Job Title

About Wadhwani Innovation Network: The Wadhwani Innovation Network (WIN) is dedicated to fostering innovative solutions that drive economic growth and empower innovation to reach from R&D Labs to the Market. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs, accelerate innovation, and enhance collaboration across sectors.Position Overview: The Program Director will lead the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation sustainable economic development. This role requires a visionary leader with a robust background in program management, strategic partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Key areas of working would include: Program and Performance Monitoring:Manage performance of each COE and ensure alignment with WIN goals. Ensures right project selection and funding requirementsServices Management : Provide centers with WIN resources such as mentors, consultants, investors and incubation support. Also leads WIN-platform managementExpansion Support:Drive program growth by identifying and onboarding new partners Key Responsibilities:Program Development and Management: Design, implement, and oversee high-impact programs aligned with WIN’s mission. Monitor program performance, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives. Utilize data-driven insights to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability. Develop effective business processes towards efficient functioning of the program portfolios.Fundraising and Resource Mobilization: Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies targeting scientific and R&D organizations, startups, and innovation-focused entities. Identify and engage with potential funding sources, including government grants, private investors, venture capitalists, and international funding agencies. Collaborate with stakeholders to prepare compelling grant proposals, pitch decks, and business cases tailored to funding priorities. Build and maintain relationships with funding bodies to ensure long-term partnerships for WIN initiatives.Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute strategic initiatives to advance WIN’s vision and objectives. Collaborate with executive leadership to define program priorities and resource allocation. Lead cross-functional teams in program execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, government entities, and educational institutions. Facilitate partnerships that leverage both knowledge and fiscal resources and expertise to amplify program impact. Represent WIN at conferences, workshops, and networking events to promote initiatives.Team Leadership and Development: Recruit, mentor, and manage program staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Provide training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.Financial Management: Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. Identify funding opportunities and support grant writing efforts to secure resources.Evaluation and Reporting: Establish metrics for program evaluation and impact assessment. Prepare and present regular reports to stakeholders, showcasing program outcomes and insights.Qualifications & Experience: Master's degree in any branch of Science/ Engineering / Medicine Minimum of 14 years of experience in research, program management, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, nurturing startups and incubation centres. Proven track record of successful R&D project management including funding, program designing and implementation. Strong leadership skills with experience managing diverse teams. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Familiarity with funding mechanisms and grant management is a plus. Experience of working in Funding agencies will be preferred. Ph.D degree will be added advantages but not essential Why Join Us? At the Wadhwani Innovation Network, you will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change and contribute to a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship development . Join us in our mission to empower entrepreneurs and create lasting impact.