk management.
• Mentor senior programme teams and strengthen leadership, accountability and innovation across programmes.

2. Fundraising, Partnerships & External Relations

• Lead fundraising for key programmes through proposal development, donor engagement, relationship management and resource mobilisation.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with donors, government, academic institutions, statutory authorities, civil society and other partners.
• Develop national, regional and international collaborations that advance Bapu Trust’s objectives.
• Represent Bapu Trust in key meetings, forums, consultations and strategic engagements.

3. Organisational Development, HR, Finance & Governance

• Work with the Board and senior leadership on organisational strategy, development and long-term sustainability.
• Bridge the executive and management teams, ensuring alignment between strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.
• Provide strategic oversight of HR, administration and finance, ensuring organisational systems, people and resources support programme priorities and donor commitments.
• Support financial and programme forecasting, organisational planning and resource allocation.
• Ensure preparedness for programme, financial, governance and Board audits and statutory compliances.

4. Advocacy, Research & Knowledge

• Lead policy, practice, research and advocacy engagement with government and other relevant institutions.
• Strengthen Bapu Trust’s research, documentation, publications and dissemination of organisational learning.
• Support national and international advocacy on disability, mental health, human rights and inclusion.
• Strengthen training, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives.

What You Bring

• Atleast 10+ years of experience in the development sector, with significant experience at a senior management or leadership level.
• Experience working in disability, development, human rights, mental health or related social-sector fields.
• At least a Master’s degree in a relevant field; a PhD will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication, networking and management skills.
• Proficiency in English, Marathi and Hindi.
• References from a previous employer are required.
• Candidates who are able to make a long-term commitment to Bapu Trust will be preferred.

Location & Compensation

• Location: Pune, Maharashtra – Bapu Trust Head Office
• Engagement: Contractual
• Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and years of relevant experience.

 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) framework. The organisation has a reasonable accommodation practice for persons with disabilities.

How to Apply

Please send your CV/resume and reference details of your previous employer to: bt.admfin09@gmail.com

Email Subject Line: APPLICATION: PROJECTS DIRECTOR